The Hidden Costs of “Build”: Why Buying the Right Solution Just Makes Sense

There’s always been a buzz around the “Build vs. Buy” debate when it comes to modernizing claims and servicing technology.

Some carriers are still clinging to the idea that building an internal solution will give them complete control. But the reality? It often gives them a complete headache.

At first glance, building a claims system in-house seems like the path to flexibility. You get to dictate every feature, every flow, every field. But I’ve seen time and again that what you gain in theoretical control, you lose in execution. Why? Because you’re not just building software—you’re building infrastructure, a team, a QA and audit framework, and most critically, a deep understanding of real-world claims operations.

That last part? It’s where most internal builds fall short.

Time to Market: How Long Can You Wait?

Building a system from scratch typically takes 12 to 36 months. That’s a long time to wait when policyholders expect same-day decisions and competitors are launching sleek digital experiences every quarter.

Compare that to a platform like Benekiva, where carriers go live in weeks. Our modular, configurable system delivers immediate value—with real-time claims intake, rules-based workflows, and automated approvals that are live out of the gate.

Resources: Build Once, Maintain Forever

Let’s talk about staffing.

An internal build requires:

• A development team with cloud expertise
• UI/UX specialists
• Compliance and audit readiness
• Maintenance and version control

And that’s just to launch. Keeping it alive is another story.

When you buy with Benekiva, you get:

• Prebuilt integrations
• Low-code tools to extend functionality
• Embedded compliance features
• A team of experts who’ve lived the claims life

You’re not just buying tech—you’re buying decades of claims intelligence baked into every feature.

Flexibility: Custom vs. Configurable

Here’s the myth:

“If I build it, I can make it do whatever I want.”

Here’s the truth:

“If you build it, you’ll hard-code it—and eventually get stuck.”

Internal builds tend to create rigid, brittle workflows that break when business needs evolve. Pivoting becomes a major lift, involving rework and delays.

Benekiva’s low-code framework enables configurable workflows, which can be adjusted as business needs change. Want to add a new intake method? Launch a new product line? Our clients are doing that without calling IT.

User Experience: It’s More Than Portals

A slick-looking portal doesn’t mean it works for the people who need it most. We’ve seen systems built with flashy UIs that stall because of:

• Manual touchpoints
• No straight-through processing
• Poor beneficiary communication

Our platform combines:

• Omni-channel intake
• Portal360™ for self-service
• Humanomation™ for the perfect blend of automation and empathy

Because at the end of the day, we’re not just optimizing for speed. We’re honoring the promise of the policy.

Risk: What’s at Stake?

When you build in-house, the risk is staggering:

• Missed market opportunity
• Delayed ROI
• Internal knowledge gaps
• Tech debt that multiplies over time

Benekiva mitigates all of that. Our clients benefit from:

• Predictable costs
• Reduced operational and reputational risk
• Faster ROI, backed by proven metrics

You’re not stuck trying to align every stakeholder in your org just to update a rule or launch a new process. You’re moving at the speed of your business.

The Final Word: Expertise Is the Difference

Our team isn’t just made up of engineers. We’re claims professionals, former financial advisors, and regulatory experts. We know what it means when your claimant is grieving, when your back office is overwhelmed, and when your audit window is looming.

That’s why we didn’t just build software—we built Benekiva:

A platform designed to deliver faster, better, more human claims experiences.

So next time the build vs. buy debate comes up, ask yourself:

• Do I want to build something that might work someday?
• Or do I want to buy something that delivers value right now?

At Benekiva, we’re proud to say our clients don’t just go live.

They go forward.