(Image source: The Andover Companies homepage.)
The Andover Companies (Andover, Mass.) has selected Cognizant (Teaneck, N.J.) for a five-year enterprise technology modernization initiative.
The engagement will focus on core system integration, enterprise data infrastructure, security modernization and responsible AI exploration, according to a Cognizant statement. Andover, a 198-year-old mutual property/casualty insurance group, serves policyholders and independent agents across the Northeast and selected additional markets.
Kevin McNamara, CIO, The Andover Companies.
Under the agreement, Cognizant will support integration between Andover’s core policy administration platform and digital properties, build an AWS-native enterprise data platform, and strengthen security for Andover’s policyholder and independent-agent portals. The work will also support New York Department of Financial Services cybersecurity compliance.
Cognizant will provide application and managed services for Andover’s policy administration environment, including workflow enhancements, product and pricing updates, platform upgrades and API modernization. The model is intended to give Andover a single partner for ongoing operation, support and continuous enhancement of its environment.
The enterprise data platform will use a layered Medallion architecture to consolidate data from Andover’s core systems, agency data management and other sources into a governed view. Cognizant says AI-enabled governance will support data-quality checks, metadata management, lineage and classification.
“Our approach has always been to enable Andover with technology advantage without disruption, maintaining continuity for our policyholders and agents today while building the foundation for tomorrow,” comments Kevin McNamara, CIO, The Andover Companies. “Cognizant’s deep experience with insurance platforms and as a leading global consultancy, combined with our objective to scale downstream and upstream digital capabilities, unlock the responsible use of AI, and protect our data and the trust of our stakeholder community was a winning combination.”
The companies will also explore responsible AI use cases across IT, underwriting and claims through a jointly run AI workshop. Cognizant expects to prototype selected use cases on its Neuro AI platform, with potential applications including submission intake, first notice of loss triage and insight surfacing for underwriters and adjusters.
Andover says the goal is to strengthen underwriting intake and claims handling while keeping underwriters and adjusters in control of final decisions. The modernization work is also intended to improve scalability during surge periods such as major weather events and support stronger digital relationships with independent agents.
Nageswar Cherukupalli, Chief Sales Officer and Head of Banking, Capital Markets, and Insurance, Cognizant.
Unlocking the Value of Core Systems
“We’re proud to partner with a carrier that has been serving its policyholders and independent agents for nearly two centuries as it invests ahead of the market in its technology and data foundation,” comments Nageswar Cherukupalli, Chief Sales Officer and Head of Banking, Capital Markets, and Insurance, Cognizant. “Our work with Andover reflects our approach to AI Builder engagements in insurance: to unlock the value of core systems and establish trusted data first, then apply AI—through platforms like Cognizant Neuro AI—carefully and responsibly, in ways that support underwriters and adjusters rather than replace their judgment.”
The Andover Companies writes business through Merrimack Mutual Fire Insurance Company, Cambridge Mutual Fire Insurance Company and Bay State Insurance Company. The group serves markets including Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Illinois.
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