Improving Sustainability in Claims: Embracing Repair Solutions for Cabinets

itel itel

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations are more critical today than ever. As businesses strive to align with sustainable practices, the insurance industry, by sheer size and reach, is pivotal in steering the course. The property claims insurance industry, a multi-billion-dollar sector, is vast and influential, with property claims representing a significant portion of overall insurance claims. The global property insurance market was valued at over $2.37 trillion in 2024 and is expected to continue growing, underscoring its immense impact on ESG initiatives. 

The Environmental Impact of Repair vs. Replace Decisions 

Insurers can bolster their ESG credentials by taking a closer look at their repair vs. replace programs, especially amidst current economic and ever-changing climate headwinds. By integrating sustainable practices into claims management, insurers can significantly reduce environmental waste and carbon footprints. For example, repairing rather than replacing cabinets when appropriate can lead to substantial savings in raw materials and energy consumption. 

The forecasted impact on ESG initiatives is profound. The insurance industry can prevent millions of tons of waste from ending in landfills annually by fully realizing repair solutions. Additionally, this approach supports the reduction of carbon emissions associated with manufacturing and transporting new cabinets. 

Beyond the landfill savings, modern repairability programs allow the entire claims ecosystem to meet ESG principles: 

• Repairability determinations that minimize the number of trips to the site (e.g. leveraging homeowner photos or app-based submissions to take pictures of cabinet damage), reduce the overall travel footprint for contractors and adjusters.  
• Homeowners who are educated about repairability may choose more durable, sustainable building materials in the future.  
• Repaired cabinets get policyholders back into their homes faster, reducing the need for time and money spent living in alternative housing arrangements.  

How Cabinet Programs Can Support ESG Programs 

Traditional approaches to claims, particularly those involving cabinets, often default to replacement rather than repair. This practice not only incurs higher costs but also contributes significantly to environmental waste. Each replaced cabinet adds to the mounting landfill waste. Moreover, the production and transportation of new cabinets results in substantial carbon emissions, a significant environmental concern. itel has found greater than 70% of the cabinets we review are repairable, avoiding costly replacements. A robust cabinet repairability program can avoids unneeded landfill waste and strengthens insurers’ environmental posture.

Ensure Accurate and Fair Repair Programs with itel   

At itel, we understand the need for a fair and frictionless homeowner experience. Our cabinet repair vs. replace analysis provides value across the claims cycle:  

1. Environmental Benefits: By opting for repairs instead of replacements, we significantly reduce waste and the demand for new raw materials. This approach minimizes the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing and transporting new cabinets. 

1. Accurate, Consistent Analysis: We help identify repairable cabinets in a consistent manner and provide the confidence that comes from independent, third-party analysis.  

1. Guaranteed Repair: Our team of skilled professionals guarantees our repair estimates, allowing homeowners to restore cabinets to their former glory and often extending their lifespan beyond what a replacement might achieve.  

itel’s Win-Win-Win Solution 

Establishing robust cabinet repairability programs represents a triple win scenario: 

A New Era in Claims Management 

Incorporating ESG principles into the insurance claims process is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. By embracing repair solutions for cabinets, insurers can navigate the economic challenges of today while making a positive impact on the environment and building a strong brand with policyholders. At itel, we are proud to lead this charge, demonstrating that sustainable practices and economic foresight can go hand in hand with a little creative problem solving. 

Together, we can turn the challenges of today into the opportunities of tomorrow, ensuring a healthier planet and a more resilient economy for generations to come.