Melis Otmar (pictured), claims director of H&D Marine at BMS Group, has delivered an important message to average adjusters.
During the annual dinner of the Association of Average Adjusters in London, Otmar suggested that artificial intelligence is superior only on paper. Qualified as an associate within the trade body, Otmar was among the speakers who proposed a toast during the gathering.
In her address, Otmar stated: “Where do I stand against AI which might achieve becoming a fellow of the association in just four hours? Where do I stand against AI who may learn by heart every marine insurance condition, case, and adjustment available in minutes? Where do I stand against AI who may do a Lloyd’s Open Form salvage award calculation in seconds?
“Previously technology replaced unskilled tasks, and new technology coming in created new jobs. However, currently, AI can perform white-collar jobs more efficiently; and the degree of existential risk posed by AI is to be debated.
“Nevertheless… marine professionals survived with their innate knowledge and intuition; no marine casualty can be handled successfully without human emotional intelligence or intuition – this is what AI lacks.”
The claims director, whose credentials include chairing the London & International Insurance Brokers Association marine claims sub-committee, went on to declare that any claims broker or underwriter would not be capable of conveying the required claim services to clients without the average adjusters.
She told attendees: “General average will be general and average to AI but only on paper, not in action. In the words of Churchill: ‘We are still masters of our fate. We still are captains of our souls.’”
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