Omaha: A National Leader in Insurance and Innovation

Omaha’s reputation as a center for insurance excellence isn’t by accident. With well-established carriers and a growing Insurtech ecosystem, the city is one of the most attractive insurance domiciles in the United States.

“The Nebraska Department of Insurance is nationally recognized as one of the best insurance departments in the country,” said Omaha National President and CEO Reagan Pufall. “They do their jobs very well and very efficiently. We’re very proud to have launched Omaha National Insurance Company as a Nebraska-domiciled carrier.”

Omaha’s strength in the Insurtech and insurance industry is a combination of historical expertise, regulatory foresight and a robust talent pipeline, elevated further by hosting the Insurtech on the Silicon Prairie conference.

“Nebraska has a very special place in the insurance sector,” said Eric Dunning, Director of Insurance for the Nebraska Department of Insurance. “Success tends to breed success. Marquee brands like Physicians Mutual, WoodmenLife and Mutual of Omaha have organically developed deep expertise. That created a virtuous circle: strong industry talent, university programs and a thriving insurance ecosystem.”

Omaha is also well positioned as a leader in Insurtech innovation. The region’s concentration of established carriers creates a built-in customer base and industry knowledge hub, while its growing AI and data analytics ecosystem is fueling new applications in underwriting, claims and customer engagement.

Omaha’s startup community, supported by accelerators, university partnerships and venture networks, provides fertile ground for emerging Insurtech ventures, and the region’s deep pool of technology talent ensures companies can scale new solutions locally.

Together, these assets make Omaha a natural crossroads for next-generation technology and traditional insurance expertise.

Nebraska’s domestic insurers collectively control over $1.1 trillion in assets — roughly one out of every eight dollars held by U.S. insurers — placing the state ahead of many larger states in insurance market size. And Omaha, in particular, benefits from a regulatory environment that is efficient, practical and responsive.

“Regulators in Nebraska are willing to hear you out,” Dunning said. “We may not always say yes, but we’ll explain why and we do it with professionalism. That willingness is critical for innovation. It helps companies do things a little differently, experiment responsibly and bring new ideas to the market.”

This sentiment echoes the experiences of local companies like Omaha National, which has praised the Nebraska Department of Insurance for its proactive, collaborative approach.

Pufall, Omaha National’s CEO, noted, “They are just terrific to work with. Efficient, effective, and practical. Our relationship with the state is a strong reason we chose to domicile here.”

Omaha also boasts a steady pipeline of high-quality talent. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln and University of Nebraska at Omaha provide specialized programs in actuarial science, insurance and business, supporting both traditional insurers and emerging Insurtech firms. Dunning shared a personal anecdote of meeting a recent actuarial science graduate abroad, underscoring how the city produces globally recognized professionals.

“Modern commerce is not possible without insurance,” Dunning emphasized. “Our job is to make sure insurance is there when it’s needed most whether that’s a home fire, a car accident or a business claim. Omaha’s insurance community is quietly powering both national and global operations while providing stability and innovation locally.”

The city’s combination of regulatory clarity, business-friendly policies, a talented workforce and historical industry depth makes Omaha not just a place to operate but a place to grow.

Adding to this momentum, Omaha hosts the annual Insurtech on the Silicon Prairie conference, a premier event that highlights the city’s growing strength in insurance technology. The conference convenes insurance industry leaders from across the country and features speakers from major insurance firms and international businesses. The event positions Omaha as a hub for advancing innovation in Insurtech.

Held at the Holland Performing Arts Center on Nov. 3 and 4, Insurtech on the Silicon Prairie serves as a stage to demonstrate our region’s competitive advantages while hosting speakers, panels, exhibitors and networking events.

National insurers, startup Insurtech firms and industry partners find the infrastructure, people and support to succeed in Omaha.

For site selectors and business leaders looking to expand or relocate, Omaha offers a proven advantage: a city where insurance excellence, regulatory reliability and operational efficiency come together to support growth at every level.