Beneva Accelerates Auto Insurance Digitalization Using Guidewire APD

Beneva, a Quebec City-based insurer, accelerated its digital transformation in auto insurance by converting its products to Guidewire's Advanced Product Designer (APD) framework within eight weeks, half the initially expected timeline. APD replaces traditional code-based product definitions with a graphical, business-oriented design that allows automated generation of metadata, PolicyCenter code, and product-specific APIs, enabling faster and more flexible digital delivery. This transition was facilitated by GFT, an experienced Guidewire partner, and Guidewire Services, showcasing effective collaboration in an early-adopter environment to leverage new conversion tools and training. The strategic move to APD enables Beneva's business users to independently adjust insurance products in real time, reducing dependency on IT teams and accelerating digital innovation. APIs generated through APD will drive enhancements in online policy functions such as quoting, modifications, and first notice of loss submissions, improving overall policyholder experience. Beneva's auto insurance product line is the first to undergo this transformation, with plans to extend the approach to homeowners' products. The seamless go-live, which was transparent to frontline users, highlights the stability and readiness of the APD conversion tool and the process. Beneva's initiative underscores a growing industry trend to modernize core insurance product definitions on cloud platforms, supporting agility and automation. Such modernization efforts position insurers to respond more rapidly to market demands and regulatory compliance requirements while optimizing the payer/provider digital interface. GFT views this case as a benchmark for similar modernization projects in the Canadian market and beyond, emphasizing the efficiency gains and innovation opportunities unlocked by adopting APD. Beneva's experience demonstrates the potential for insurers to build scalable, repeatable models for digital growth and product management centered on cloud-based policy administration systems.