From Pilot to Production: What It’s Like to Work with ZestyAI

For insurers evaluating new data partners, transparency isn’t just about the model. It’s about the process. And at ZestyAI, that process is shaped by people who’ve actually operated inside carrier environments. Former actuaries, underwriters, product leaders, and regulatory specialists built our platform with a deep understanding of how difficult it is to integrate new technology inside a regulated ecosystem.

From day one, carriers get immediate value: full portfolio scoring, access to our web application, and the ability to validate data, explore properties, and begin applying insights right away.

Working with ZestyAI means:

• Real carrier experience behind the platform, not outsider assumptions.
• Direct access to industry experts across actuarial, underwriting, and regulatory domains.
• Instant time-to-value, with portfolio scoring and platform access available at kickoff.
• A focus on ROI, with every step designed to deliver measurable impact quickly.

Here’s what that looks like in practice — from kickoff to full production.

ZestyAI’s Onboarding Process: From Kickoff to Deployment

ZestyAI provides a structured onboarding experience aligned with your goals, whether focused on underwriting, rating, or operational efficiency. After the kickoff meeting, we work through a clear sequence designed to move fast while staying aligned with internal governance and IT workflows:

• Define objectives and use cases
• Align on data needs and file structure
• Establish integration protocols (API or batch)
• Support internal testing and model validation
• Provide regulatory guidance for rating, underwriting, and filings (state-specific documentation, actuarial support)

Our approach emphasizes speed-to-value while ensuring the process fits cleanly within your organization’s governance, compliance, and operational requirements. We don’t just integrate a model; we drive measurable outcomes such as improved segmentation, faster quoting, and operational efficiency.

ZestyAI’s models are designed to support a wide range of underwriting and rating workflows. Whether carriers use raw scores, tier bands, or mitigation indicators, the outputs align naturally with existing processes and program designs.

Integration with Guidewire, Duck Creek, Cogitate, and Other Platforms

ZestyAI is platform-agnostic and supports integration with:

• Guidewire
• Duck Creek
• Cogitate
• Custom core systems and middleware

We provide configuration support via secure APIs, batch ingestion, or prefill mapping. Our scores can be embedded into workflows across underwriting, inspection triage, mitigation eligibility, and renewals.

Data Requirements for Pilots or Backtests

To initiate a pilot or backtest, we typically request a dataset that includes:

• Property address or coordinates
• Policy effective and expiration dates
• Claims history (dates, causes, amounts)

Additional fields—such as construction type, roof material, or occupancy—can enhance model matching or segmentation. We’ll review your available data and finalize the format before ingestion.

Batch Scoring, API Integration, and Z-VIEW Access

ZestyAI models can be accessed via:

• Batch processing – ideal for backtests, portfolio scoring, and operational refreshes
• Real-time APIs – for use at quote, renewal, or mid-term policy changes
• Z-VIEW web application – a no-integration option for viewing property scores, risk drivers, and imagery

We support REST API and SFTP-based workflows, depending on your system architecture and compliance requirements. Most carriers start with batch mode and transition to real-time as production expands.

Need to evaluate before integration? ZestyAI’s portfolio scoring option enables carriers to assess entire books of business—no IT lift required.

Technical and Regulatory Support for a Custom Onboarding Experience

We offer hands-on support throughout the onboarding process, including:

• Data mapping and API testing
• Documentation walkthroughs and QA
• Score interpretation and regulatory consulting
• Workflow and dashboard design

We also provide custom analytics—such as lift charts or correlation studies—to support actuarial, underwriting, and product stakeholders across your organization.

For carriers preparing for rating or filing workflows, we also provide full regulatory support, including:

• Filing exhibits and actuarial documentation
• Dislocation and rate-impact analyses
• ASOP-aligned model memos and methodology summaries
• State-specific guidance and responses to DOI questions

Our goal is to make onboarding smooth for every stakeholder—actuarial, underwriting, product, compliance, and regulatory.

Typical Timeline to Run a Pilot or Backtest

Most pilots or backtests are completed within 4 weeks, depending on data quality and scope. After receiving your dataset, we:

• Score policies using the relevant ZestyAI models
• Analyze performance across segments (e.g., lift by decile)
• Present findings and operational recommendations
• Compare portfolio to aggregated state baselines

More advanced use cases—like rating segmentation or mitigation tracking—may require slightly more time to align with stakeholders. Regardless of scope, we aim to deliver clear, actionable insights quickly.