Machine Learning Machine learning is technically a subset of AI, but it is its own unique part of a digital insurance operation. As insurers move to self-service applications and portals for customers, machine learning is what makes those not only possible, but leverages them into key data collection and analysis tools for insurers. Machine learning automates traditionally sluggish insurance functions – like claims processing – by utilizing preprogrammed data, algorithms, and data shared by customers to automatically service customers in their greatest time of need. As Forbes put it, “machine learning is based on the idea that we can build machines to process data and learn on their own, without our constant supervision.” insurance capabilities, aside from speed and customer satisfaction, is the data generation, analyzation, and utilization that results. All of these digital technologies generate Big Data – data that contains greater variety, arriving in increasing volume, and with ever-higher velocity – essential giant data sets that contain more actionable information. All of this data is giving insurers greater insights into customer behavior and risk than ever before.