Conclusion: Deconstructing the dualisms of elemental insurance

This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the key concepts discussed in the preceding chapters of this book. The book points out that insurance responds to climate change in contradictory ways. It explores and disturbs the apparent modern dualism of emotion and rationality as it applies to insurance. The book describes insurantial descriptions of resilience that emphasise individual self-discipline and self-reliance, through the purchase of insurance. It describes how big data being used by insurtech is ‘in the wild’ – stripped of past certainties and breaking the assumptions of tried and tested technical insurance methodologies. The book also offers opportunities to ‘gently manipulate or ‘nudge’’ customers into behaviours that suit insurance companies. Big data and insurtech innovations are also promoted as transformative of the industry, enabling insurers to provide tailored policies that are also able to promote and reward adaptive behaviour.