The insurance industry has experienced immense growth over the last few decades, with insurance companies becoming increasingly important in our lives, both professionally and personally. One such significant growth area of insurance is online insurance. Many insurance companies today offer comprehensive insurance policies online, reducing the need for physical interaction with agents or company representatives. Online insurance has seen significant growth over the years, which has impacted the insurance industry positively. In this article, we will explore the rise of online insurance and its impact on the industry.
What is Online Insurance?
Online insurance refers to the process of purchasing an insurance policy through an online platform. This type of insurance does away with the intermediaries, like agents or brokers, and users can complete the entire insurance process online from the comfort of their homes. The insurance provider offers policy details and relevant information that users can evaluate online and make an informed decision. Users can directly purchase a policy from the company through the online platform, making it a more convenient and efficient process.
The Rise of Online Insurance
The rise of online insurance can be attributed to several factors. One of the primary reasons is the penetration of the internet and smartphones in the country. With the increasing usage of digital platforms, customers are looking for more convenient and secure ways to manage their finances, including insurance. Moreover, a combination of attractive premiums, discounts, and additional benefits for customers has led to an increase in the use of online insurance services.
Impact of Online Insurance in the Insurance Industry
Online insurance is viewed as a significant disruptor in the insurance industry. It has impacted the industry’s growth positively and provided significant advantages over traditional insurance sales channels. The following are some ways that the rise of online insurance has impacted the industry.
1. Reduced Overheads: With online insurance sales channels, insurance companies can reduce their operational costs substantially. They no longer need to pay high commissions to agents or brokers or maintain robust physical infrastructure, like offices or meeting rooms for visits or consultations. This led to reduced premiums for customers.
2. Increased Customer Base: Online insurance sales channels have opened up the insurance market for companies, allowing them to reach vast audiences across the country. They are no longer confined by geographical limitations and can offer policies to customers who reside in remote locations. This has helped insurance companies expand their customer base phenomenally.
3. Enhanced Customer Experience: Online insurance provides customers with the convenience of buying insurance policies in the comfort of their homes without the need for physical interaction with agents. The online platform provides customers with relevant information, including details of policy premiums, deductibles, coverages, and other offerings, allowing them to make an informed decision.
4. Reducing Fraud: Online insurance sales channels have introduced security measures that help in reducing fraud, making it difficult for fraudsters to take advantage of said platforms. This makes online insurance stand out from traditional insurance sales channels.
5. Improved Efficiency: With online insurance, customers can quickly evaluate policy details, make payments, and renewals using the online platform. It is an excellent approach for those customers who value security and efficiency, delivering a significant reduction in the time taken to renew or claim an insurance policy.
Popular Insurance Apps in India
1. Bajaj Finserv App – Bajaj Finserv is a popular financial services company in India that offers customers a comprehensive insurance app. The app offers a range of services, including purchasing and managing insurance policies, renewals, premium payments, and filing claims. Customers can access all these services in one location, making it easier for them to manage their insurance policies.
2. PolicyBazaar – PolicyBazaar is another leading insurance app in India that offers a variety of services to customers. Customers can use the app to compare different insurance policies from multiple insurers, purchase insurance policies, and renew insurance policies. The app has a simple interface that is easy to navigate.
3. HDFC Life Insurance – The HDFC Life Insurance app allows customers to purchase and manage their HDFC Life Insurance policies through the app. The app offers features like policy renewals, premium payments, and claims processing. Customers using the app can access real-time data on their policy details, including policy benefits, premium payments due, and more.
4. LIC India – The LIC India app offers customers a range of services, including policy purchases, premium payments, policy renewals, and claims processing. The app has a simple interface that is easy to navigate.
Benefits of Insurance Apps
1. Convenience
One of the most significant benefit of insurance apps is the convenience they offer. Customers no longer need to visit the insurance company’s office physically for insurance-related paperwork, as they can complete most tasks through the app. Insurance apps provide 24/7 access to policy details, and customers can purchase, renew or update their insurance policies at any time of their choice.
2. Easy Payment Options
Many insurance apps offer easy payment options that are secure and convenient. Customers can choose to pay their premiums through the app using multiple payment modes such as debit cards, credit cards, net banking, or UPI. This allows for more flexibility in payment options for customers, helping them make payments without any hassle.
3. Real-Time Data
Insurance apps provide customers with real-time data on all aspects of their insurance policies. This information can include policy details, premiums due, and the status of any claims filed. Customers can easily access this information through the app and keep track of their policies more efficiently.
4. Better Risk Assessment
Insurance apps can help customers make better decisions by offering them customized policy suggestions based on their needs and risk profile. Insurance apps offer policy calculators which determine a customer’s insurance coverage needs based on their financial goals and existing policies. With this information, customers can make better-informed decisions about their insurance coverage.
5. Streamlined Claims Processing
Insurance apps allow customers to file claims and track the status of their claims more efficiently. With the help of these apps, customers can upload scanned copies of documents and necessary information required for claim settlement. This ensures that claims are settled quickly without any delays, providing customers peace of mind during otherwise stressful times.
Conclusion
The rise of online insurance has been a game-changer for the insurance industry, providing service providers with the opportunity to offer their services to a broader and more diverse customer base. Online insurance provides customers with the convenience and flexibility of purchasing an insurance policy without any physical interaction with agents or brokers. Although some people may choose to still opt for traditional insurance sales channels, online insurance has made the process of buying and renewing insurance policies fast and less cumbersome. Insurance companies have to incorporate online insurance channels into their business models to stay competitive in the market.
