The Impact of Technology on Modern Insurance Policy: From Paperwork to Digital
Technology has transformed every aspect of your lives, from communicating to working, shopping, traveling, and entertaining ourselves. But what about how you protect yourself from unforeseen risks and uncertainties? How has technology changed how you buy and use insurance products and services?
The insurance industry is one of the world’s oldest and most traditional sectors, but it is also one of the most dynamic and innovative ones. By integrating technologies like Artificial Intelligence, big data, and machine learning, insurers are trying to provide more efficient and customer-centric solutions that meet consumers’ growing needs and expectations. Let’s understand technology’s impact on the insurance sector in detail.
How Technology Has Transformed Insurance
Technology has transformed insurance policy in the following ways:
Product Innovation
Technology has simplified the concept of what is life insurance. It enables insurers to offer more customised and flexible products to suit the needs and preferences of different customers. Let’s take the example of usage-based insurance (UBI). Under UBI, the premium is based on how much or how well you drive rather than a fixed amount. Insurers use telematics devices or mobile apps to monitor mileage, speed, braking, and the time of day you drive.
Technology has also led to innovative products that cater to emerging risks and opportunities. Some of these include cyber insurance, health insurance for COVID-19, and micro-insurance for low-income segments.
Multi-Distribution
Technology has helped to expand the distribution channels for insurance products. It has made them accessible and convenient for customers. You can now buy insurance online through websites, apps, chatbots, or aggregators that offer comparisons and recommend the best options. You can purchase insurance offline through agents, brokers, or bancassurance partners who use digital tools to enhance service quality and efficiency. You can also buy insurance through non-traditional channels such as e-commerce platforms, telecom operators, or FinTech companies that leverage their customer base and data to cross-sell insurance products.
Better Claims Management
With the use of technology, making an insurance claim is now faster, simpler, and more transparent. You can now file claims online through self-service portals or mobile apps that guide you through the steps and requirements. You can also track the status of your claim in real time and get instant updates and notifications.
Insurers have started using technology to automate and streamline claims processing and settlement by using artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, or smart contracts. These technologies help reduce fraud, errors, delays, and disputes in claims.
How does Technology Benefit You as a Customer?
As a customer, technology has improved insurance policies many folds. Here are some of the benefits that you can enjoy:
More Choice and Control
Technology gives you more choice and control over your insurance products and services. You can narrow down the products that suit your necessities and budget. You can also customise your products. Customisation is available for features, benefits, riders, or add-ons you want. You can also take control of policy details, such as premium payment mode, frequency of payments, or duration of the policy. Technology also allows you to access your policy documents through digital platforms, anytime and anywhere.
Many online forums provide customer reviews and discussions regarding companies and products. You can go through these discussions to know other people’s experiences regarding certain companies or types of insurance. This will help you make an informed decision.
More Convenience and Comfort
Technology makes your insurance journey more convenient and comfortable, saving you time, money, and effort. You can buy insurance online from the comfort of your home or office without any paperwork or physical verification.
Paying your premium through net banking, credit card, debit card, UPI, or wallets is also possible. That’s not all. You can make claims online without any hassle or delay. You can also get support from chatbots or customer care executives who are available 24/7.
More Transparency and Trust
Technology makes your insurance experience more transparent and trustworthy. It helps to provide precise and accurate information about your products and services. You can search and compare different products online. This comparison can be on their features, benefits, prices, ratings, reviews, or testimonials. You can also read the terms and conditions of your policy carefully before buying it. You also receive regular updates and alerts about your policy status, premium due date, claim status, or renewal date. What’s more? Giving feedback, raising complaints online, and getting prompt resolution is also easy.
Security
Being able to track your policy and related information provides you with better control over your policy account. You can track the premiums you have paid and the premiums that are due. Such accessibility protects you from fraudulent calls regarding premium payments. Moreover, you have access to 24/7 customer support which can be used to report any suspicious activity, calls or emails regarding your policy.
Conclusion
To sum up? Technology is changing how life insurance works for both the insurance company and you, the customer. For the insurance company, it helps them provide better and smarter insurance options. For you, it assists in making your experience hassle-free so you can choose the most suitable insurance for your needs.
With improvements like accessibility, 24/7 customer support, flexible payment options, and transparency, it’s right to say that technology has impacted modern insurance policy for good!
