Insure
Truecaller, HDFC ERGO tie up for insurance product to safeguard subscribers from digital frauds
Caller identification app Truecaller on Thursday said it has collaborated with general insurance company HDFC ERGO for an offering that aims to safeguard subscribers against digital communication frauds in India. Truecaller in a release said that amid rising cases of cyber fraud, the insurance offering underscores its commitment to combating fraud and ensuring user protection through advanced app features - before, during and after mobile communication.
Three state insurers may get Rs 5,000-cr infusion for revival
The Indian government may delay the planned privatisation of state-run general insurers, instead focusing on strengthening three insurers - Oriental Insurance Co. Ltd, National Insurance Co. Ltd, and United India Insurance Co. Ltd - through capital support and business revival plans. The government is expected to infuse about ₹5,000 crore into the insurers this fiscal, shelving any privatisation plan this fiscal.
Nearly 70% health claim users opting for reimbursement mode don't have enough liquid savings to pay bills: Survey
A recent study highlighted challenges faced by health insurance policyholders opting for reimbursement, often resorting to borrowing or dipping into savings for medical bills. Despite expanded coverage, 68% lacked adequate savings for expenses. Cashless treatment remains preferred, with 89% satisfaction, compared to 79% for reimbursements. Delays post-discharge also impact satisfaction.
SBI General Insurance appoints Naveen Chandra Jha as MD & CEO
During the year ended on March 31, 2024, the bank infused additional capital of Rs 489.67 crore in SBI General Insurance Company Ltd. The company has also allotted ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) to employees and consequently, the bank's stake has decreased from 69.95 per cent to 69.11 per cent.
SBI General Insurance announces Naveen Chandra Jha as its new MD & CEO
Naveen Chandra Jha leads SBI General Insurance, overseeing operations, growth, and strategic initiatives with a focus on SME credit, HR, and retail banking. Under his leadership, the company expanded to 143 branches, achieving a 17% increase in gross written premium in FY24.
InsurTech firm ACKO drives into car repair and service space
ACKO, the Bengaluru-based insurtech firm, is expanding into car servicing and repair with its ACKO Drive Service Centres, targeting cars out of warranty. Initially launched in Bengaluru, plans include centres in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Chennai. Aiming to reach 100 centres in three years, ACKO seeks to capitalize on the growing $25 billion car service market.
Zurich Insurance set to raise India headcount by 40% in next three years
“India will soon be the world’s third largest economy, the largest working age population, the biggest middle class amongst emerging markets, the strongest route of growth in the G20 for insurance,” Tulsi Naidu, chief executive officer for Asia Pacific, said in an interview.
HDFC ERGO General Insurance elevates Anuj Tyagi as MD and CEO
HDFC ERGO General Insurance promoted Anuj Tyagi as the new managing director and chief executive, succeeding Ritesh Kumar effective July 1. Tyagi, with the company since 2008, previously served as joint managing director. Kumar will transition to ERGO International's board and become the deputy COO focusing on Asian growth markets. The appointment is pending approvals.
Have conviction in India story, want to be fully present: Zurich Insurance Group's Tulsi Naidu
Zurich Insurance Group has acquired a 70% stake in Kotak General Insurance, making it the largest foreign investment in the insurance sector and the first stake acquisition by an overseas insurer since the FDI limit was raised to 74% in 2021. The company's CEO, Tulsi Naidu, believes that owning and operating their own business is essential in a significant market like India. The company has considered investing in India for a long time, especially after the liberalisation of FDI rules.
Reinsurance and coinsurance not under tax ambit
The GST Council also recommended clarifications on taxability of reimbursements of securities or shares as employee stock option plans given by a company to its workers. Officials said exemptions would be conditional and notified later. Coinsurance, in this instance, refers to insurers sharing insurance-bearing liabilities. Reinsurance is the cover an insurer buys to insure itself through the payment of premiums.
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WebEngage, InfoAxon partner with Reliance General Insurance to digitise customer experiences
WebEngage and InfoAxon partner with Reliance General Insurance to enhance customer engagement and offer personalized experiences.
Axis Bank entities to up stake in Max Life Insurance at Rs 336 crore
Axis Bank and its subsidiaries have approved increasing their stake in Max Life Insurance to 19.99% through a Rs 336 crore cash deal. This move aims to bolster Axis Bank's presence in the life insurance sector, following earlier regulatory approvals for equity infusion in Max Life.
Indian deposit insurer way behind global peers in processing reimbursements: RBI Deputy Governor
RBI deputy governor Michael Patra highlighted that India's deposit insurer DICGC lagged behind international counterparts in processing reimbursements, taking over a month compared to IADI's target of seven days. Challenges such as data quality, identification issues, and lack of alternative bank accounts hinder quick payouts. India mandates deposit insurance for all banks, covering 1,997 institutions, with a coverage limit of Rs 5 lakh per depositor. Patra emphasised the need for improved risk management and crisis frameworks in light of evolving challenges, such as climate change impacting financial systems.
Star Health looking to grow 18%, improve claims ratio by 50 bps: Anand Roy, CEO
Star Health & Allied Insurance expects 18-20% growth in gross written premiums this year, aiming to double premium income in four years. CEO Anand Roy discussed the company's strategies with Shilpy Sinha.
No formal proposal to enter health insurance, says LIC
Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) has clarified that there is currently no formal proposal for it to enter the health insurance space. This clarification comes amid expectations that composite licenses may be permitted by amending the Insurance Act, which currently does not allow life insurers to underwrite health insurance policies. A parliamentary panel had earlier suggested the introduction of composite licensing for insurers to undertake life, general, or health insurance under one entity, which could lead to cost savings and offer customers more choice and value.
Life insurers' margins may take a hit on early surrender directive
Insurance companies in Mumbai are adapting to IRDAI's directives on surrender values, anticipating an impact on new business margins. Insurers are exploring changes in their business models to align with the new regulations and focus on growth over profitability.
INSURE STOCKS
NSEBSE
| Company Name | Latest | Change | %Change | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDFC Bank Ltd. | 1696.15 | -5.35 | -0.32 | 27537325 |
| ICICI Bank Ltd. | 1219.9 | 1.91 | 0.16 | 20516632 |
| State Bank of India | 844 | -1.36 | -0.16 | 20378887 |
| Axis Bank Ltd. | 1288.95 | 3.55 | 0.28 | 22311393 |
| Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. | 1830.55 | 32.4 | 1.81 | 13342769 |
