Publications
Publications
- January 2025
- HBS Case Collection
Hippo: Weathering the Storm of the Home Insurance Crisis (B)
By: Lauren Cohen, Grace Headinger and Sophia Pan
Abstract
Rick McCathron, CEO of Hippo, was optimistic about the InsurTech's path to profitability after navigating the financial uncertainties of 2022. By bundling their home insurance services with third-parties and established insurance incumbents, Hippo was adopting a vertical strategy aimed at diversifying risk and expanding their customer base. However, questions remained: Was this the right approach to driving sustainable growth? And in the context of the growing challenges posed by climate change, was the firm adequately safeguarding its future?
Keywords
Fintech; Underwriters; Big Data; Homeowners' Insurance; Catastrophe Risk; Global Warming; Environment; Business Economics; Vertical Specialization; Bundling; Economies Of Scale; Business Model; Forecasting and Prediction; Climate Change; Environmental Sustainability; Green Technology; Technological Innovation; Natural Environment; Natural Disasters; Weather; Business Strategy; Competitive Advantage; Business Earnings; Insurance; Social Issues; Profit; Growth and Development Strategy; Insurance Industry; California; United States
Citation
Cohen, Lauren, Grace Headinger, and Sophia Pan. "Hippo: Weathering the Storm of the Home Insurance Crisis (B)." Harvard Business School Supplement 225-051, January 2025.