At the onset of 2020, some insurance pundits suggested that industry disruption was less likely to come from a standalone startup (a la Lemonade) and more likely to be catalyzed by established carriers modernizing their services through smart technology partnerships. But thanks to the accelerated technology adoption in insurance spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, digital startups may now uncover fresh opportunities to enhance customer experiences and develop modern products in the insurance space. Startups also should be encouraged by the fact that Silicone Valley is no longer the sole epicenter of technology business development. Between California's high cost of living and increased wildfire risk, not to mention the fact that tech startups can struggle to get noticed in same burg that's home to Apple, Facebook, Netflix and Adobe, many technology companies are now looking for locations other than Silicone Valley to lay down roots. Zippia, the career research website, recently surveyed lesser-known technology towns around the country to determine those with the infrastructure and workforce to support today's budding technology companies. New InsurTechs may find their startup capital goes further in one of "underrated tech cities" highlighted in the slideshow above. Keep reading...

• The most underrated U.S. cities for living and working in 2020
• Three InsurTech trends rapidly transforming P&C insurance
• Survey: Digital transformation is no longer just 'nice to have'