APCIA Chair Robusto: Industry Must Fight False Narratives, Improve Public Trust

The property/casualty insurance industry faces an urgent challenge to rebuild public trust amid growing public skepticism fueled by false narratives, according to remarks by Dino Robusto, chair of the American Property Casualty Insurance Association board of directors.

“We must better explain how private-market insurance works and why it is superior to government solutions that expand state insurers of last resort with subsidized pricing that, over the long term, is completely unsustainable,” said Robusto, the former chief executive of CNA who is now executive chairman, at APCIA’s annual meeting in Orlando.

Growing distrust in the insurance industry is fueled by misrepresentations in the media, echoed by legislators and regulators “misconstruing the basics of economics and profitability, and dangerously misrepresenting the fundamentals of consumer protection,” Robusto added. Additionally, tactics from plaintiffs’ attorneys frame insurers as adversaries rather than partners.

Robusto said the industry has essentially paid 100% of premiums and loss payments to underwrite and process insurance protection over the last decade.

“This reliable fulfillment of our promise must be made more visible,” as should the industry’s investments in mitigation efforts, resiliency, and safety, he said. “We must make it all more visible with facts and examples communicated broadly and constantly.”

Robusto acknowledged the challenge to build trust since its model differs from income statement-driven businesses that the general public is familiar with. Insurance products are priced before the true cost is known, and it may take years to realize. This can “lead to confusion among the public and policymakers who expect rates to be based on recent losses,” while “complicated contract language can result in further mistrust and misconceptions,” he said.

He dismissed claims of excessive profits, noting property/casualty insurers’ return on net worth has averaged just 6% over the past decade—less than half the Fortune 500 average.

APCIA, Robusto continued, has embarked on a grassroots education effort with public comment, research, and advocacy. He cited APCIA’s response to criticism following hurricanes Milton and Helene, when data showed fewer than 1% of claims generated regulator complaints.

Related: APCIA: Record Shows ‘Minimal Complaints’ on Hurricane Milton, Helene Claims

“The entire value chain or participants in the insurance industry must work to strengthen our reputation with the general public to overcome apathy and growing hostility,” he said.