Future of the insurance industry: People look for all kinds of insurance products online but are these insurance companies really offering good value? Where are the best insurance deals? These pages independent of the insurance industry, by Dr Patrick Dixon, Chairman of Global Change Ltd.
Insurance companies work by averaging risk, and taking a cut of premiums. Web-based insurance applications in theory allow insurance brokers to cherry-pick lowest risks and offer low premiums. But it is still hard to be sure your insurance quote really is the best.
Motor insurance, house buildings insurance, house contents insurance, health insurance, holiday insurance, life insurance - all these should be easy to fix online with instant quotes, electronic insurance contracts, e-mail confirmation. It's getting better for people living in some countries but there's a long way to go.
On the other hand, insurance companies themselves are worried about online "aggregators" - sites which gather many insurance products onto one page for price comparisons. They fear that insurance will just become a standard commodiy, driving prices and profits down. In theory good news for customers, but not if at the expense of good support.
Price of insurance may be given as guide only - not binding.
Some insurance companies quote only by e-mail or phone.
Insurance policies issued online may be invalid in law in some countries
Insurance may only apply to only one country - but is it yours?
Few global insurance brokers so far in terms of being able to offer for example auto cover in any territory with online application.
Difficult to get a one-click comparison of all policy premiums from different insurance companies, all with correct insurance data, and able to issue temporary cover immediately on payment of first insurance premium by credit card.
Sites offering quotes from many insurance companies rarely include the whole market - because some insurance companies are not prepared to pay them a commission. And that means the cheapest commission-free deals may not be on these insurance "portals".
You have no guarantee that all the best insurance deals are being presented fairly. Are the commission rates the same? Is the website steering you towards insurance policies which give the broker the highest return? A good site will show you exactly how much of your insurance premium will go to the broker - indeed a legal requirement in some countries.Some companies accept processing of a credit card payment as proof of insurance cover. In other words, if the insurance company takes payment on a certain day, it will appear on your statement as proof that they have agreed the policy. However there is still a problem for the insurance company to be sure you are who you say you are, that your address is correct, the details accurate. This is particularly an issue with payouts for insurance claims.
Global Trends and their impact on the insurance industry - Munich Re event for clients from Asia. How the insurance industry will be affected by wild cards (low probability, high impact events), why demographic forecasts for ageing and pensions liabilities are incorrect, the development of insurance industry in emerging markets, single issue activism and a rethink about business ethics.
Global Trends in Banking and Financial Services - executive training programme for senior teams at Credit Suisse, covering a broad range of issues that are likely to affect the bank and personal / corporate clients.
Managing risk in an uncertain world - Risk management client event for Zurich Financial Services in Lucerne Switzerland. How to manage risk more effectively, with clear vision of future potential liabilities and "wild cards". Many of the greatest risks are the hardest to measure - for example loss of brand value, reputation, sales and share value following high profile scandal. Risk management is becoming more complex and new strategies are needed, including better early warning systems.
I am currently doing a design project looking at what life extension means for the future of basics in society and very interested to have a chat with you re your ideas on life insurance and how this all could / would effect the state working age...
Also is extended life an option or is it the natural way of our human evolution?
All the best and look forward to your response,
Candyce
Hi Patrick,
I am currently doing a design project looking at what life extension means for the future of basics in society and very interested to have a chat with you re your ideas on life insurance and how this all could / would effect the state working age...
Also is extended life an option or is it the natural way of our human evolution?
All the best and look forward to your response,
Candyce