Two Pennsylvania-based property and casualty insurers are responding to separate community disruptions which have restricted policyholder entry to digital providers and communication strains.
Philadelphia Insurance coverage Firms, headquartered in Bala Cynwyd, confirmed a system outage on June 11, affecting its telephone, electronic mail, and on-line software entry. The one on-line performance out there was a message on the corporate’s web site confirming the outage. Regardless of the disruption, policyholders might nonetheless file claims by way of telephone.
This growth comes shortly after Erie Insurance coverage disclosed a community outage that started on June 7. In accordance with a press release posted on June 11, Erie’s info safety workforce detected uncommon exercise and took steps to isolate and shield its techniques. The insurer is working with regulation enforcement and third-party cybersecurity specialists to find out the character and scope of the incident.
Though Erie has partially restored entry by means of its native brokers and telephone strains, the corporate has warned prospects to keep away from clicking hyperlinks from unknown sources or sharing private info by way of telephone or electronic mail. Prospects are suggested to contact their agent straight for policy-related questions.
Each insurers have acknowledged that efforts are ongoing to resolve the outages and restore regular operations. Neither firm has linked the 2 incidents or disclosed whether or not the disruptions had been the results of a cybersecurity breach.
Philadelphia Insurance coverage is a part of Japan-based Tokio Marine Holdings Inc., which not too long ago reported elevated internet earnings for fiscal 12 months 2024. Whereas the group noticed general positive factors, earnings from North American operations, together with Philadelphia Insurance coverage, declined. Components contributing to the lower included larger losses from pure catastrophes, decreased releases of prior-year loss reserves, and loan-related provisions. These had been partially offset by underwriting outcomes and funding earnings.
The current outages at two regional insurers elevate operational considerations about service continuity and information safety within the insurance coverage sector. The occasions comply with an rising variety of cyber-related incidents affecting companies throughout industries, although each firms have up to now saved particulars of the trigger inner.
How ought to insurers reply to digital disruptions to take care of policyholder belief and repair entry? Go away your ideas within the feedback.
