INSURTECH RISING

INSURTECH START-UPS' USE OF DATA-DRIVEN TECHNOLOGIES IS ENABLING INNOVATION ACROSS THE INSURANCE VALUE CHAIN, AND IS BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN POLICYHOLDERS AND INSURERS

- TEENA JAIN KAUSHAL

HOW INSURTECHS ARE BENEFITTING POLICYHOLDERS

CUSTOMERS ARE SPOILT FOR CHOICE, AND THEY ALSO GET GOOD SERVICE

1. Customised product offerings that suit policyholders' needs

2. Product innovation for niche segments like cycle insurance, fitness insurance

3. Timely resolution of claims, servicing, and grievances

4. Issuance of policy digitally, without the requirement of physical touch-points

5. Embedded insurance solutions like the one offered at the time of buying a new mobile phone

6. Hassle-free and faster claim settlements

PICTURE YOURSELF DRIVING a car. While pulling into your destination, you hit a lamp post in the parking lot. You quickly take a picture of the damage done to your bumper and upload it on the app of your insurance company. By the time you think of taking the car to the nearest garage, the insurance company confirms that your claim has been approved and the money gets credited to your account. While many such technologies are available for customers already, a fully integrated and automated claim settlement process is still a bit distant in India.

The good news-digitalisation has started transforming various aspects of the insurance industry and the time may not be too far when, after the accident, your insurance company immediately tells you how your careless driving led to an increase in future premium payments and, consequently, the money gets deducted from your account. Phew! Far away, but entirely plausible.