INDIA INSURANCE
LIC partners with AT Kearney for agency transformation initiative
LIC, in partnership with A.T. Kearney, launches 'Jeevan Samarth' to transform itself with global practices. CEO S Mohanty emphasized future-proofing 1.4 million agents. The project reviews branch, division, and zonal levels, addressing customers' evolving needs in savings, health insurance, ULIP, and pensions.
Insurance brokers may join govt efforts to expand Fasal Bima coverage
The government plans to involve insurance brokers in PMFBY to reach non-loanee farmers. This initiative aims to enhance enrollment and increase awareness for wider coverage and better penetration of the scheme.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
IRDAI asks life insurers to offer surrender value in first year
The regulator issued a master circular, which mandates insurers to pay special surrender value (SSVs) after the first policy year, provided one full year's premium has been received.
Irdai accepts registration withdrawal application of Paytm General Insurance
One97 Communications, owner of Paytm, will focus on distributing insurance products from various insurers after the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) accepted Paytm General Insurance's registration withdrawal application. This move aligns with Paytm's strategy to enhance insurance distribution across Health, Life, Motor, Shop, and Gadgets segments through its subsidiary, Paytm Insurance Broking Private Ltd (PIBL). Paytm aims to innovate small-ticket insurance products for consumers and merchants, leveraging its extensive distribution network to increase insurance penetration.
A 'kavach' helped 46,000 Indian women avoid deadly work during heat waves
In Ahmedabad, scorching temperatures above 43C for a week left laborers like Lataben Makwana facing deadly conditions. A program by ICICI Lombard provided relief, paying out $340,000 to 46,000 women when temperatures spiked. Led by SEWA, the initiative aims to expand, offering financial security to vulnerable workers impacted by climate change.
Life insurers to mandatorily provide loan facility against policies: Irdai
Issuing a master circular which consolidates all regulations with regards to life insurance policies, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) also said the free look period, which provides time to review the policy terms and conditions, is 30 days as against 15 days earlier.
Insurance helped 46,000 Indian women avoid deadly work during heat waves
During extreme heat waves, 46,000 Indian women in Ahmedabad received financial aid from an insurance program to stop work in hazardous conditions. The scheme, linked to temperature thresholds, provided payments allowing them to pause labor without losing wages, ensuring safety and sustaining their livelihoods.
General insurance companies can't reject claims for want of documents: Irdai
Irdai stated that general insurance companies cannot reject claims for lack of documents, introducing reforms in the business with a new master circular, repealing 13 others.
Consumer forum directs LIC to pay Rs 2 lakh claim to widow of policyholder
A consumer commission in Mumbai has directed the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) to pay a claim of Rs 2 lakh to the widow of a policyholder who was illiterate and unaware of the policy terms and conditions. The commission noted that guidelines from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) require all terms and conditions to be explained to the insured in a language known to them before taking their signature on the policy document.
Insurers worried over surrender value rule
Life insurance companies have expressed concerns over proposed regulatory changes that would offer higher surrender values to policyholders the first year itself. Industry representatives have sent their feedback saying that these reforms could severely impact profitability and policy persistence.
Reliance General Insurance's new accident policy covers EMI, loan liabilities
Reliance General Insurance has introduced a new accident policy, Reliance Personal Accident 360Shield, offering coverage for an individual's financial liabilities, hospitalisation expenses, and aftercare needs in case of an incident. The policy aims to provide 360-degree protection to individuals and families from the impact of personal accidents. The policy includes legal assistance and worldwide coverage.
LIC thinking of diving into health insurance pool, eyeing acquisitions
LIC is considering entering the health insurance sector, as reported by Times of India, quoting LIC chairman Siddhartha Mohanty. Mohanty stated that LIC is evaluating potential acquisition opportunities in this regard. This move aligns with expectations of the government permitting composite insurance companies in the sector.
10.46 lakh motor accident claims worth Rs 80,455 crore pending nationwide: RTI
The details have been provided by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) in response to the query filed by Supreme Court advocate K C Jain in April.
IRDAI introduces new corporate governance regulations for insurers
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has mandated that insurance companies must now seek prior approval for appointing their Board Chairperson. Current Chairpersons must comply with this regulation by March 31, 2026, or by the end of their terms, whichever comes first. IRDAI has introduced new corporate governance rules to prevent conflicts of interest in key management roles and to ensure that no individual holds multiple significant positions.
IPL insurance claims hit Rs 150 crore
This year, the tournament took Rs 10,000 crore insurance cover from New India Insurance, National Insurance, and United Insurance, insuring against revenue losses from events like rain cancellations. Matches between Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals and KKR, and Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans, were affected due to rains.
IRDAI relaxes procedural norms on expense of management, share transfer
IRDAI introduces new Master Circular, streamlining application procedures, ESOPs compliance, share transfers, and specifying timelines for prior approval and amalgamation guidelines. Reporting for capital forms and lock-in periods clarified.
IndiaFirst Life Insurance appoints Rushabh Gandhi as MD & CEO
IndiaFirst Life Insurance has announced the elevation of Rushabh Gandhi, currently the deputy CEO, as its new MD and CEO. Gandhi, with over 29 years of experience in Indian and international markets, will succeed R.M. Vishakha, who is retiring on June 30. Gandhi's appointment is effective July 1 or upon regulatory approvals. The move aligns with the company's succession planning, leveraging Gandhi's strategic vision and experience in driving growth and profitability. His appointment is subject to IRDAI approval and other statutory clearances.
IPL washout spurs potential insurance claims of Rs 50-60 crore
The rain-induced washout of the Gujarat Titans versus Kolkata Knight Riders match on Monday has sparked concerns about revenue losses, leading sponsors and franchise owners to contemplate submitting claims to insurance providers. For this year's Indian Premier League (IPL), insurance coverage totaling Rs. 10,000 crore was procured from insurers such as New India Assurance, National Insurance Company, and United Insurance.
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