Mind the (IT-)System—A proposal for the design of an IT due diligence framework for insurance companies

Abstract

This paper describes the structural setup and the analytical scope of an independent IT due diligence for insurance companies. Based on a comprehensive review of the academic and practice-oriented literature the individual fields and the focal points of the analysis of the insurance IT are segmented. Also a framework for the structural setup of the IT due diligence is presented. Additionally, the ideal process for the analysis is portrayed and it is discussed, how the findings can subsequently be considered in the company valuation and the contract negotiations. It is shown that the analysis of the insurance IT in the course of a due diligence comprises of organizational, technical, and legal aspects which are structured in the form of independent fields of analysis. The chances and risks associated with the IT of the company to be acquired can either be incorporated as IT integration costs/synergies in the company valuation or be secured through comprehensive guaranty and liability agreements.