Nationwide Partners with AI Firm Chrp for Virtual Home Risk Inspections

Nationwide, a Columbus, Ohio-based insurer, has partnered with AI home risk platform Chrp to introduce a virtual inspection program aimed at proactive loss prevention for homeowners. This initiative targets select policyholders undergoing renewal in states where Nationwide offers homeowners insurance. The program enables policyholders to complete a guided photo survey using a smartphone, where Chrp's AI analyzes images for more than 400 potential hazards, including plumbing corrosion, outdated electrical panels, and fire risks. Upon identifying risks, homeowners receive a tailored report with early mitigation guidance. Cases with significant hazards are escalated to Nationwide representatives for further review. Nationwide emphasizes the convenience and customer empowerment benefits of the digital tool, enhancing traditional home inspections with AI-driven precision. The partnership addresses a notable claim driver: water damage. Chrp's data indicates nearly 30% of homes have active plumbing hazards likely to result in claims within four years, often due to small, fixable components. The AI platform leverages construction and insurance expertise to deliver a more comprehensive risk assessment compared to standard physical inspections. Offering these inspections at no cost aims to increase homeowner awareness of potential risks and encourage preventive action, reducing future claims and losses. The program also supports insurance agents by providing actionable insights through a self-service digital interface. Nationwide plans to expand this virtual inspection offering as part of its broader renewal process strategy. This collaboration exemplifies the growing use of AI and digital tools in insurance risk management and loss mitigation, reflecting broader industry trends toward innovation and enhanced customer-centric solutions. The initiative aligns with Nationwide's efforts to modernize inspection processes and improve risk detection accuracy, which could influence underwriting and claims outcomes in the homeowners insurance market.