Research and Results through Industry-Government-Academia Collaboration in Relation to Loss Prevention and Reduction

In order to build a safe and secure society, we are conducting joint research with government agencies and universities on loss prevention/mitigation, and providing new services as a result of this research.

Loss prevention and reduction system for local governments “Loss Prevention Dashboard”

Developed and launched “Loss Prevention Dashboard” for local governments, which clearly and centrally visualizes real-time weather data in relation to disaster risks, flood prediction data at least 30 hours in advance, and post-disaster damage estimation using AI, and supports regional loss prevention/mitigation.

 

Launched a new loss prevention/mitigation and reduction support system through “Weather/Disaster Data x AI” (in Japanese only)

 

Developed AI-based damage estimation method jointly with the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience under the Public/Private R&D Investment Strategic Expansion PrograM (PRISM).

 

Developed a natural disaster damage estimation system utilizing non-life insurance data and machine learning(in Japanese only)

Real-time loss prediction website, cmap.dev

Publicly available cmap.dev website, conceived from industry-academia joint research by Aon Group Japan and Yokohama National University, can predict the potential number of buildings damaged by typhoon, heavy rain, or earthquake. The website can be accessed from any device, computer or smartphone, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It provides forecasts for each municipality of the potential number of buildings damaged and the rate of damage caused prior to typhoon (up to 7 days before landfall), and immediately after heavy rain or earthquake strikes. The website can also display flood, landslide and tsunami hazard maps as well as information on warning levels (equivalent to 3, 4, 5), evacuation areas and shelters nationwide.
In August 2020, the cmap.dev website function which sends out emergency information in the event of a disaster was released as an app.
In June 2021, a function was added to display social media information relating to weather, disasters and lifelines, analyzed by AI, on the cmap.dev website.
In August 2021, evacuation information was expanded with a function for visualizing congestion information on evacuation shelters in some local governments.
And, in March 2022, barrier-free information which can be utilized for safe, secure and convenient evacuation in the event of a disaster was added to the app.

 

Real-time loss prediction website, cmap.dev(in Japanese only)

WheeLog barrier-free information added to loss prediction/mitigation platform, cmap.dev(in Japanese only)

Evacuation insurance plan

Through a joint research project with the Prefectural University of Hiroshima on an approach to evacuation in the event of a natural disaster, the “Evacuation Insurance Plan” was provided; this consists of summarized effective support measures for establishing a scheme, which enables rapid evacuation of persons requiring support* in the event of disasters.

*Elderly and disabled persons, etc. who have difficulty evacuating themselves or living in evacuation shelters.

 

Started providing “evacuation insurance plan” to support development of an evacuation scheme when disaster occurs. (in Japanese only)

Research through Industry-Government-Academia Collaboration on damage due to typhoons

Universities, insurance companies, and meteorological companies initiated joint research on "Creating virtual weather warning/advisories and damage estimation data based on typhoon simulation data, and devising a virtual disaster training menu for local governments," leveraging their respective strengths.

 

Yokohama National University, Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance, MS&AD InterRisk Research & Consulting, Weathermap Co., Ltd., and Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance initiated joint research to develop weather warnings/advisories and damage estimates based on typhoon simulations, together with a virtual disaster training menu for local governments(in Japanese only)

Service Utilizing Data Analysis or AI for Risk Assessment/Analysis and Mitigation of Natural Disaster Risks

Services for Assessment and Analysis of Natural Disaster Risks

As natural disasters continue to increase in frequency, it has become an important management issue for companies to prepare for such emergencies. We support resilient business activities by providing services to assess and analyze the risks of various natural disasters.

<Principal Approaches>

Natural disaster hazard information survey

Identification of location risks for companies and other organizations through comprehensive collection and organization of hazard information on earthquakes, wind and water disasters, volcanic eruptions, lightning strikes, snow accumulation, and more.

 

Natural disaster hazard information survey(in Japanese only)

Flood disaster countermeasure support service

(1) Assessing inundation risks by identifying locations with a high risk of inundation based on hazard maps
(2) Simulations to evaluate inundation conditions in the vicinity of target sites with a fine mesh
(3) Training simulated for before and past wind and water disasters hit.
(4) Comprehensive support menu consisting of advice and support for simulated training on identifying dangerous areas through on-site checks, implementation of countermeasures and other actions

 

Water-related disaster risk consulting(in Japanese only)

Sediment-related disaster risk diagnosis

Simulations of slope failures at individual sites based on largest recorded and potential largest rainfall scenarios are used for risk assessments

 

Sediment-related disaster risk assessment services(in Japanese only)

Wind disaster risk diagnosis

A 3D model is prepared using 3D CAD based on drawings and exterior photographs and a report including visualized wind load on the building and wind flow during strong winds is submitted, with the surrounding terrain and buildings taken into consideration. In order to reduce the damage caused by strong winds, it can be used to examine measures for buildings and outdoor equipment that should be taken daily.

 

Wind disaster risk diagnosis(in Japanese only)

Collective confirmation system for flood disaster risk information(Sui Search)

Providing a website that enables automatic judgments on the timing of various responses and decisions (warning stage judgments) by acquiring various types of information related to water disasters at multiple sites collectively and in real time.

 

Flood risk information integrated confirmation system (Sui Search)(in Japanese only)

Volcanic eruption measures service

In line with the 2021 revision of the Hazard Map of Mt. Fuji, which had not been revised for about seven years, we are providing a service to comprehensively support identification of risks relating to volcanic eruption, emergency responses, business continuity measures, training in normal times, etc.

 

Launch of service relating to volcanic eruption measures(in Japanese only)

Products/Service for Mitigating Natural Disaster Risks

We are providing products and services to support preparation against natural disasters and implementation of safe and secure actions when they occur.

Weather information alert service

In collaboration with Weather News Co., Ltd., the largest weather information company in Japan, we provide policyholders of corporate fire insurance (Property Master, Business Keeper), construction insurance (Business Construction Guard), liability insurance (Business Protector), or transport insurance (Full Line, Support One) with the following services for free:
・Customers can use an exclusive website to access at any time weather information and forecasts for up to five preset locations
・Customers can select locations that are to be monitored and alert e-mail messages are sent out to customer-stipulated e-mail addresses when, for instance, rainfall, wind speed or snowfall forecasts exceed predetermined values or when lightning strikes have been observed within a predetermined distance from monitored locations.

Evacuation Support Insurance for supporters/persons requiring assistance

We offer insurance products to cover provision of compensation for accidents to persons requiring support during evacuation activities, etc. based on individual evacuation plans that compile information on such persons and on evacuation methods, as well as covering injuries to supporters or persons requiring assistance during evacuation support activities.

 

Launched insurance for supporting evacuation activities based on individual evacuation plans(in Japanese only)

Products/Services for supporting rapid evacuation in the event of large-scale disasters

We provide the “Endorsement for Lump-sum Payment in the Event of Evacuation Due to Specific Emergency Disasters, etc.,” whereby a lump sum payment will be made in the event of need to relocate to an evacuation shelter, etc. due to a disaster of a certain size or greater, such as a locality being designated as a specified emergency disaster area, regardless of whether or not there is damage to the insured object. We also provide the “TOUGH Housing Insurance App,” which is equipped with functions to support disaster preparedness during normal times, dissemination of disaster information and warning information in the event of a disaster, and accident reporting and claims settlements after a disaster occurs.

 

Support for prompt evacuation in the event of a large-scale disaster with insurance and apps – Developed “Endorsement for Lump-sum Payment in the Event of Evacuation Due to Specific Emergency Disasters, etc.” and “TOUGH Housing Insurance App”(in Japanese only)

Preparing against natural disasters

In response to growing customer interest in storm/flood and earthquake compensation due to the more frequent occurrence of natural disasters in recent years, we are now proposing “preparing” against natural disasters. We are promoting initiatives to remind customers of the importance of “being prepared,” not only after but also before a disaster occurs.

Useful smartphone apps in times of disaster

We provide smartphone apps for use during disasters and are endeavoring to help our users ensure their safety and security when large-scale natural disasters strike.
Apps are provided for anyone to use free of charge, with real-time push notifications of disaster prevention information, such as weather information and evacuation instructions, and functions that support prompt information gathering.

*Apps can be used free of charge; provided, however, that the communication fee for using the apps shall be user-paid.

 

Smartphone Disaster Navigator (MSI) (in Japanese only)

cmap app (ADI) (in Japanese only)

Products and Services for Safe Driving and Reduction of Automobile Accidents

Identifying and then avoiding the risks that lead to accidents is vital for preventing traffic accidents. Utilizing telematics, we are providing insurance products and services which contribute to accident prevention, safe driving, and reduction of accident frequency by identifying/analyzing our customers’ driving situations, etc. and also reduce impacts in the event of accidents and support recovery.

Telematics- based automobile insurance

・In January 2019, we launched the “Mimamoru” dashcam-based automobile insurance which encourages customers to drive more safely by utilizing the latest telematics technology with out our original communicable dash cameras. In addition to the video recording function that comes with the dash cams, we provide safe driving assistance warnings that alert drivers to driving conditions, as well as a “guardian service” that shares information, such as driving habits, with family members and others living apart from the driver. Furthermore, when the dash cam detects a large impact in the unlikely event of an accident, the location of the vehicle is relayed to a dedicated call center. The operator can then make contact with the driver to offer assistance such as initial accident response and dispatching a recovery vehicle to the scene. (MSI) (ADI) (MD)
 ・MD launched “Rescue Dashcam (Dashcam Optional Policy)” in January 2023.
 ・In January 2022, we launched “Mimamoru” premium dashcam-based automobile insurance with the highest standards of functions/services in the industry.
This added higher functionality such as 360 degree filming and parking monitoring to functions of dashcams provided by non-life insurance companies such as a constant reporting function and a portability function, to increase peace of mind and safety. (MSI)
 ・Automobile insurance with a comprehensive lineup of features to meet customer needs that provides incentives for safe driving (driving characteristics discounts) and services leading to safety and peace of mind (ADI)

 

“Mimamoru” dashcam-based automobile insurance/“Mimamoru” premium dashcam-based automobile insurance (MSI) (in Japanese only)

“TOUGH Mimamoru Automobile Insurance” and “TOUGH Connected Automobile Insurance” (ADI) (in Japanese only)

Launched “Mimamoru” premium dashcam-based automobile insurance (MSI) (in Japanese only)

Japan first - Developed telematics automobile insurance that reflects the safety of autonomous vehicles in insurance premiums (ADI) (in Japanese only)

Launch of service “Traffic Safety EBPM Support” utilizing driving data (ADI) (in Japanese only)

 

Launched, in FY2023, a new service for visualizing CO2 emissions reduction through safe driving, using a unique algorithm (ADI) 

 

Launched a new service for visualizing “CO2 emissions reduction effects” in Telematics automobile insurance (ADI) (in Japanese only)

 

Initiatives for reducing CO2 emissions in relation to Telematics auto insurance are posted in the content below:

 

Action on Climate Change

Assisting in Swift Post-disaster Recovery

In light of a series of large-scale disasters, our Group is working to facilitate swift claims settlement. We are also accelerating digital transformation and endeavoring to pay insurance claims promptly.

<Principal Approaches>

Damage surveys utilizing drones (unmanned aerial vehicles)

In conducting damage surveys in areas inaccessible by road due to flooding or landslides or of solar panels spread out over an extensive area, we analyze aerial images taken by drones to quickly assess the degree of damage

Operational automation with software robots

Using robotic processing automation for operations such as registering accident claims received via a dedicated website and confirming contract information, and automating the simple administrative tasks, we have developed a system that allows us to assign more personnel to higher value-added work, such as customer service and damage surveys during large-scale disasters.

Support for early disaster certificate issuance

In light of increased severity and frequency of natural disasters, we provide a service to help local governments take actions in relation to the victims’ life reconstruction support system: in particular, prompt issuing of disaster certificates and working efficiently to deliver the certificates in order to support early resettlement for disaster victims.

 

Industry “first” - Start of a supporting service for victims’ life reconstruction support in the event of a flood disaster (MSI) (in Japanese only)

Nationwide deployment of support in applying disaster certificates through fire insurance claims settlement (ADI) (in Japanese only)

Launch of "Support Service for Formulation of Damage Identification Investigation Plan" for local governments (InterRisk) (in Japanese only)

Response to Infectious Disease Risks and Single Elderly Households

We are providing a range of products and services in light of various social changes such as increased risk of infectious diseases and solitary deaths among the elderly.

<Main Products and Services>

Support to formulate a BCP in preparation for infectious disease risk

We have developed and started providing an Infectious Disease BCP (Business Continuity Plan) Creation Support Tool for small and medium-sized businesses. We also provide lecturers to do workshops on creating a BCP and individual consultations on infectious disease BCP

 

Measures against infectious diseases(in Japanese only)

Supporting the securing of housing for single elderly households

We developed a new insurance product/service utilizing IoT devices that alert property management companies when specific behaviors are detected, such as signs of lonely death, in order to secure stable housing for single elderly households, which are expected to increase in number over coming years

 

Industry “first” - Start of a supporting service for discount insurance premiums by installing monitoring sensors for single-person elderly(in Japanese only)