Retell AI Alternatives in 2025? AI Tools That Speak Insurance Fluently
Amir Prodensky
CEO
Aug 18, 2025
15 min read
Top AI solutions that really speak the language of insurance
A few months ago, I listened in on a recorded insurance call that stuck with me.
The caller had just been in a car accident. She was upset, confused, and trying to understand her coverage.
On the other end, the agent was calm and professional, but clearly overwhelmed: juggling policy language, compliance disclosures, and the human need for reassurance.
That’s when it hit me: insurance conversations are different. They’re not just “customer service.” They carry complexity, legal weight, and emotion, all packed into a single phone call.
No wonder so many companies looked to AI to help.
When Retell came onto the scene, it offered one of the first easy ways to experiment with voice AI. Teams across industries used it to spin up quick prototypes and test what was possible.
But as soon as companies tried to scale those experiments into real, customer-facing experiences, the challenges became clear.
In insurance especially, where compliance, empathy, and reliability are non-negotiable, Retell offered a starting point but wasn’t designed for the unique demands of the industry. It showed what was possible with voice AI and opened the door for what came next.
Now, in 2025, the landscape looks different. AI voices sound human. Compliance rules are stricter. Customers expect empathy and speed. And new players (like Strada) are showing how tools purpose-built for insurance can build on that early foundation.
Now let’s take a step back before diving into details.
Why are we even talking about AI in insurance calls?
Insurance is built on conversations. Every claim, every policy change, every reassurance after an accident starts with a call. That’s why AI voice agents are stepping into the spotlight.
AI-powered voice tools are no longer “nice-to-have.” They’re becoming a core part of how insurers connect with customers.
You’ve probably noticed how long hold times, confusing forms, and repetitive questions can frustrate people. AI can smooth those rough edges by answering quickly, giving clear information, and freeing human agents for tougher cases.
So why are insurance conversations so tricky? Three reasons stand out:
Complex terms. Policies are packed with details that most people don’t use in everyday life.
Licensing compliance. Insurance is heavily regulated, and AI agents have to operate within clear limits to stay compliant.
Emotional moments. When someone calls after a car crash or home disaster, they don’t just want facts. They need empathy.
That mix makes insurance calls harder than a typical customer service chat.
The good news? AI has grown up fast.
A few years ago, voice agents sounded robotic. They followed stiff scripts and failed at small talk. Today, AI systems can pause naturally, adjust their tone, and even mirror a caller’s mood.
They don’t just spit out answers. They listen, adapt, and respond in a way that feels more human.
That’s why this shift matters. Insurance is a people business at its core. If AI can talk like a helpful, caring person while handling the complexity behind the scenes, it’s not just a time-saver. It’s a game-changer for how insurers build trust with their customers.
That brings us to Retell. One of the first voice AI platforms that made it easy to start. What exactly is Retell and why did it get attention?
What exactly is Retell and where does it fit in?
Retell wasn’t the first voice AI tool on the market, but it stood out as a simple way for teams across industries to prototype automated calls and test early ideas. Some insurers experimented with it, but it was never designed for the complexity, compliance or customer-facing demands of deep insurance use cases.
Many companies across industries used Retell AI features to handle common tasks like:
Answering FAQs.
Booking appointments.
Qualifying leads or collecting survey data.
Routing calls to the right department.
That speed and flexibility made Retell useful for early experiments. It gave teams a way to build and test AI agents quickly, serving as an accessible prototyping tool while companies figured out where to double down on voice AI.
For many, Retell served as an early proof-of-concept, offering a glimpse of how AI could handle simple call automation. As the industry’s needs grew more complex, it became clear that insurance would require tools built specifically for its nuances and requirements. A few challenges still stand out (based on Retell AI reviews):
Human-like conversation. Calls can still feel scripted, with moments where the AI misses context or tone.
Complex scenarios. It works best with structured tasks, but struggles with multi-layered conversations like claims with emotional nuance.
Scalability costs. While priced by the minute, scaling to thousands of calls can get expensive.
Customization effort. Getting agents to truly reflect a brand voice often requires ongoing tuning and technical support.
In short, Retell helped set the stage: it gave teams a way to prototype simple calls and see that AI could play a role. It highlighted what was possible, while also pointing to areas where more would be needed.
Now, as customer expectations rise (with demand for faster, smoother, more natural conversations), the space is wide open for platforms built specifically to meet those needs.
What’s changed in 2025 that opens the door for new tools?
The insurance world isn’t standing still, and neither is AI. A few big shifts are creating the need for new players:
Voice AI sounds more real than ever. Calls that used to feel robotic now flow naturally. Today’s systems don’t just pronounce words better. They understand tone, intent, and context. Conversations feel smoother and less frustrating.
Regulators are raising the bar. Compliance rules keep getting stricter, and insurers can’t afford slip-ups. AI tools now need built-in safeguards to handle disclosures, privacy, and industry standards automatically.
Customers expect more. People want answers fast, with empathy, and without errors. They don’t have patience for long menus or repeated questions.
Integration matters. A modern AI tool can’t just “talk.” It has to plug directly into CRMs, agency management systems, and claims platforms. Without that, even the best conversation leads to extra manual work.
Put simply: technology, regulation, and expectations all shifted in 2025. That’s why it’s the perfect moment for new solutions to step in.
With these changes, the big question becomes: what does it actually mean for an AI to speak insurance?
Let’s break down what real fluency looks like.
What makes an AI tool “fluent” in insurance?
It’s one thing for AI to handle a phone call. It’s another to actually speak insurance.
When you think about what makes a tool truly “fluent,” it comes down to more than just good voice quality. It’s about knowing the language, handling the process, and fitting into the world insurers actually work in.
Here’s a quick checklist of what a “fluent” insurance AI should deliver.
What to look for | Why it matters | Example in action |
Understands insurance terminology | Avoids confusion, builds trust | Explains “deductible” clearly to a customer |
Handles end-to-end processes | Saves time, fewer handoffs | Claim status → Policy change → Certificate request in one call |
Compliance-friendly | Reduces legal and regulatory risk | Reads disclosures automatically |
Adapts across lines of business | Supports growth and flexibility | P&C, life, and health policies |
Scales up and down easily | Handles spikes without extra cost | 5 calls or 5,000 calls = same performance |
Let’s break down what that means.
1. Understanding insurance terminology
Insurance conversations aren’t like ordering food or booking a ride. They’re filled with specific words: endorsements, deductibles, underwriting, premium, compliance notices.
A fluent AI tool doesn’t just pronounce these correctly. It understands what they mean and how they connect to the customer’s situation.
That’s what makes the conversation accurate, not generic.
2. Handling end-to-end processes
It’s not enough to answer one-off questions. A real insurance AI should manage full workflows:
Providing quotes on the spot.
Helping with policy renewals.
Making policy changes or servicing requests.
Giving real-time claims updates.
When an AI can carry a customer from start to finish in one call, you unlock real efficiency.
No more half-finished interactions that still need a human to complete.
3. Compliance-friendly by design
Regulations in insurance aren’t optional. Disclosures, data handling, and privacy requirements have to be followed every time.
A fluent AI tool like Strada is built to respect those rules automatically. It knows when to read disclosures, how to store sensitive data securely, and how to meet regulatory standards without constant oversight.
That’s the difference between a tool you can actually trust and one that just creates more risk.
4. Adapting across lines of business
Insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. The way you talk about a life policy is different from auto, health, or commercial coverage. A tool that’s truly fluent can flex across these lines without getting tripped up. That flexibility makes it valuable to insurers of any size, because it doesn’t limit them to one niche.
5. Scaling for inbound and outbound
Insurance call volume swings.
Some days you’re flooded with inbound service requests. Other times you’re running outbound campaigns for renewals or debt collection.
A fluent AI tool scales easily in both directions. It can handle thousands of concurrent inbound calls or run a large outbound campaign without breaking. That kind of scalability keeps costs predictable and service consistent.
When you put these elements together, you get the picture of fluency: not just speaking in plain sentences, but actually speaking the language of insurance.
The tools that win in 2025 won’t just sound human. They’ll sound like they know your business, your rules, and your customers.
Now that we know what “fluent” means, it’s time to see who’s stepping up to deliver. A few key players are redefining what AI in insurance calls can do.
Who are the top Retell AI competitors in 2025?
A wave of new tools has entered the space, each promising more natural conversations, tighter compliance, and smoother integrations. Some focus broadly on customer service, while others go deep into regulated industries.
You’ll find Retell AI alternatives like Air AI, Vapi, and Synthflow offering voice automation for general use cases. They handle sales, scheduling, or customer support across industries.
But insurance is a world of its own. The complexity of policy language, the weight of regulatory oversight, and the emotional stakes of claims demand something more specialized.
That’s where Strada stands out.
Strada = purpose-built voice AI for insurance
Strada wasn’t designed to serve everyone. It was built from the ground up for carriers, MGAs, and brokers who need AI that actually understands insurance. That focus is what makes it one of the strongest Retell AI alternatives in 2025.
Here’s what makes Strada different.
Insurance-specific AI models
Most AI tools “kind of” understand insurance. Strada was trained on real-world conversations: policy changes, claims updates, renewal calls. That means it knows the difference between a deductible and a copay, or how to handle regulatory disclosures without missing a beat.
For example, if a caller asks, “Did my premium change after I added my teenager to the policy?”, Strada can answer clearly and correctly.
Full range of use cases
Strada isn’t limited to answering FAQs. It handles the full lifecycle: sales calls, lead qualification, renewals, policy servicing, and even payments.
Imagine a single AI agent that can both qualify a new lead and later update their billing details, without ever handing the customer off.
Always on
Nobody likes waiting on hold. With Strada, every call gets picked up instantly, day or night. If a customer calls at 11 p.m. to ask for their certificate of insurance, Strada can deliver it right away instead of sending them to voicemail.
Faster ROI with pre-built use cases
Getting started doesn’t mean building from scratch. Strada comes with proven workflows, like renewal reminders or quote follow-ups.
For example, a broker can launch a renewal campaign in days, not months, because the call flow is already designed for insurance.
Smarter outbound calling
Outbound calls only work if customers actually answer. Strada boosts connection rates with retries, optimized schedules, and branded caller ID. Picture a renewal campaign: instead of half the calls going unanswered, Strada keeps trying at smarter times until more customers pick up.
Accuracy that reduces risk
Insurance mistakes can turn into E&O risk. Strada includes built-in accuracy checks to confirm details before they’re shared. For instance, if a customer asks about coverage limits, Strada double-checks against the policy before responding – reducing costly errors.
Enterprise-grade security
Insurers can’t compromise on security. Strada is SOC 2 Type 2 certified, runs regular penetration tests, and keeps each customer’s data isolated.
That means if you’re a broker handling sensitive health or commercial data, you can be confident it stays private and compliant.
Seamless integrations
An AI call is only useful if it updates your systems. Strada connects directly to CRMs, AMS, Policy admin, and claims software. After a service call, the policy record is updated automatically. And no one has to retype notes into the CRM.
No engineering lift
Finally, deployment is simple. You don’t need a dev team or months of setup. Strada is designed for business users, so a manager can configure and launch it quickly.
For example, a mid-sized agency can roll out Strada for service calls in a week, without hiring outside IT help.
The result is a platform that doesn’t just “do calls.” It drives measurable outcomes (think higher connection rates, reduced hold times, and faster servicing) without adding risk or overhead.
Other Retell alternatives may work well for general customer service, but Strada’s focus on insurance makes it different. If Retell showed what was possible, Strada builds on that foundation with tools designed for the complexity and scale of insurance in 2025.
Of course, knowing the Retell competitors' names isn’t enough. The real insight comes when you compare them side by side, feature by feature.
How do Retell AI vs Strada compare feature by feature?
Both Strada and Retell are strong AI call platforms. But when you look closely at the features that matter most for insurance, some clear differences show up.
Here’s a side-by-side look at how Strada and Retell compare on the features that matter most for insurance.
Feature | Retell Voice AI | Strada Voice AI |
Voice quality & tone | Sounds natural, but tone feels flat in emotional calls. | Adjusts tone by call: empathetic, confident, professional. |
Insurance language | Handles basics like renewals or billing. Struggles with complex terms. | Trained on insurance data. Understands policies, claims, compliance language. |
Integrations | Works with popular CRMs and phone systems. Custom work needed for AMS/claims. | Plug-and-play with CRMs, PAS, AMS, and claims platforms. |
Post-call workflows | Produces transcripts. Agents often re-enter data. | Automates follow-ups: updates CRM, sends emails/SMS, triggers workflows. |
Outbound calls | Can run campaigns, but pickup rates vary. | Caller ID optimization, retries, and scheduling boost answer rates. |
Cost & ROI | Pay-as-you-go. Retell AI pricing is cheap to start, pricey at scale. | Enterprise pricing but better ROI – saves time and automates more. |
Let’s break down the most important things, one by one.
Voice quality and emotional tone
Retell made big strides in making AI voices sound less robotic. It can handle scripted conversations well, and for basic customer service it’s convincing enough. The challenge comes with emotional nuance, like when someone calls after an accident. Retell often falls back into a standard, generally acceptable tone.
Strada pushes further. Its voice agents don’t just sound human; they adjust tone based on the situation. Calm and empathetic when a caller is submitting a claim. Quick and confident during a sales conversation.
That flexibility makes conversations feel less like “talking to a bot” and more like a real interaction.
Accuracy with complex insurance language
Retell can manage general tasks, but it wasn’t built specifically for insurance. That means it sometimes stumbles on industry terminology or struggles to follow layered conversations, like policy changes combined with billing questions.
Strada, as a Retell alternative, is different because it’s trained on insurance-specific conversations. It understands claims terminology, regulatory disclosures, and coverage details. It doesn’t just pronounce the words correctly – it uses them in the right context.
That reduces confusion and builds trust with customers.
Integration capabilities
Retell integrates with the most common CRMs and phone systems. It’s flexible, but connecting it to deeper insurance systems like policy admin systems often requires custom engineering effort.
Strada was built with insurance workflows in mind. It integrates natively with CRMs, policy admin platforms, and claims systems. Post-call data automatically updates in the right place. You don’t need to hire a tech team or build custom connectors.
It just works out of the box.
Automation of post-call workflows
With Retell, most calls end with a transcript and some analytics.
That’s useful, but the handoff back into your systems can be manual. Someone still has to log the details in the CRM or push follow-ups to the right queue.
Strada automates this step. After a call, it can send an email, update the CRM, trigger a claims workflow, or even schedule a renewal appointment automatically. This “close the loop” approach saves staff hours and reduces dropped tasks.
Cost and scalability
Retell uses a pay-as-you-go model. That makes it attractive for smaller teams testing AI, but costs climb quickly at scale. But, with Retell AI pricing per minute handling thousands of calls can become pricey.
Strada is built for enterprise volume (compared to the Retell AI voice agent). It scales smoothly for both inbound and outbound campaigns. And because it automates so much of the workflow, the ROI comes faster. Instead of just replacing minutes of agent time, it replaces entire processes. That’s where the cost savings really add up.
Retell proved that AI could handle insurance calls at scale. But Strada takes the next step: purpose-built voice AI that sounds human, understands the language of insurance, integrates deeply, and closes the loop on compliance and workflows.
If you’re looking for a platform to grow with in 2025, the feature-by-feature comparison shows why many insurers see Strada as the natural upgrade.
Even with all these advances, humans still have the edge in some areas. Let’s talk about where agents shine brightest.
Where do human agents still win?
AI has come a long way in insurance.
Tools like Strada can handle renewals, payments, and policy servicing faster than ever. But let’s be honest: there are still places where people do it better.
1. Nuanced, high-stakes situations
When disaster strikes (a home flood, a serious accident), Strada can capture details, guide the FNOL process, and respond with empathy. But there are layers of reassurance and judgment in those conversations that only an experienced human agent can deliver.
People can draw on lived experience, adapt beyond the script, and provide the kind of emotional grounding that turns a hard moment into a lasting relationship.
2. Complex, non-standard requests
Most insurance calls follow patterns: quotes, claims updates, and billing questions. AI is excellent at these.
But when a customer has something unusual (like managing multiple policies across states or navigating a gray regulatory edge case), human agents can improvise, weigh trade-offs, and escalate creatively.
3. Complex, non-standard requests
Most insurance calls follow patterns: quotes, claims updates, billing questions. AI is great at these.
But every so often, a customer needs something unusual. Maybe they’re juggling multiple policies across states. Maybe they’re asking about a gray area the system hasn’t seen before.
Human agents excel at untangling those one-off situations.
4. Building long-term relationships
Insurance isn’t just transactional. It’s a trust business. People stay with companies because of the relationships they build with their agents. A friendly check-in, a remembered detail, a thoughtful renewal conversation – those human touches create loyalty AI can’t replicate.
So what’s the right balance? Let AI handle the predictable, repeatable work where speed and accuracy matter most. Let humans focus on the high-value conversations that need creativity, empathy, and trust.
When you combine the two, you don’t just cut costs or speed up service. You give customers the best of both worlds: instant help when they need it, and genuine care when it really counts.
That balance between AI and people makes choosing the right platform even more important. Here’s how to figure out what matters most for your business.
What should you look for when choosing a tool?
There’s no shortage of AI call platforms in 2025. The real challenge is figuring out which one actually fits your business. The right choice depends less on flashy features and more on how well it matches your needs.
Here’s what to focus on.
1. Your main call types
Start with the calls that drive most of your volume:
Are they sales calls?
Service questions?
Renewal reminders?
FNOL calls?
Make sure the platform can handle those core conversations from start to finish. If it only solves edge cases, it won’t deliver much ROI.
2. Insurance-specific training data
Plenty of tools claim to do voice AI, but not all speak insurance fluently. Look for platforms like Strada, trained on policy, claims, and regulatory language.
That’s the difference between a system that “kind of” understands and one that actually gets it right the first time.
3. Compliance features
Compliance isn’t optional. You’ll want built-in tools for disclosures, data privacy, and audit tracking.
Don’t settle for generic “secure” claims. Make sure the platform aligns with insurance regulations.
4. Ease of deployment and integration
A good tool shouldn’t require a full engineering team. Check if it plugs into your CRM, AMS, PAS, or claims system without heavy lifting. The faster you can integrate, the faster you’ll see results.
5. Vendor support and roadmap
AI is moving fast. You don’t just need a tool. You need a partner.
Look for vendors with strong support, ongoing updates, and a clear roadmap. That ensures the tool grows with your business, not behind it.
Once you know what to look for, the next challenge is rollout. The good news: you can do it smoothly without disrupting your call center.
How do you roll it out without breaking your call center?
Switching to AI in your call center doesn’t have to feel risky. The key is to roll it out step by step instead of trying to flip a switch overnight.
Start with a pilot project. Pick one type of call, like renewals or simple service requests, that’s high volume but low complexity. This gives you a safe test bed.
You’ll see how the AI performs, what customers think, and where the rough spots are.
Train both AI and human agents. Don’t just drop AI into the mix. Show your team how it works, when it steps in, and when a call should go to a person. This avoids confusion and builds confidence on both sides.
The goal isn’t to replace agents. It’s to help them focus on the calls that matter most.
Monitor calls for quality and compliance. Use dashboards, call recordings, and real-time feedback to track performance.
Watch for accuracy, tone, and compliance with disclosures. Fix issues early before they turn into customer frustration.
Gradually expand use cases. Once the pilot works, add more call types: sales, claims updates, payments. Grow in layers.
Each expansion gets easier as your AI learns and your team gets comfortable.
By rolling out in phases, you keep risk low and trust high. Customers get faster service where it makes sense. Agents stay focused on high-value conversations. And your call center evolves without disruption.
That’s how you get the benefits of AI without breaking what already works.
After all this, we circle back to the big question: is there something better than Retell AI Voice Agents today? The answer depends on your needs, but there’s a clear trend worth watching.
So, is there something better than Retell in 2025?
The honest answer: it depends on your needs.
Retell still works well for general voice automation. But if you’re in insurance, you’ve got options that go further. Tools like Strada show how insurance-specific AI can outperform generalist platforms.
The advantage comes from design. Strada wasn’t built to serve every industry. It was built for insurance from day one. That means it speaks the language of policies and claims, handles compliance automatically, and connects directly into the systems you already use. You don’t need workarounds or extra engineering to make it fit.
And here’s the bigger point: choosing the right AI now sets you up for the future. With a platform built for insurance, you’ll:
Retain more customers with faster, friendlier service.
Close sales quicker with real-time, accurate conversations.
Keep agents focused on the calls where empathy and trust matter most.
So yes, there is something better than Retell in 2025, if what you need is fluency in insurance, not just fluency in conversation.
And it’s Strada.
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Retell AI Alternatives in 2025? AI Tools That Speak Insurance Fluently
Amir Prodensky
CEO
Aug 18, 2025
15 min read
Top AI solutions that really speak the language of insurance
A few months ago, I listened in on a recorded insurance call that stuck with me.
The caller had just been in a car accident. She was upset, confused, and trying to understand her coverage.
On the other end, the agent was calm and professional, but clearly overwhelmed: juggling policy language, compliance disclosures, and the human need for reassurance.
That’s when it hit me: insurance conversations are different. They’re not just “customer service.” They carry complexity, legal weight, and emotion, all packed into a single phone call.
No wonder so many companies looked to AI to help.
When Retell came onto the scene, it offered one of the first easy ways to experiment with voice AI. Teams across industries used it to spin up quick prototypes and test what was possible.
But as soon as companies tried to scale those experiments into real, customer-facing experiences, the challenges became clear.
In insurance especially, where compliance, empathy, and reliability are non-negotiable, Retell offered a starting point but wasn’t designed for the unique demands of the industry. It showed what was possible with voice AI and opened the door for what came next.
Now, in 2025, the landscape looks different. AI voices sound human. Compliance rules are stricter. Customers expect empathy and speed. And new players (like Strada) are showing how tools purpose-built for insurance can build on that early foundation.
Now let’s take a step back before diving into details.
Why are we even talking about AI in insurance calls?
Insurance is built on conversations. Every claim, every policy change, every reassurance after an accident starts with a call. That’s why AI voice agents are stepping into the spotlight.
AI-powered voice tools are no longer “nice-to-have.” They’re becoming a core part of how insurers connect with customers.
You’ve probably noticed how long hold times, confusing forms, and repetitive questions can frustrate people. AI can smooth those rough edges by answering quickly, giving clear information, and freeing human agents for tougher cases.
So why are insurance conversations so tricky? Three reasons stand out:
Complex terms. Policies are packed with details that most people don’t use in everyday life.
Licensing compliance. Insurance is heavily regulated, and AI agents have to operate within clear limits to stay compliant.
Emotional moments. When someone calls after a car crash or home disaster, they don’t just want facts. They need empathy.
That mix makes insurance calls harder than a typical customer service chat.
The good news? AI has grown up fast.
A few years ago, voice agents sounded robotic. They followed stiff scripts and failed at small talk. Today, AI systems can pause naturally, adjust their tone, and even mirror a caller’s mood.
They don’t just spit out answers. They listen, adapt, and respond in a way that feels more human.
That’s why this shift matters. Insurance is a people business at its core. If AI can talk like a helpful, caring person while handling the complexity behind the scenes, it’s not just a time-saver. It’s a game-changer for how insurers build trust with their customers.
That brings us to Retell. One of the first voice AI platforms that made it easy to start. What exactly is Retell and why did it get attention?
What exactly is Retell and where does it fit in?
Retell wasn’t the first voice AI tool on the market, but it stood out as a simple way for teams across industries to prototype automated calls and test early ideas. Some insurers experimented with it, but it was never designed for the complexity, compliance or customer-facing demands of deep insurance use cases.
Many companies across industries used Retell AI features to handle common tasks like:
Answering FAQs.
Booking appointments.
Qualifying leads or collecting survey data.
Routing calls to the right department.
That speed and flexibility made Retell useful for early experiments. It gave teams a way to build and test AI agents quickly, serving as an accessible prototyping tool while companies figured out where to double down on voice AI.
For many, Retell served as an early proof-of-concept, offering a glimpse of how AI could handle simple call automation. As the industry’s needs grew more complex, it became clear that insurance would require tools built specifically for its nuances and requirements. A few challenges still stand out (based on Retell AI reviews):
Human-like conversation. Calls can still feel scripted, with moments where the AI misses context or tone.
Complex scenarios. It works best with structured tasks, but struggles with multi-layered conversations like claims with emotional nuance.
Scalability costs. While priced by the minute, scaling to thousands of calls can get expensive.
Customization effort. Getting agents to truly reflect a brand voice often requires ongoing tuning and technical support.
In short, Retell helped set the stage: it gave teams a way to prototype simple calls and see that AI could play a role. It highlighted what was possible, while also pointing to areas where more would be needed.
Now, as customer expectations rise (with demand for faster, smoother, more natural conversations), the space is wide open for platforms built specifically to meet those needs.
What’s changed in 2025 that opens the door for new tools?
The insurance world isn’t standing still, and neither is AI. A few big shifts are creating the need for new players:
Voice AI sounds more real than ever. Calls that used to feel robotic now flow naturally. Today’s systems don’t just pronounce words better. They understand tone, intent, and context. Conversations feel smoother and less frustrating.
Regulators are raising the bar. Compliance rules keep getting stricter, and insurers can’t afford slip-ups. AI tools now need built-in safeguards to handle disclosures, privacy, and industry standards automatically.
Customers expect more. People want answers fast, with empathy, and without errors. They don’t have patience for long menus or repeated questions.
Integration matters. A modern AI tool can’t just “talk.” It has to plug directly into CRMs, agency management systems, and claims platforms. Without that, even the best conversation leads to extra manual work.
Put simply: technology, regulation, and expectations all shifted in 2025. That’s why it’s the perfect moment for new solutions to step in.
With these changes, the big question becomes: what does it actually mean for an AI to speak insurance?
Let’s break down what real fluency looks like.
What makes an AI tool “fluent” in insurance?
It’s one thing for AI to handle a phone call. It’s another to actually speak insurance.
When you think about what makes a tool truly “fluent,” it comes down to more than just good voice quality. It’s about knowing the language, handling the process, and fitting into the world insurers actually work in.
Here’s a quick checklist of what a “fluent” insurance AI should deliver.
What to look for | Why it matters | Example in action |
Understands insurance terminology | Avoids confusion, builds trust | Explains “deductible” clearly to a customer |
Handles end-to-end processes | Saves time, fewer handoffs | Claim status → Policy change → Certificate request in one call |
Compliance-friendly | Reduces legal and regulatory risk | Reads disclosures automatically |
Adapts across lines of business | Supports growth and flexibility | P&C, life, and health policies |
Scales up and down easily | Handles spikes without extra cost | 5 calls or 5,000 calls = same performance |
Let’s break down what that means.
1. Understanding insurance terminology
Insurance conversations aren’t like ordering food or booking a ride. They’re filled with specific words: endorsements, deductibles, underwriting, premium, compliance notices.
A fluent AI tool doesn’t just pronounce these correctly. It understands what they mean and how they connect to the customer’s situation.
That’s what makes the conversation accurate, not generic.
2. Handling end-to-end processes
It’s not enough to answer one-off questions. A real insurance AI should manage full workflows:
Providing quotes on the spot.
Helping with policy renewals.
Making policy changes or servicing requests.
Giving real-time claims updates.
When an AI can carry a customer from start to finish in one call, you unlock real efficiency.
No more half-finished interactions that still need a human to complete.
3. Compliance-friendly by design
Regulations in insurance aren’t optional. Disclosures, data handling, and privacy requirements have to be followed every time.
A fluent AI tool like Strada is built to respect those rules automatically. It knows when to read disclosures, how to store sensitive data securely, and how to meet regulatory standards without constant oversight.
That’s the difference between a tool you can actually trust and one that just creates more risk.
4. Adapting across lines of business
Insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. The way you talk about a life policy is different from auto, health, or commercial coverage. A tool that’s truly fluent can flex across these lines without getting tripped up. That flexibility makes it valuable to insurers of any size, because it doesn’t limit them to one niche.
5. Scaling for inbound and outbound
Insurance call volume swings.
Some days you’re flooded with inbound service requests. Other times you’re running outbound campaigns for renewals or debt collection.
A fluent AI tool scales easily in both directions. It can handle thousands of concurrent inbound calls or run a large outbound campaign without breaking. That kind of scalability keeps costs predictable and service consistent.
When you put these elements together, you get the picture of fluency: not just speaking in plain sentences, but actually speaking the language of insurance.
The tools that win in 2025 won’t just sound human. They’ll sound like they know your business, your rules, and your customers.
Now that we know what “fluent” means, it’s time to see who’s stepping up to deliver. A few key players are redefining what AI in insurance calls can do.
Who are the top Retell AI competitors in 2025?
A wave of new tools has entered the space, each promising more natural conversations, tighter compliance, and smoother integrations. Some focus broadly on customer service, while others go deep into regulated industries.
You’ll find Retell AI alternatives like Air AI, Vapi, and Synthflow offering voice automation for general use cases. They handle sales, scheduling, or customer support across industries.
But insurance is a world of its own. The complexity of policy language, the weight of regulatory oversight, and the emotional stakes of claims demand something more specialized.
That’s where Strada stands out.
Strada = purpose-built voice AI for insurance
Strada wasn’t designed to serve everyone. It was built from the ground up for carriers, MGAs, and brokers who need AI that actually understands insurance. That focus is what makes it one of the strongest Retell AI alternatives in 2025.
Here’s what makes Strada different.
Insurance-specific AI models
Most AI tools “kind of” understand insurance. Strada was trained on real-world conversations: policy changes, claims updates, renewal calls. That means it knows the difference between a deductible and a copay, or how to handle regulatory disclosures without missing a beat.
For example, if a caller asks, “Did my premium change after I added my teenager to the policy?”, Strada can answer clearly and correctly.
Full range of use cases
Strada isn’t limited to answering FAQs. It handles the full lifecycle: sales calls, lead qualification, renewals, policy servicing, and even payments.
Imagine a single AI agent that can both qualify a new lead and later update their billing details, without ever handing the customer off.
Always on
Nobody likes waiting on hold. With Strada, every call gets picked up instantly, day or night. If a customer calls at 11 p.m. to ask for their certificate of insurance, Strada can deliver it right away instead of sending them to voicemail.
Faster ROI with pre-built use cases
Getting started doesn’t mean building from scratch. Strada comes with proven workflows, like renewal reminders or quote follow-ups.
For example, a broker can launch a renewal campaign in days, not months, because the call flow is already designed for insurance.
Smarter outbound calling
Outbound calls only work if customers actually answer. Strada boosts connection rates with retries, optimized schedules, and branded caller ID. Picture a renewal campaign: instead of half the calls going unanswered, Strada keeps trying at smarter times until more customers pick up.
Accuracy that reduces risk
Insurance mistakes can turn into E&O risk. Strada includes built-in accuracy checks to confirm details before they’re shared. For instance, if a customer asks about coverage limits, Strada double-checks against the policy before responding – reducing costly errors.
Enterprise-grade security
Insurers can’t compromise on security. Strada is SOC 2 Type 2 certified, runs regular penetration tests, and keeps each customer’s data isolated.
That means if you’re a broker handling sensitive health or commercial data, you can be confident it stays private and compliant.
Seamless integrations
An AI call is only useful if it updates your systems. Strada connects directly to CRMs, AMS, Policy admin, and claims software. After a service call, the policy record is updated automatically. And no one has to retype notes into the CRM.
No engineering lift
Finally, deployment is simple. You don’t need a dev team or months of setup. Strada is designed for business users, so a manager can configure and launch it quickly.
For example, a mid-sized agency can roll out Strada for service calls in a week, without hiring outside IT help.
The result is a platform that doesn’t just “do calls.” It drives measurable outcomes (think higher connection rates, reduced hold times, and faster servicing) without adding risk or overhead.
Other Retell alternatives may work well for general customer service, but Strada’s focus on insurance makes it different. If Retell showed what was possible, Strada builds on that foundation with tools designed for the complexity and scale of insurance in 2025.
Of course, knowing the Retell competitors' names isn’t enough. The real insight comes when you compare them side by side, feature by feature.
How do Retell AI vs Strada compare feature by feature?
Both Strada and Retell are strong AI call platforms. But when you look closely at the features that matter most for insurance, some clear differences show up.
Here’s a side-by-side look at how Strada and Retell compare on the features that matter most for insurance.
Feature | Retell Voice AI | Strada Voice AI |
Voice quality & tone | Sounds natural, but tone feels flat in emotional calls. | Adjusts tone by call: empathetic, confident, professional. |
Insurance language | Handles basics like renewals or billing. Struggles with complex terms. | Trained on insurance data. Understands policies, claims, compliance language. |
Integrations | Works with popular CRMs and phone systems. Custom work needed for AMS/claims. | Plug-and-play with CRMs, PAS, AMS, and claims platforms. |
Post-call workflows | Produces transcripts. Agents often re-enter data. | Automates follow-ups: updates CRM, sends emails/SMS, triggers workflows. |
Outbound calls | Can run campaigns, but pickup rates vary. | Caller ID optimization, retries, and scheduling boost answer rates. |
Cost & ROI | Pay-as-you-go. Retell AI pricing is cheap to start, pricey at scale. | Enterprise pricing but better ROI – saves time and automates more. |
Let’s break down the most important things, one by one.
Voice quality and emotional tone
Retell made big strides in making AI voices sound less robotic. It can handle scripted conversations well, and for basic customer service it’s convincing enough. The challenge comes with emotional nuance, like when someone calls after an accident. Retell often falls back into a standard, generally acceptable tone.
Strada pushes further. Its voice agents don’t just sound human; they adjust tone based on the situation. Calm and empathetic when a caller is submitting a claim. Quick and confident during a sales conversation.
That flexibility makes conversations feel less like “talking to a bot” and more like a real interaction.
Accuracy with complex insurance language
Retell can manage general tasks, but it wasn’t built specifically for insurance. That means it sometimes stumbles on industry terminology or struggles to follow layered conversations, like policy changes combined with billing questions.
Strada, as a Retell alternative, is different because it’s trained on insurance-specific conversations. It understands claims terminology, regulatory disclosures, and coverage details. It doesn’t just pronounce the words correctly – it uses them in the right context.
That reduces confusion and builds trust with customers.
Integration capabilities
Retell integrates with the most common CRMs and phone systems. It’s flexible, but connecting it to deeper insurance systems like policy admin systems often requires custom engineering effort.
Strada was built with insurance workflows in mind. It integrates natively with CRMs, policy admin platforms, and claims systems. Post-call data automatically updates in the right place. You don’t need to hire a tech team or build custom connectors.
It just works out of the box.
Automation of post-call workflows
With Retell, most calls end with a transcript and some analytics.
That’s useful, but the handoff back into your systems can be manual. Someone still has to log the details in the CRM or push follow-ups to the right queue.
Strada automates this step. After a call, it can send an email, update the CRM, trigger a claims workflow, or even schedule a renewal appointment automatically. This “close the loop” approach saves staff hours and reduces dropped tasks.
Cost and scalability
Retell uses a pay-as-you-go model. That makes it attractive for smaller teams testing AI, but costs climb quickly at scale. But, with Retell AI pricing per minute handling thousands of calls can become pricey.
Strada is built for enterprise volume (compared to the Retell AI voice agent). It scales smoothly for both inbound and outbound campaigns. And because it automates so much of the workflow, the ROI comes faster. Instead of just replacing minutes of agent time, it replaces entire processes. That’s where the cost savings really add up.
Retell proved that AI could handle insurance calls at scale. But Strada takes the next step: purpose-built voice AI that sounds human, understands the language of insurance, integrates deeply, and closes the loop on compliance and workflows.
If you’re looking for a platform to grow with in 2025, the feature-by-feature comparison shows why many insurers see Strada as the natural upgrade.
Even with all these advances, humans still have the edge in some areas. Let’s talk about where agents shine brightest.
Where do human agents still win?
AI has come a long way in insurance.
Tools like Strada can handle renewals, payments, and policy servicing faster than ever. But let’s be honest: there are still places where people do it better.
1. Nuanced, high-stakes situations
When disaster strikes (a home flood, a serious accident), Strada can capture details, guide the FNOL process, and respond with empathy. But there are layers of reassurance and judgment in those conversations that only an experienced human agent can deliver.
People can draw on lived experience, adapt beyond the script, and provide the kind of emotional grounding that turns a hard moment into a lasting relationship.
2. Complex, non-standard requests
Most insurance calls follow patterns: quotes, claims updates, and billing questions. AI is excellent at these.
But when a customer has something unusual (like managing multiple policies across states or navigating a gray regulatory edge case), human agents can improvise, weigh trade-offs, and escalate creatively.
3. Complex, non-standard requests
Most insurance calls follow patterns: quotes, claims updates, billing questions. AI is great at these.
But every so often, a customer needs something unusual. Maybe they’re juggling multiple policies across states. Maybe they’re asking about a gray area the system hasn’t seen before.
Human agents excel at untangling those one-off situations.
4. Building long-term relationships
Insurance isn’t just transactional. It’s a trust business. People stay with companies because of the relationships they build with their agents. A friendly check-in, a remembered detail, a thoughtful renewal conversation – those human touches create loyalty AI can’t replicate.
So what’s the right balance? Let AI handle the predictable, repeatable work where speed and accuracy matter most. Let humans focus on the high-value conversations that need creativity, empathy, and trust.
When you combine the two, you don’t just cut costs or speed up service. You give customers the best of both worlds: instant help when they need it, and genuine care when it really counts.
That balance between AI and people makes choosing the right platform even more important. Here’s how to figure out what matters most for your business.
What should you look for when choosing a tool?
There’s no shortage of AI call platforms in 2025. The real challenge is figuring out which one actually fits your business. The right choice depends less on flashy features and more on how well it matches your needs.
Here’s what to focus on.
1. Your main call types
Start with the calls that drive most of your volume:
Are they sales calls?
Service questions?
Renewal reminders?
FNOL calls?
Make sure the platform can handle those core conversations from start to finish. If it only solves edge cases, it won’t deliver much ROI.
2. Insurance-specific training data
Plenty of tools claim to do voice AI, but not all speak insurance fluently. Look for platforms like Strada, trained on policy, claims, and regulatory language.
That’s the difference between a system that “kind of” understands and one that actually gets it right the first time.
3. Compliance features
Compliance isn’t optional. You’ll want built-in tools for disclosures, data privacy, and audit tracking.
Don’t settle for generic “secure” claims. Make sure the platform aligns with insurance regulations.
4. Ease of deployment and integration
A good tool shouldn’t require a full engineering team. Check if it plugs into your CRM, AMS, PAS, or claims system without heavy lifting. The faster you can integrate, the faster you’ll see results.
5. Vendor support and roadmap
AI is moving fast. You don’t just need a tool. You need a partner.
Look for vendors with strong support, ongoing updates, and a clear roadmap. That ensures the tool grows with your business, not behind it.
Once you know what to look for, the next challenge is rollout. The good news: you can do it smoothly without disrupting your call center.
How do you roll it out without breaking your call center?
Switching to AI in your call center doesn’t have to feel risky. The key is to roll it out step by step instead of trying to flip a switch overnight.
Start with a pilot project. Pick one type of call, like renewals or simple service requests, that’s high volume but low complexity. This gives you a safe test bed.
You’ll see how the AI performs, what customers think, and where the rough spots are.
Train both AI and human agents. Don’t just drop AI into the mix. Show your team how it works, when it steps in, and when a call should go to a person. This avoids confusion and builds confidence on both sides.
The goal isn’t to replace agents. It’s to help them focus on the calls that matter most.
Monitor calls for quality and compliance. Use dashboards, call recordings, and real-time feedback to track performance.
Watch for accuracy, tone, and compliance with disclosures. Fix issues early before they turn into customer frustration.
Gradually expand use cases. Once the pilot works, add more call types: sales, claims updates, payments. Grow in layers.
Each expansion gets easier as your AI learns and your team gets comfortable.
By rolling out in phases, you keep risk low and trust high. Customers get faster service where it makes sense. Agents stay focused on high-value conversations. And your call center evolves without disruption.
That’s how you get the benefits of AI without breaking what already works.
After all this, we circle back to the big question: is there something better than Retell AI Voice Agents today? The answer depends on your needs, but there’s a clear trend worth watching.
So, is there something better than Retell in 2025?
The honest answer: it depends on your needs.
Retell still works well for general voice automation. But if you’re in insurance, you’ve got options that go further. Tools like Strada show how insurance-specific AI can outperform generalist platforms.
The advantage comes from design. Strada wasn’t built to serve every industry. It was built for insurance from day one. That means it speaks the language of policies and claims, handles compliance automatically, and connects directly into the systems you already use. You don’t need workarounds or extra engineering to make it fit.
And here’s the bigger point: choosing the right AI now sets you up for the future. With a platform built for insurance, you’ll:
Retain more customers with faster, friendlier service.
Close sales quicker with real-time, accurate conversations.
Keep agents focused on the calls where empathy and trust matter most.
So yes, there is something better than Retell in 2025, if what you need is fluency in insurance, not just fluency in conversation.
And it’s Strada.
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Retell AI Alternatives in 2025? AI Tools That Speak Insurance Fluently
Amir Prodensky
CEO
Aug 18, 2025
15 min read
Top AI solutions that really speak the language of insurance
A few months ago, I listened in on a recorded insurance call that stuck with me.
The caller had just been in a car accident. She was upset, confused, and trying to understand her coverage.
On the other end, the agent was calm and professional, but clearly overwhelmed: juggling policy language, compliance disclosures, and the human need for reassurance.
That’s when it hit me: insurance conversations are different. They’re not just “customer service.” They carry complexity, legal weight, and emotion, all packed into a single phone call.
No wonder so many companies looked to AI to help.
When Retell came onto the scene, it offered one of the first easy ways to experiment with voice AI. Teams across industries used it to spin up quick prototypes and test what was possible.
But as soon as companies tried to scale those experiments into real, customer-facing experiences, the challenges became clear.
In insurance especially, where compliance, empathy, and reliability are non-negotiable, Retell offered a starting point but wasn’t designed for the unique demands of the industry. It showed what was possible with voice AI and opened the door for what came next.
Now, in 2025, the landscape looks different. AI voices sound human. Compliance rules are stricter. Customers expect empathy and speed. And new players (like Strada) are showing how tools purpose-built for insurance can build on that early foundation.
Now let’s take a step back before diving into details.
Why are we even talking about AI in insurance calls?
Insurance is built on conversations. Every claim, every policy change, every reassurance after an accident starts with a call. That’s why AI voice agents are stepping into the spotlight.
AI-powered voice tools are no longer “nice-to-have.” They’re becoming a core part of how insurers connect with customers.
You’ve probably noticed how long hold times, confusing forms, and repetitive questions can frustrate people. AI can smooth those rough edges by answering quickly, giving clear information, and freeing human agents for tougher cases.
So why are insurance conversations so tricky? Three reasons stand out:
Complex terms. Policies are packed with details that most people don’t use in everyday life.
Licensing compliance. Insurance is heavily regulated, and AI agents have to operate within clear limits to stay compliant.
Emotional moments. When someone calls after a car crash or home disaster, they don’t just want facts. They need empathy.
That mix makes insurance calls harder than a typical customer service chat.
The good news? AI has grown up fast.
A few years ago, voice agents sounded robotic. They followed stiff scripts and failed at small talk. Today, AI systems can pause naturally, adjust their tone, and even mirror a caller’s mood.
They don’t just spit out answers. They listen, adapt, and respond in a way that feels more human.
That’s why this shift matters. Insurance is a people business at its core. If AI can talk like a helpful, caring person while handling the complexity behind the scenes, it’s not just a time-saver. It’s a game-changer for how insurers build trust with their customers.
That brings us to Retell. One of the first voice AI platforms that made it easy to start. What exactly is Retell and why did it get attention?
What exactly is Retell and where does it fit in?
Retell wasn’t the first voice AI tool on the market, but it stood out as a simple way for teams across industries to prototype automated calls and test early ideas. Some insurers experimented with it, but it was never designed for the complexity, compliance or customer-facing demands of deep insurance use cases.
Many companies across industries used Retell AI features to handle common tasks like:
Answering FAQs.
Booking appointments.
Qualifying leads or collecting survey data.
Routing calls to the right department.
That speed and flexibility made Retell useful for early experiments. It gave teams a way to build and test AI agents quickly, serving as an accessible prototyping tool while companies figured out where to double down on voice AI.
For many, Retell served as an early proof-of-concept, offering a glimpse of how AI could handle simple call automation. As the industry’s needs grew more complex, it became clear that insurance would require tools built specifically for its nuances and requirements. A few challenges still stand out (based on Retell AI reviews):
Human-like conversation. Calls can still feel scripted, with moments where the AI misses context or tone.
Complex scenarios. It works best with structured tasks, but struggles with multi-layered conversations like claims with emotional nuance.
Scalability costs. While priced by the minute, scaling to thousands of calls can get expensive.
Customization effort. Getting agents to truly reflect a brand voice often requires ongoing tuning and technical support.
In short, Retell helped set the stage: it gave teams a way to prototype simple calls and see that AI could play a role. It highlighted what was possible, while also pointing to areas where more would be needed.
Now, as customer expectations rise (with demand for faster, smoother, more natural conversations), the space is wide open for platforms built specifically to meet those needs.
What’s changed in 2025 that opens the door for new tools?
The insurance world isn’t standing still, and neither is AI. A few big shifts are creating the need for new players:
Voice AI sounds more real than ever. Calls that used to feel robotic now flow naturally. Today’s systems don’t just pronounce words better. They understand tone, intent, and context. Conversations feel smoother and less frustrating.
Regulators are raising the bar. Compliance rules keep getting stricter, and insurers can’t afford slip-ups. AI tools now need built-in safeguards to handle disclosures, privacy, and industry standards automatically.
Customers expect more. People want answers fast, with empathy, and without errors. They don’t have patience for long menus or repeated questions.
Integration matters. A modern AI tool can’t just “talk.” It has to plug directly into CRMs, agency management systems, and claims platforms. Without that, even the best conversation leads to extra manual work.
Put simply: technology, regulation, and expectations all shifted in 2025. That’s why it’s the perfect moment for new solutions to step in.
With these changes, the big question becomes: what does it actually mean for an AI to speak insurance?
Let’s break down what real fluency looks like.
What makes an AI tool “fluent” in insurance?
It’s one thing for AI to handle a phone call. It’s another to actually speak insurance.
When you think about what makes a tool truly “fluent,” it comes down to more than just good voice quality. It’s about knowing the language, handling the process, and fitting into the world insurers actually work in.
Here’s a quick checklist of what a “fluent” insurance AI should deliver.
What to look for | Why it matters | Example in action |
Understands insurance terminology | Avoids confusion, builds trust | Explains “deductible” clearly to a customer |
Handles end-to-end processes | Saves time, fewer handoffs | Claim status → Policy change → Certificate request in one call |
Compliance-friendly | Reduces legal and regulatory risk | Reads disclosures automatically |
Adapts across lines of business | Supports growth and flexibility | P&C, life, and health policies |
Scales up and down easily | Handles spikes without extra cost | 5 calls or 5,000 calls = same performance |
Let’s break down what that means.
1. Understanding insurance terminology
Insurance conversations aren’t like ordering food or booking a ride. They’re filled with specific words: endorsements, deductibles, underwriting, premium, compliance notices.
A fluent AI tool doesn’t just pronounce these correctly. It understands what they mean and how they connect to the customer’s situation.
That’s what makes the conversation accurate, not generic.
2. Handling end-to-end processes
It’s not enough to answer one-off questions. A real insurance AI should manage full workflows:
Providing quotes on the spot.
Helping with policy renewals.
Making policy changes or servicing requests.
Giving real-time claims updates.
When an AI can carry a customer from start to finish in one call, you unlock real efficiency.
No more half-finished interactions that still need a human to complete.
3. Compliance-friendly by design
Regulations in insurance aren’t optional. Disclosures, data handling, and privacy requirements have to be followed every time.
A fluent AI tool like Strada is built to respect those rules automatically. It knows when to read disclosures, how to store sensitive data securely, and how to meet regulatory standards without constant oversight.
That’s the difference between a tool you can actually trust and one that just creates more risk.
4. Adapting across lines of business
Insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. The way you talk about a life policy is different from auto, health, or commercial coverage. A tool that’s truly fluent can flex across these lines without getting tripped up. That flexibility makes it valuable to insurers of any size, because it doesn’t limit them to one niche.
5. Scaling for inbound and outbound
Insurance call volume swings.
Some days you’re flooded with inbound service requests. Other times you’re running outbound campaigns for renewals or debt collection.
A fluent AI tool scales easily in both directions. It can handle thousands of concurrent inbound calls or run a large outbound campaign without breaking. That kind of scalability keeps costs predictable and service consistent.
When you put these elements together, you get the picture of fluency: not just speaking in plain sentences, but actually speaking the language of insurance.
The tools that win in 2025 won’t just sound human. They’ll sound like they know your business, your rules, and your customers.
Now that we know what “fluent” means, it’s time to see who’s stepping up to deliver. A few key players are redefining what AI in insurance calls can do.
Who are the top Retell AI competitors in 2025?
A wave of new tools has entered the space, each promising more natural conversations, tighter compliance, and smoother integrations. Some focus broadly on customer service, while others go deep into regulated industries.
You’ll find Retell AI alternatives like Air AI, Vapi, and Synthflow offering voice automation for general use cases. They handle sales, scheduling, or customer support across industries.
But insurance is a world of its own. The complexity of policy language, the weight of regulatory oversight, and the emotional stakes of claims demand something more specialized.
That’s where Strada stands out.
Strada = purpose-built voice AI for insurance
Strada wasn’t designed to serve everyone. It was built from the ground up for carriers, MGAs, and brokers who need AI that actually understands insurance. That focus is what makes it one of the strongest Retell AI alternatives in 2025.
Here’s what makes Strada different.
Insurance-specific AI models
Most AI tools “kind of” understand insurance. Strada was trained on real-world conversations: policy changes, claims updates, renewal calls. That means it knows the difference between a deductible and a copay, or how to handle regulatory disclosures without missing a beat.
For example, if a caller asks, “Did my premium change after I added my teenager to the policy?”, Strada can answer clearly and correctly.
Full range of use cases
Strada isn’t limited to answering FAQs. It handles the full lifecycle: sales calls, lead qualification, renewals, policy servicing, and even payments.
Imagine a single AI agent that can both qualify a new lead and later update their billing details, without ever handing the customer off.
Always on
Nobody likes waiting on hold. With Strada, every call gets picked up instantly, day or night. If a customer calls at 11 p.m. to ask for their certificate of insurance, Strada can deliver it right away instead of sending them to voicemail.
Faster ROI with pre-built use cases
Getting started doesn’t mean building from scratch. Strada comes with proven workflows, like renewal reminders or quote follow-ups.
For example, a broker can launch a renewal campaign in days, not months, because the call flow is already designed for insurance.
Smarter outbound calling
Outbound calls only work if customers actually answer. Strada boosts connection rates with retries, optimized schedules, and branded caller ID. Picture a renewal campaign: instead of half the calls going unanswered, Strada keeps trying at smarter times until more customers pick up.
Accuracy that reduces risk
Insurance mistakes can turn into E&O risk. Strada includes built-in accuracy checks to confirm details before they’re shared. For instance, if a customer asks about coverage limits, Strada double-checks against the policy before responding – reducing costly errors.
Enterprise-grade security
Insurers can’t compromise on security. Strada is SOC 2 Type 2 certified, runs regular penetration tests, and keeps each customer’s data isolated.
That means if you’re a broker handling sensitive health or commercial data, you can be confident it stays private and compliant.
Seamless integrations
An AI call is only useful if it updates your systems. Strada connects directly to CRMs, AMS, Policy admin, and claims software. After a service call, the policy record is updated automatically. And no one has to retype notes into the CRM.
No engineering lift
Finally, deployment is simple. You don’t need a dev team or months of setup. Strada is designed for business users, so a manager can configure and launch it quickly.
For example, a mid-sized agency can roll out Strada for service calls in a week, without hiring outside IT help.
The result is a platform that doesn’t just “do calls.” It drives measurable outcomes (think higher connection rates, reduced hold times, and faster servicing) without adding risk or overhead.
Other Retell alternatives may work well for general customer service, but Strada’s focus on insurance makes it different. If Retell showed what was possible, Strada builds on that foundation with tools designed for the complexity and scale of insurance in 2025.
Of course, knowing the Retell competitors' names isn’t enough. The real insight comes when you compare them side by side, feature by feature.
How do Retell AI vs Strada compare feature by feature?
Both Strada and Retell are strong AI call platforms. But when you look closely at the features that matter most for insurance, some clear differences show up.
Here’s a side-by-side look at how Strada and Retell compare on the features that matter most for insurance.
Feature | Retell Voice AI | Strada Voice AI |
Voice quality & tone | Sounds natural, but tone feels flat in emotional calls. | Adjusts tone by call: empathetic, confident, professional. |
Insurance language | Handles basics like renewals or billing. Struggles with complex terms. | Trained on insurance data. Understands policies, claims, compliance language. |
Integrations | Works with popular CRMs and phone systems. Custom work needed for AMS/claims. | Plug-and-play with CRMs, PAS, AMS, and claims platforms. |
Post-call workflows | Produces transcripts. Agents often re-enter data. | Automates follow-ups: updates CRM, sends emails/SMS, triggers workflows. |
Outbound calls | Can run campaigns, but pickup rates vary. | Caller ID optimization, retries, and scheduling boost answer rates. |
Cost & ROI | Pay-as-you-go. Retell AI pricing is cheap to start, pricey at scale. | Enterprise pricing but better ROI – saves time and automates more. |
Let’s break down the most important things, one by one.
Voice quality and emotional tone
Retell made big strides in making AI voices sound less robotic. It can handle scripted conversations well, and for basic customer service it’s convincing enough. The challenge comes with emotional nuance, like when someone calls after an accident. Retell often falls back into a standard, generally acceptable tone.
Strada pushes further. Its voice agents don’t just sound human; they adjust tone based on the situation. Calm and empathetic when a caller is submitting a claim. Quick and confident during a sales conversation.
That flexibility makes conversations feel less like “talking to a bot” and more like a real interaction.
Accuracy with complex insurance language
Retell can manage general tasks, but it wasn’t built specifically for insurance. That means it sometimes stumbles on industry terminology or struggles to follow layered conversations, like policy changes combined with billing questions.
Strada, as a Retell alternative, is different because it’s trained on insurance-specific conversations. It understands claims terminology, regulatory disclosures, and coverage details. It doesn’t just pronounce the words correctly – it uses them in the right context.
That reduces confusion and builds trust with customers.
Integration capabilities
Retell integrates with the most common CRMs and phone systems. It’s flexible, but connecting it to deeper insurance systems like policy admin systems often requires custom engineering effort.
Strada was built with insurance workflows in mind. It integrates natively with CRMs, policy admin platforms, and claims systems. Post-call data automatically updates in the right place. You don’t need to hire a tech team or build custom connectors.
It just works out of the box.
Automation of post-call workflows
With Retell, most calls end with a transcript and some analytics.
That’s useful, but the handoff back into your systems can be manual. Someone still has to log the details in the CRM or push follow-ups to the right queue.
Strada automates this step. After a call, it can send an email, update the CRM, trigger a claims workflow, or even schedule a renewal appointment automatically. This “close the loop” approach saves staff hours and reduces dropped tasks.
Cost and scalability
Retell uses a pay-as-you-go model. That makes it attractive for smaller teams testing AI, but costs climb quickly at scale. But, with Retell AI pricing per minute handling thousands of calls can become pricey.
Strada is built for enterprise volume (compared to the Retell AI voice agent). It scales smoothly for both inbound and outbound campaigns. And because it automates so much of the workflow, the ROI comes faster. Instead of just replacing minutes of agent time, it replaces entire processes. That’s where the cost savings really add up.
Retell proved that AI could handle insurance calls at scale. But Strada takes the next step: purpose-built voice AI that sounds human, understands the language of insurance, integrates deeply, and closes the loop on compliance and workflows.
If you’re looking for a platform to grow with in 2025, the feature-by-feature comparison shows why many insurers see Strada as the natural upgrade.
Even with all these advances, humans still have the edge in some areas. Let’s talk about where agents shine brightest.
Where do human agents still win?
AI has come a long way in insurance.
Tools like Strada can handle renewals, payments, and policy servicing faster than ever. But let’s be honest: there are still places where people do it better.
1. Nuanced, high-stakes situations
When disaster strikes (a home flood, a serious accident), Strada can capture details, guide the FNOL process, and respond with empathy. But there are layers of reassurance and judgment in those conversations that only an experienced human agent can deliver.
People can draw on lived experience, adapt beyond the script, and provide the kind of emotional grounding that turns a hard moment into a lasting relationship.
2. Complex, non-standard requests
Most insurance calls follow patterns: quotes, claims updates, and billing questions. AI is excellent at these.
But when a customer has something unusual (like managing multiple policies across states or navigating a gray regulatory edge case), human agents can improvise, weigh trade-offs, and escalate creatively.
3. Complex, non-standard requests
Most insurance calls follow patterns: quotes, claims updates, billing questions. AI is great at these.
But every so often, a customer needs something unusual. Maybe they’re juggling multiple policies across states. Maybe they’re asking about a gray area the system hasn’t seen before.
Human agents excel at untangling those one-off situations.
4. Building long-term relationships
Insurance isn’t just transactional. It’s a trust business. People stay with companies because of the relationships they build with their agents. A friendly check-in, a remembered detail, a thoughtful renewal conversation – those human touches create loyalty AI can’t replicate.
So what’s the right balance? Let AI handle the predictable, repeatable work where speed and accuracy matter most. Let humans focus on the high-value conversations that need creativity, empathy, and trust.
When you combine the two, you don’t just cut costs or speed up service. You give customers the best of both worlds: instant help when they need it, and genuine care when it really counts.
That balance between AI and people makes choosing the right platform even more important. Here’s how to figure out what matters most for your business.
What should you look for when choosing a tool?
There’s no shortage of AI call platforms in 2025. The real challenge is figuring out which one actually fits your business. The right choice depends less on flashy features and more on how well it matches your needs.
Here’s what to focus on.
1. Your main call types
Start with the calls that drive most of your volume:
Are they sales calls?
Service questions?
Renewal reminders?
FNOL calls?
Make sure the platform can handle those core conversations from start to finish. If it only solves edge cases, it won’t deliver much ROI.
2. Insurance-specific training data
Plenty of tools claim to do voice AI, but not all speak insurance fluently. Look for platforms like Strada, trained on policy, claims, and regulatory language.
That’s the difference between a system that “kind of” understands and one that actually gets it right the first time.
3. Compliance features
Compliance isn’t optional. You’ll want built-in tools for disclosures, data privacy, and audit tracking.
Don’t settle for generic “secure” claims. Make sure the platform aligns with insurance regulations.
4. Ease of deployment and integration
A good tool shouldn’t require a full engineering team. Check if it plugs into your CRM, AMS, PAS, or claims system without heavy lifting. The faster you can integrate, the faster you’ll see results.
5. Vendor support and roadmap
AI is moving fast. You don’t just need a tool. You need a partner.
Look for vendors with strong support, ongoing updates, and a clear roadmap. That ensures the tool grows with your business, not behind it.
Once you know what to look for, the next challenge is rollout. The good news: you can do it smoothly without disrupting your call center.
How do you roll it out without breaking your call center?
Switching to AI in your call center doesn’t have to feel risky. The key is to roll it out step by step instead of trying to flip a switch overnight.
Start with a pilot project. Pick one type of call, like renewals or simple service requests, that’s high volume but low complexity. This gives you a safe test bed.
You’ll see how the AI performs, what customers think, and where the rough spots are.
Train both AI and human agents. Don’t just drop AI into the mix. Show your team how it works, when it steps in, and when a call should go to a person. This avoids confusion and builds confidence on both sides.
The goal isn’t to replace agents. It’s to help them focus on the calls that matter most.
Monitor calls for quality and compliance. Use dashboards, call recordings, and real-time feedback to track performance.
Watch for accuracy, tone, and compliance with disclosures. Fix issues early before they turn into customer frustration.
Gradually expand use cases. Once the pilot works, add more call types: sales, claims updates, payments. Grow in layers.
Each expansion gets easier as your AI learns and your team gets comfortable.
By rolling out in phases, you keep risk low and trust high. Customers get faster service where it makes sense. Agents stay focused on high-value conversations. And your call center evolves without disruption.
That’s how you get the benefits of AI without breaking what already works.
After all this, we circle back to the big question: is there something better than Retell AI Voice Agents today? The answer depends on your needs, but there’s a clear trend worth watching.
So, is there something better than Retell in 2025?
The honest answer: it depends on your needs.
Retell still works well for general voice automation. But if you’re in insurance, you’ve got options that go further. Tools like Strada show how insurance-specific AI can outperform generalist platforms.
The advantage comes from design. Strada wasn’t built to serve every industry. It was built for insurance from day one. That means it speaks the language of policies and claims, handles compliance automatically, and connects directly into the systems you already use. You don’t need workarounds or extra engineering to make it fit.
And here’s the bigger point: choosing the right AI now sets you up for the future. With a platform built for insurance, you’ll:
Retain more customers with faster, friendlier service.
Close sales quicker with real-time, accurate conversations.
Keep agents focused on the calls where empathy and trust matter most.
So yes, there is something better than Retell in 2025, if what you need is fluency in insurance, not just fluency in conversation.
And it’s Strada.
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Phone AI agents for insurance distribution
© 2025 Strada API, Inc.
Phone AI agents for insurance distribution
© 2025 Strada API, Inc.
Phone AI agents for insurance distribution
© 2025 Strada API, Inc.