Zurich North America embeds high-resolution aerial imagery and AI-powered roof scoring from Nearmap into underwriting systems to help assess risk efficiently and tailor coverage to the risk
Schaumberg, IL (Oct. 13, 2025) – Leading commercial insurance provider Zurich North America and Nearmap, a leading global provider of property and location intelligence for insurers, have announced a strategic integration that brings Nearmap AI-enhanced data and property insights directly into Zurich’s U.S. Middle Market underwriting platform.
Delivered via the Betterview platform by Nearmap, the technology integration makes it possible for Zurich Middle Market underwriters to quickly access regularly updated property details such as high-resolution aerial imagery, roof condition scores, signs of deferred maintenance and other risk indicators that even on-site physical inspections could not deliver. Having these insights at their fingertips can enable underwriters to assess risk more efficiently and precisely. It also can help them determine whether physical inspections are necessary. Reducing manual processes and centralizing data can support Zurich underwriters in delivering timely quotes for property insurance coverage tailored to the unique risk.
“This is part of our dedication to being inventive to make underwriters smarter and faster in their analysis and broker consultations,” said Alex Wells, Head of U.S. Middle Market at Zurich North America, which is part of Zurich Insurance Group. “Integrating these insights directly into our underwriting enablement platform reduces friction, supports simplification and ultimately helps us deliver more value to our customers.”
The implementation of aerial intelligence is already demonstrating measurable benefits. During the initial, limited rollout, Zurich underwriters were able to identify risks that may have been overlooked or misinterpreted using conventional methods, enabling the company to classify risks with greater accuracy. The streamlined access to enhanced data also frees underwriters to focus on higher-complexity accounts, which can contribute to stronger portfolio performance. The results of the pilot led Zurich to integrate the technology across its U.S. Middle Market underwriting offices.
“Zurich is proving what’s possible when insurers move beyond experimentation and fully operationalize AI and frequently updated aerial imagery at scale,” said David Tobias, Chief Product Officer at Nearmap. “With direct access to high-resolution imagery, captured and owned by Nearmap, Zurich gains a level of certainty and consistency that traditional methods like satellite data or fragmented public records simply can’t provide. Analyzed through the Betterview platform, this proprietary content powers precise, AI-driven property intelligence, enabling Zurich’s underwriters to lead with confidence and precision.”
Zurich’s work with Nearmap has roots in the Zurich Innovation Championship, which the global insurer has sponsored since 2018 to scout for startups with innovative solutions. The integration marks a significant outcome for Zurich’s investments in artificial intelligence innovation and other advanced technology to help underwriters, brokers and customers manage risk. For Nearmap, it is one of the most extensive integrations of its technology into a large commercial insurance provider’s systems.
This integration also marks a practical shift in how insurers get things done. By embedding timely, actionable property insights directly into the workflow, Zurich is equipping its teams to move faster, act with greater confidence and deliver for customers in a rapidly changing world.
About Nearmap
Nearmap is the location intelligence provider customers rely on for consistent, reliable, high-resolution imagery, insights, and answers to create meaningful change in the world. The Betterview and ImpactResponse platforms by Nearmap are integrated technology solutions built for insurers applying proprietary AI and computer vision to high-resolution aerial imagery and geospatial data, generating highly accurate property intelligence. Insurance companies are empowered with on-demand insights throughout the policy lifecycle that increase quoting speed and accuracy, optimize underwriting efficiency, enhance property risk mitigation, and expedite claims. Nearmap is the only full stack provider of location intelligence—from camera, to capture, to processing, as utilized in the Betterview and ImpactResponse platforms. For more information, visit www.nearmap.com.
About Zurich North America
Zurich North America delivers insurance and risk management services to help make businesses and people more resilient. As one of the largest providers of insurance solutions and services to businesses and individuals, Zurich serves mid-sized and large businesses, including over 90% of the Fortune 500. It employs 10,000 people in the United States and Canada. Recognized by Fortune as one of the “World’s Most Admired Companies,” Zurich has earned its reputation through dedication and excellence.
Zurich North America is part of Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich), a leading global multi-line insurer founded over 150 years ago. Zurich serves over 75 million customers in more than 200 countries and territories, delivering industry-leading total shareholder returns.
Reflecting its purpose to “create a brighter future together,” Zurich offers protection services that go beyond traditional insurance, to support its customers in building resilience. Since 2020, the Zurich Forest project has supported reforestation and biodiversity restoration in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest.
The Group has more than 63,000 employees and is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. Zurich Insurance Group Ltd (ZURN), is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and has a level I American Depositary Receipt (ZURVY) program, which is traded over-the-counter on OTCQX. For more information, visit www.zurich.com.
SOURCE: Zurich North America
Tags: aerial imagery, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Nearmap, Zurich
