Award In Innovation

Overview

At NAMIC, we understand that innovation isn’t just about the idea – it’s also about the creation and application of it. That’s why NAMIC created the Award in Innovation in 2014, to recognize mutual insurers that exemplify the vision and entrepreneurialism it takes to stay relevant in changing times.

Whether the ideas are big or small, each innovation is crucial to keeping our community strong and stable for the future. With almost 200 years of delivering on the promise to put policyholders first, it’s more critical than ever that we celebrate the spirit of innovation within the mutual industry.

More Ways to Tell Your Story

Not interested in applying for the Award in Innovation but have a success story to share about your company? Email award@namic.org to learn more and help us celebrate your success.

THE 2025 SUBMISSION WINDOW IS NOW CLOSED

Criteria & Eligibility

At NAMIC, we define innovation through relevance. While we expect automation and technology applications to make up a portion of the Award in Innovation submissions, the award is truly open to any aspect the nominee deems innovative. These may include:

Unique, high-impact areas of community involvement;
Creative ways of communicating the value of mutuality (through new or traditional channels);
Initiatives in talent development and leadership perpetuation;
Efforts in building a dynamic work environment; and
New ways of increasing policyholder accessibility and claims response time.

Judging Criteria

Each submission will be scored by a selection committee on a 1-to-5 scale based on the following criteria:

Impact in perpetuating mutuality
Creativity of idea
Numbers and/or dollar impact – relative to size of insurer (i.e. biggest and best is not an influence)
Potential for the idea to be adapted and used by other NAMIC members
Alignment with the NAMIC Management Conference focus areas: strategy, innovation, leadership, industry trends, and the economy

Selection Committee

The selection committee is comprised of Management Conference committee members (unless they are an award nominee, in which case they will be asked to abstain), two members of the NAMIC Property Casualty Conference Board of Directors, a representative from the corporate sponsor, and a representative from the previous year’s Award in Innovation overall winner.

Eligibility

Applicants must be NAMIC member companies that have a primary company connection (write lines of insurance, operate, and function as a mutual insurance company). Vendors, service providers, or other non-qualifying companies can nominate a mutual carrier partner for recognition. If you have questions about qualification, please email award@namic.org.

Current Award Recipients

West Bend Insurance Company

2025 Overall Winner

West Bend’s EZ•Upload initiative transformed its quoting platform by streamlining commercial business submissions through automation and data integration, significantly reducing processing times. The innovative technology enhanced efficiency and user experience, ultimately prioritizing policyholder protection through agent expertise.