Augmented UW Ltd., a new managing general agent (MGA) driven by artificial intelligence, has officially launched in London with the aim of transforming the smart-follow insurance market. Founded by Daniel Prince, a seasoned executive in the London insurance scene and former CEO of Rethink Underwriting, Augmented seeks to leverage AI-enhanced algorithmic underwriting to foster digital relationships between insurers and brokers. This innovative approach targets the smart-follow market, where follow underwriters – carriers providing capacity alongside a lead underwriter – use automated rules and processes to decide which risks to accept.

The company has partnered with insurtech firm Artificial Labs to supply the technological backbone and software tools that underpin its operations. This collaboration is intended to accelerate Augmented’s market entry by offering brokers a digital underwriting platform that makes it possible to establish in-house follow panels within the London market. Augmented’s strategy not only emphasises technology-enabled underwriting but also the integration of Lloyd’s follow capacity, aiming to provide broker partners with enhanced digital solutions.

Daniel Prince expressed optimism about the venture, stating that while the London insurance market is robust, it requires a careful introduction of new technologies such as AI to improve operational efficiency and decision-making accuracy. He highlighted the potential for these innovations to replace manual processes prone to human error, ultimately smoothing the business interface between brokers and carriers. Prince explained, “The London market is not broken. It needs a steady hand to implement new technologies, such as AI, to enhance the way insurance operates. Efficiency and accuracy can replace manual process and human error.”

Augmented plans to write its first risk in the fourth quarter of 2025, initially focusing on property and terrorism insurance lines, with an expansion into additional classes of business anticipated in 2026. Prince emphasised that the goal is to empower brokers to tailor their own placement strategies, offering a platform designed to be cost-effective, rapidly deployable, and highly configurable for both brokers and insurers.

Addressing a critical infrastructure gap in the market, Prince noted that while London brokers and insurers enjoy strong strategic and tactical relationships, the sector lacks modern infrastructure and efficient operational processes. Augmented’s role, therefore, is not to supply capacity panels directly but to provide the digital infrastructure enabling smoother trading. This approach reflects a broader trend within the insurance market towards digital transformation, particularly in wholesale and algorithmic underwriting, where data-driven decision-making is becoming increasingly vital.

In summary, Augmented UW Ltd. represents a significant move towards digital innovation in the London insurance market, aiming to meld AI technology with established relationships in the smart-follow market to enhance underwriting efficiency, accuracy, and broker-carrier collaboration.

📌 Reference Map:

Source: Noah Wire Services