Smells Like Prompt Spirit: Prompt Writing for Insurance
Essential techniques for crafting effective AI prompts specifically for insurance professionals
Podcast Recap & Key Takeaways
In this episode, we explore the art and science of writing effective prompts for AI tools in the insurance industry. Most people approach AI with vague requests and hope for magic, but that's not how it works. Instead, we show you how to be clear, set the tone, provide context, and use examples—all with real-world insurance scenarios.
Key Insight #1: Be Specific About Policy Details
Generic prompts yield generic results. When asking AI about insurance policies, specify the exact policy type, coverage limits, deductibles, and jurisdiction. For example, instead of asking "Tell me about homeowners insurance," try "Explain HO-3 homeowners policy coverage for a $450,000 home in Florida with focus on hurricane protection and flood exclusions."
Key Insight #2: Set the Tone and Role
AI can adapt its communication style based on your instructions. Specify whether you need content for clients, underwriters, or regulatory filings. For example: "Write an explanation of business interruption coverage in simple terms that a small restaurant owner would understand" versus "Draft technical language for a policy endorsement regarding business interruption coverage that would satisfy regulatory requirements."
Key Insight #3: Provide Contextual Information
Context is crucial for relevant AI responses. Include client industry, business size, risk factors, and prior claims history when applicable. For example: "Generate risk assessment questions for a 20-employee manufacturing business that works with hazardous chemicals and has had two workers' compensation claims in the past three years."
Key Insight #4: Use Real-World Examples
Concrete examples help AI understand exactly what you're looking for. Provide sample scenarios, claim situations, or policy language to guide the AI. For instance: "Based on this sample claim denial letter [example text], create a template for explaining coverage limitations for water damage claims that is both legally compliant and customer-friendly."
Key Insight #5: Specify Output Format
Tell the AI exactly how you want information structured. Request bullet points for quick reference, tables for comparisons, or step-by-step instructions for processes. For example: "Compare three types of commercial liability coverage (general, professional, and product) in a three-column table with rows for: coverage scope, typical exclusions, recommended limits, and ideal business types."
Common Prompt Writing Mistakes to Avoid
The podcast highlights several pitfalls that insurance professionals should avoid when writing prompts:
- Being too vague - Asking "What should I tell my client about their policy?" instead of specifying the policy type, client concerns, and desired outcome
- Omitting regulatory context - Failing to specify the state or jurisdiction, which significantly impacts insurance advice
- Forgetting to specify audience - Not clarifying whether content is for internal use, client communication, or regulatory submission
- Neglecting to request citations - For complex regulatory or coverage questions, not asking the AI to cite sources or reference specific policy language
- Accepting first results without refinement - Not using follow-up prompts to improve initial responses or address gaps in information
Advanced Prompt Engineering Techniques
For insurance professionals looking to take their AI interactions to the next level, the podcast covers several advanced techniques:
- Chain-of-thought prompting - Asking the AI to "think step by step" through complex underwriting decisions or claims scenarios
- Few-shot learning - Providing 2-3 examples of the exact type of response you want before asking your main question
- Persona-based prompting - Instructing the AI to respond as if it were an experienced underwriter, claims adjuster, or compliance officer
- Constraint specification - Clearly defining limitations such as "Only include coverage options available in California" or "Only reference ISO standard forms"
- Iterative refinement - Using a series of prompts that build on previous responses to develop comprehensive policy analyses or risk assessments
Implementing Effective Prompt Writing in Your Agency
The podcast concludes with practical advice for implementing these techniques in insurance agencies:
- Create a prompt library specific to your agency's common tasks and client types
- Develop templates for different departments (sales, claims, underwriting, customer service)
- Train team members on prompt writing fundamentals with insurance-specific examples
- Establish quality control processes to review AI-generated content before client use
- Regularly update prompts based on regulatory changes and client feedback
Listen to the full episode on Spotify for more detailed insights on crafting effective AI prompts for insurance professionals.