Guides
Straight-Through Processing in Insurance
STP is the goal of digital insurance operations: let the system handle the straightforward cases automatically and reserve human judgement for the exceptions. Done well, it cuts cycle time and cost while keeping control through explicit rules and audit trails.
Definition. Straight-through processing (STP) is the automated completion of an insurance transaction — a quote, a policy issue or a claim — with no manual intervention, when it meets predefined rules.
Where STP applies
- Quoting: instant rated quotes from a rules engine
- Underwriting: auto-accept clean risks, refer the rest
- Policy issue: immediate cover and documents on payment
- Claims: auto-settle low-risk, well-documented claims
Where a human stays in the loop
STP is not about removing underwriters and adjusters — it is about focusing them. High-value, borderline or high-risk cases are referred with full context, so expert time is spent where judgement actually adds value.
Frequently asked questions
What is straight-through processing in insurance?
Does STP remove the need for underwriters?
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Last reviewed: 2026-07-29