Episode #164
Jun 26, 2025
Connecting Policy, People, and Progress in the Insurance Industry
Dean Fadel from the Ohio Insurance Institute
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Dean Fadel from Ohio Insurance Institute shares his expertise in connecting policy, people, and progress in the insurance industry. Discover why he believes insurance is in everything, everywhere, all the time, and how that perspective should influence innovation, public understanding, and the role of policy in shaping the industry’s future.
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In the world of insurance, innovation often races ahead while policy and regulation struggle to keep up. In Episode 164 of the InsurTech Geek Podcast, James Benham and Rob Galbraith are joined by Dean Fadel, President and CEO of the Ohio Insurance Institute. With over 37 years of experience, Dean has been a central figure in shaping Ohio’s insurance landscape, navigating regulatory hurdles, advancing public literacy, and preparing the workforce for a tech-infused future. This episode offers rare insight into how regulation, innovation, and integrity can coexist in the insurance ecosystem.
The Mission of the Ohio Insurance Institute
Dean begins by explaining the Institute’s multi-faceted role: it’s the primary trade association for property and casualty insurance in Ohio, representing over 90% of personal lines and 50% of commercial lines in the state. The Institute engages in:
- Legislative lobbying
- Workforce development
- Judicial advocacy
- Public education, including a longstanding financial literacy program for high schoolers
The Institute’s reach and influence reflect insurance’s status as the fifth-largest industry by GMP in Ohio.
Fighting Exploitation in the “Insurer of Last Resort”
Dean also serves as manager of the Ohio Automobile Insurance Plan—the state’s last resort for auto insurance. This role has grown in complexity due to recent abuse of the system. Clever brokers began exploiting a regulatory gap, skyrocketing plan premiums from $1 million to $45 million seemingly overnight.
Through rapid legislative changes and increased regulation (including requiring five declinations before acceptance and pushing for telematics integration), Dean and his team brought down the volume by 85%. His unique dual-role as lobbyist and plan manager allowed for swift and effective response, a national standout.
Technology as an Enabler—Not a Threat
Despite his roots in regulation, Dean is a firm believer in the power of technology. He champions the use of AI tools—particularly ChatGPT—which proved essential during the recent plan overload when Ohio lacked conventional underwriting programs.
“We had 12 policies and no systems,” he explains. “ChatGPT was a lifesaver.”
Dean also supports legislation to allow broader use of electronic truck monitoring devices and is an advocate for aligning policy with the tech-driven nature of today’s insurers.
A Legacy of Integrity and Public Service
One of Dean’s standout qualities is his ethical compass. “I’ve never, ever felt ethically conflicted with any position I’ve had to advance,” he shares. He emphasizes insurance’s core values: support, stability, and compromise.
He’s also active outside of insurance, contributing to dyslexia advocacy, developmental disabilities, and the promotion of reading through science-based instruction methods.
The Talent Gap in Insurance and What to Do About It
Looking forward, Dean warns of a looming workforce gap: Ohio alone must fill 108,000 insurance jobs by 2031. To tackle this, he supports robust educational programs at Bowling Green, Akron, and Cincinnati. Notably, Bowling Green has launched a dedicated AI minor to prepare future professionals.
The Future: Unpredictability and Policy Lag
As the industry faces challenges from climate volatility to litigation funding abuse, Dean’s concern is clear: unpredictability is now constant. He calls for smarter legislation, regulation that embraces innovation, and industry-wide collaboration.
Dean Fadel’s journey shows what’s possible when leadership, innovation, and public policy align. His story reminds us that InsurTech isn’t just about disruption—it’s about evolution. To navigate the future, we must bridge gaps between technology and governance, between ethics and innovation.
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- Episode 137 – Inside the World’s Largest InsurTech Community with Tom Robinson
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