As home price appreciation since the Great Recession has far outpaced growth in household income, many consumers, particularly those under 45, find themselves increasingly distanced from the opportunity to realize the dream of homeownership. This shift is reshaping renter versus homeowner dynamics: renter profiles are becoming older and increasingly preferred compared to the transactional renters of the past.
Importantly, delayed homeownership does not necessarily mean delayed protection needs, as many renters are reaching traditional milestones associated with life insurance demand, including marriage, parenthood, income growth, and long-term financial obligations.
In this session, we will examine the economic factors behind this trend and the evolving renter demographic. We will also highlight strategies insurers across personal, commercial, and life lines can use to address renters' broader protection needs, improve engagement with underserved consumer segments, and capture growth opportunities through key life-stage transitions.
Key Takeaways:
- Identify the key macroeconomic indicators driving reduced millennial homeownership in the U.S.
- Compare shifting homeowner versus renter demographic and risk profiles.
- Apply strategies P&C and life insurers can use to engage an older and increasingly preferred renter population, address evolving protection needs, and maximize growth opportunities tied to major life events and transitions.
Presenters:
Zack Nagel
Senior Director, Life Insurance Market Planning
TransUnion Insurance
Zack Nagel is a strategic leader in the life insurance industry, specializing in the intersection of market strategy, digital transformation, and risk management. In his current capacity, he shapes and owns the long-term market strategy for TransUnion, driving the strategic planning essential for navigating the evolving life insurance landscape.
Throughout his career, Zack has been a catalyst for innovation, previously leading digital product management and large-scale transformation efforts for a major life insurance carrier. His background is rooted in spearheading strategic growth initiatives and modernizing the digital application experience, with a specific focus on closing the gap between consumer expectations and industry capabilities.
An advocate for data-driven security, Zack’s recent work focused on addressing the shifting landscape of insurance fraud. He is particularly dedicated to advancing strategies around behavioral biometrics, entity resolution, and synthetic identity detection to ensure the integrity of digital underwriting. His expertise lies in balancing the need for seamless, real-time user experience with the rigorous security requirements of the modern insurance market.
Scott Learn
Advisor, Commercial Insurance Market Planning
TransUnion Insurance
Scott Learn shapes and executes revenue growth initiatives and strengthens market positioning across the commercial insurance portfolio. Previously, he served as product manager, solutions consultant and subject matter expert — advising customers on the strategic use of credit data in rating and underwriting. Before joining TransUnion, Learn managed multiple personal and commercial insurance products across varied markets, giving him a broad perspective on industry trends and challenges.
Marisol Schulte, CPCU, AIC
Advisor, Property & Casualty Insurance Market Planning
TransUnion Insurance
Marisol Schulte supports in developing and executing TransUnion’s product strategy for the personal lines property and casualty markets. She has nearly 20 years of property and casualty insurance experience, beginning in claims, with additional positions in R&D and Product Management for State Farm, CSAA and Farmers. Schulte attained her CPCU in 2017 and graduated cum laude from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics.