Insurance Talk with Mark Bromhead Archives

5Sep

Understanding Gen Z and Their Views on Life Insurance

Gen Z is a generation that has grown up in an age of economic uncertainty, high levels of student debt, and a rapidly changing job market. As a result, they have different views on financial planning, including life insurance.

Many of them have a more sceptical view of traditional financial products and are looking for more personalized, flexible options that align with their values. This article will explore how Gen Z views life insurance and why protecting their future is important.

Despite the differences in their views on financial planning, life insurance is still a crucial component of Gen Z’s financial security. It provides a safety net for their loved ones in case of unexpected events, such as illness or death. It also helps cover expenses like funeral costs, outstanding debts, and mortgages. However, many Gen Z individuals are unaware of the benefits of life insurance or how to navigate the options available.

Challenges Faced by Gen Z When Considering Life Insurance

Gen Z faces unique challenges when it comes to life insurance. Some of the challenges include:

1. Limited understanding of life insurance and its benefits

2. Lack of awareness of different types of life insurance policies

3. Difficulty in finding affordable policies that fit their budgets

4. Lack of trust in insurance companies

Top Factors Considered by Gen Z When Choosing Life Insurance

Gen Z looks for policies that align with their values and offer flexibility when considering life insurance.

– Customization: Gen Z wants a policy that is tailored to their specific needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

– Affordability: Many Gen Z individuals are just starting their careers and have limited budgets. They need a policy that is affordable and fits within their financial constraints.

– Convenience: Gen Z wants a policy that is easy to understand and manage, with online tools and resources.

– Social responsibility: Gen Z values companies that prioritize social responsibility and sustainability. They are more likely to choose an insurance company that aligns with their values.

How Gen Z Can Choose the Right Life Insurance Policy

Choosing the right life insurance policy can be overwhelming, but there are steps that Gen Z can take to make the process easier:

– Determine their coverage needs: Gen Z should consider their financial obligations, such as debts, mortgages, and dependents, to determine how much coverage they need.

– Understand the types of policies available: There are two main types of life insurance policies: term and permanent. Gen Z should research and understand the differences to determine which type is best for them.

– Compare policies and rates: Gen Z should compare policies and rates from multiple providers to find the best coverage for their needs and budget.

– Check the financial stability of the insurance company: It’s important to choose an insurance company with a strong financial rating to ensure that they will be able to pay out claims in the future.

Encouraging Gen Z to Protect Their Future

Gen Z faces unique challenges and has different attitudes towards life insurance compared to previous generations. However, life insurance is still an important component of their financial security. By understanding the factors they consider when choosing a policy and following the steps to choose the right coverage, Gen Z can protect their future and provide peace of mind for themselves and their loved ones.

4Aug

Cyber Liability Insurance: Safeguarding Your Business in the Digital Age

In today’s interconnected world, especially in Hong Kong, businesses rely heavily on technology and digital platforms to operate efficiently and effectively. While this digital transformation has brought numerous benefits, it has also exposed businesses to new risks and vulnerabilities. Cyberattacks, data breaches, and other cyber incidents can have serious financial and reputational consequences. This is where cyber liability insurance comes into play.

Understanding Cyber Liability Insurance

Cyber liability insurance, also known as cyber insurance, is a type of insurance coverage designed to protect businesses from the financial losses and liabilities associated with cyber-related incidents. These incidents can include data breaches, hacking attacks, ransomware, malware infections, and other forms of cybercrime.

Key Components of Cyber Liability Insurance

1. Data Breach Coverage: This aspect of cyber liability insurance helps cover the costs associated with a data breach. This could include expenses for notifying affected individuals, credit monitoring services, legal fees, and public relations efforts to manage the reputational fallout.

2. Third-Party Liability: If your business’s cyber incident results in legal claims from customers, clients, or other affected parties, cyber liability insurance can help cover the costs of legal defence, settlements, or judgments.

3. First-Party Coverage: This component addresses the costs incurred by your business directly due to a cyber incident. It can include expenses for forensic investigations, data restoration, business interruption losses, and even extortion payments in the case of ransomware attacks.

4. Regulatory Compliance Costs: Depending on your industry and location, you might be subject to specific data protection and cybersecurity regulations. Cyber insurance can help cover costs related to regulatory compliance, including fines and penalties.

5. Crisis Management and Public Relations: If a cyber incident becomes public knowledge, your business’s reputation could be at stake. Cyber liability insurance can provide coverage for crisis management and public relations efforts to mitigate reputational damage.

Why Cyber Liability Insurance Matters

1. Rising Cyber Threats: Cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated, targeting businesses of all sizes. Even small businesses can be vulnerable, as hackers often view them as easier targets with potentially weaker cybersecurity defenses.

2. Financial Protection: Recovering from a cyber incident can be expensive. Costs can include legal fees, IT forensics, notifying affected parties, and repairing damaged systems. Cyber liability insurance helps offset these costs and prevents a significant financial strain on your business.

2. Reputation Management: A cyber incident can erode customer trust and damage your business’s reputation. Having cyber liability insurance can provide resources for managing the public relations aspect of such incidents, helping you rebuild trust with stakeholders.

3. Legal and Regulatory Consequences: Failing to adequately protect customer data can result in legal consequences and regulatory fines depending on your location and industry. Cyber insurance can help cover these expenses and ensure compliance.

4. Business Continuity: Cyber incidents can disrupt your business operations, leading to revenue loss and operational challenges. Cyber liability insurance can provide coverage for business interruption and help you get back on track faster.

Is Cyber Liability Insurance Right for Your Business?

The short answer for Hong Kong businesses is “yes”.

Every business is unique, and the need for cyber liability insurance depends on factors such as your industry, the volume of sensitive data you handle, and your overall cybersecurity posture. If your business processes customer data, conducts transactions online, or relies heavily on digital operations, cyber liability insurance can be a valuable investment to protect against cyber risks.

Before purchasing cyber liability insurance in Hong Kong, evaluate your business’s specific cyber risks, review policy terms and coverage limits, and consult with insurance professionals to ensure you’re getting the right coverage for your needs. With the right cyber liability insurance in place, you can navigate the digital landscape with greater confidence and resilience.

30Jul

Hong Kong Small Business Insurance 101: Your Go-To Guide

If you’re a small business owner in Hong Kong, you understand the dedication and hard work it takes to build and sustain your enterprise. Protecting your business against unforeseen risks is just as important as nurturing its growth. This article serves as your comprehensive guide to small business insurance, offering insights tailored to the Hong Kong market.

Understanding Small Business Insurance

Small business insurance is a safeguard that helps protect your company from various risks and liabilities. It provides financial assistance in case of unexpected events that could otherwise lead to substantial losses. In Hong Kong’s dynamic business environment, having the right insurance coverage is crucial for your peace of mind and business sustainability.

Common Types of Small Business Insurance in Hong Kong

Property Insurance: This coverage safeguards your physical assets, such as your business premises, inventory, equipment, and furnishings. In case of events like fire, natural disasters, or theft, property insurance helps you recover financially.
Liability Insurance: Liability coverage shields your business from legal claims arising from injuries, property damage, or accidents that occur on your premises. It also extends to product liability, protecting you if a product you sell causes harm to customers.
Cyber Insurance: Also known as cyber insurance, is a type of insurance coverage designed to protect businesses from the financial losses and liabilities associated with cyber-related incidents. These incidents can include data breaches, hacking attacks, ransomware, malware infections, and other forms of cybercrime.
Business Interruption Insurance: If your business operations are disrupted due to unforeseen events, such as a fire or natural disaster, business interruption insurance covers the loss of income and ongoing expenses during the downtime.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance: If you have employees, workers’ compensation insurance is mandatory in Hong Kong. It covers medical expenses and lost wages if an employee gets injured or becomes ill due to work-related activities.
Professional Indemnity Insurance: Especially relevant for service-based businesses, this insurance protects against claims of professional negligence or errors that lead to financial losses for clients.

Customizing Coverage for Your Business

Every business is unique, so your insurance needs may vary. When choosing coverage, consider factors like your industry, size, location, and the nature of your operations. Consulting with an insurance professional who understands the Hong Kong market can help you identify the right coverage to protect your specific business risks.

Affordability and Coverage Balancing Act

While securing your business is essential, managing costs is also crucial. Premiums for small business insurance in Hong Kong vary based on factors like coverage limits, deductibles, and the type of business. It’s a balancing act between having adequate coverage and maintaining affordability.

Navigating the Insurance Landscape in Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s insurance industry is well-regulated and offers a variety of insurance providers and brokers. Before purchasing a policy, thoroughly research the reputation and credibility of the insurance company. Check if they have experience serving businesses like yours and evaluate their claim settlement process.

Partnering with an Insurance Professional

Navigating the nuances of small business insurance can be complex, especially in a bustling city like Hong Kong. Engaging with an experienced insurance professional can be immensely helpful. They can assess your business risks, recommend appropriate coverage, and guide you through the policy selection process.

Small business insurance is a strategic investment that protects your hard work and dedication from unforeseen challenges. As a business owner in Hong Kong, it’s your responsibility to understand the insurance options available and choose the coverage that aligns with your business goals and risk tolerance. By securing your business with the right insurance, you’re building a solid foundation for its continued success.

15May

Retirement Planning for Millennials: Steps to Financial Security

Millennials are facing unique financial challenges that make retirement planning particularly difficult. From high levels of debt to low wages and job insecurity, this generation has a lot to overcome in order to retire with financial security.

Despite these challenges, it’s important for Millennials to start planning for retirement as early as possible. The earlier you start, the more time you have to save and invest, and the better your chances of achieving financial security in retirement.

The Challenges

High levels of debt: Millennials are burdened with high levels of student loan debt, credit card debt, and other forms of debt. This can make it difficult to save for retirement, as a significant portion of their income goes towards paying off debt.

Lack of savings: Many Millennials struggle to save money, either due to high living expenses, low wages, or a combination of both. This can make it difficult to build a nest egg for retirement.

Low wages and job insecurity: Millennials are often stuck in low-paying jobs with limited opportunities for advancement. This, combined with job insecurity, can make it difficult to plan for the future.

Uncertainty about the future of Social Security: There is a great deal of uncertainty surrounding the future of Social Security, which is a key source of retirement income for many Americans. Millennials are particularly concerned about whether or not Social Security will be available to them when they retire.

Steps to Retire with Financial Security

Start early: One of the most important steps Millennials can take to retire with financial security is to start saving and investing early. The earlier you start, the more time your money has to grow through compound interest.

Create a budget: Creating and sticking to a budget is a crucial step in achieving financial security. By tracking your expenses and finding areas to cut back, you can free up more money to save and invest for retirement.

Pay off debt: Paying off debt should be a top priority for Millennials looking to retire with financial security. The less debt you have, the more money you have available to save and invest for retirement.

Invest in a retirement account: Investing in a retirement account is a great way to save for retirement. These accounts offer tax advantages and can help your money grow over time.

Educate yourself about personal finance: Educating yourself about personal finance is essential for retirement planning. By understanding investing, budgeting, and other financial concepts, you can make informed decisions about your money.

Consider additional sources of income: In addition to saving and investing, consider finding additional sources of income, such as a side job or freelance work. This can help you save more money for retirement and achieve financial security sooner.

Plan for unexpected expenses: It’s important to plan for unexpected expenses, such as medical bills or home repairs. By having an emergency fund in place, you can avoid dipping into your retirement savings and maintain your financial security.

Make sure you have health and life insurance: Getting sick can throw a huge curve ball to anyone’s finances. Having both health insurance and life insurance eliminates a lot of the worry and uncertainty that these events bring.

We help expats find the best insurance covers in Hong Kong. Connect with us to learn more.

2Apr

How AI Can Improve Your Brick and Mortar Store

Hong Kong’s retail market is highly competitive, and businesses need to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies to remain competitive. The rise of e-commerce has brought new challenges to brick-and-mortar businesses, but it has also opened up new opportunities for innovation. One of the most promising technologies for retailers is artificial intelligence (AI). In this blog post, we will discuss how AI can affect brick and mortar businesses in Hong Kong and how they can use AI to their benefit.

Benefits of AI for Brick and Mortar Businesses in Hong Kong

a. Automation – One of the primary benefits of AI for brick and mortar businesses in Hong Kong is automation. AI can automate routine tasks such as inventory management, ordering, and checkout, freeing up employees’ time to focus on higher-value tasks. Automation can also reduce errors and improve efficiency, resulting in cost savings and improved profitability.

b. Personalization – Another significant benefit of AI for brick and mortar businesses in Hong Kong is personalization. AI can help businesses provide a unique shopping experience for customers by analyzing their preferences and behaviors. For example, AI-powered recommendation engines can suggest products that a customer is likely to be interested in based on their purchase history or browsing behavior. Personalization can help businesses build customer loyalty and drive repeat purchases.

c. Customer Service – AI can also improve customer service in brick-and-mortar businesses in Hong Kong. AI-powered chatbots can provide instant responses to customer inquiries, freeing up employees’ time and providing 24/7 customer support. AI can also help businesses identify and resolve customer issues more quickly, resulting in higher customer satisfaction.

d. Inventory Management – AI can help businesses optimize their inventory management, ensuring that they have the right products at the right time. By analyzing customer data and historical sales trends, AI-powered inventory management systems can make accurate demand forecasts and suggest optimal stock levels. This can help businesses reduce waste and avoid stockouts, improving profitability.

e. Data Analysis – Finally, AI can help businesses in Hong Kong analyze customer data to gain insights into their preferences and behaviors. By analyzing customer data from multiple sources, such as sales transactions, social media, and website analytics, businesses can gain a deeper understanding of their customers’ needs and preferences. This can help businesses develop more effective marketing campaigns, product offerings, and customer engagement strategies.

Implementing AI in Brick and Mortar Businesses in Hong Kong

a. Identify Business Needs – The first step in implementing AI in a brick and mortar business in Hong Kong is to identify the business’s specific needs. For example, a business might need help with inventory management, customer service, or personalization. By identifying the specific areas where AI can provide the most value, businesses can choose the right AI solutions and allocate resources effectively.

b. Choose the Right AI Solutions – Once a business has identified its needs, the next step is to choose the right AI solutions. There are many different AI solutions available, from chatbots to recommendation engines to inventory management systems. It’s important to choose solutions that are tailored to the business’s specific needs and goals.

c. Invest in Employee Training – Implementing AI in a brick and mortar business in Hong Kong will likely require employees to learn new skills and adapt to new processes. It’s important to invest in employee training to ensure that employees are comfortable with the new technologies and can use them effectively.

d. Monitor and Measure – Results Finally, it’s important to monitor and measure the results of implementing AI in a brick and mortar business in Hong Kong. By tracking metrics such as sales, customer satisfaction, and efficiency, businesses can determine whether the AI solutions are providing the expected benefits. This information can be used to make adjustments and improvements over time.

AI can have a significant impact on brick and mortar businesses in Hong Kong. By leveraging AI, businesses can improve efficiency, enhance customer experience, and optimize operations. To implement AI effectively, businesses should identify their specific needs, choose the right AI solutions, invest in employee training, and monitor and measure results. With the right approach, brick and mortar businesses in Hong Kong can stay competitive in a fast-changing retail market.

Don’t Forget to Have Insurance If You Decide to Integrate Business with AI

If a brick and mortar business uses AI for some of its operational processes, it is important to have the appropriate insurance coverage to mitigate potential risks associated with the use of AI.

One type of insurance to consider is cyber liability insurance, which covers losses from data breaches, cyber-attacks, and other technology-related risks. This can help protect against potential lawsuits or claims arising from the use of AI in their business operations.

Another type of insurance to consider is errors and omissions insurance, which provides coverage for professional negligence or failure to perform professional duties. This can be especially important if the AI system used by the business provides services or advice to customers, as errors or mistakes made by the AI system could lead to liability claims.

In addition, it may be beneficial for the business to consult with a specialized insurance provider that understands the unique risks associated with AI use and can help tailor coverage to fit their specific needs.

7Mar

How Insurance Companies Can Become Better at Using AI

Insurers Can Use AI to Improve Customer Experience, Develop New Products and Optimize Sales and Marketing Strategies

The insurance industry is ripe for disruption through the use of artificial intelligence (AI). Insurers that are able to integrate AI into every part of their business—from business process optimization to delivering reimagined products, services, and experiences to customers—can move into the achiever category to realize greater value.

Carriers looking to gain momentum with their AI investments can find opportunities in the front office and build out their next phase of growth. Our study explored three key front office use cases that I’ll be diving into in this post: customer experience, product and service development, and sales and marketing.

Customer Experience Intelligence and Journey Automation

When it comes to customer experience optimization, insurers are beginning to make progress compared to other industries—yet they are still in the early stages of AI activation.

Many insurers have invested in developing a single view of the customer and have been able to understand what products customers own, if they have recently made a claim or whether they have received a quote for another product.

While some insurers are starting to gain a better understanding of the interactions they have with a given customer, most insurers struggle to connect the customer journey across multiple channels and touchpoints. Far fewer are able to use those insights to understand the breakpoints in that experience and address them systematically.

Though many insurers have invested in customer relationship management (CRM) platforms to share customer insights across the enterprise, few have layered in AI to use those insights to orchestrate highly personalized customer experiences that span marketing, sales, service, and claims. Leading CRM vendors are integrating AI capabilities into their platforms, making it easier to embed out-of-the-box AI models into any workflow. Choosing such technology is a major opportunity to create omnichannel experiences and build a truly holistic view of each customer.

When it comes to automating parts of the customer journey, conversational AI remains a largely untapped opportunity for the insurance industry as a whole. Those that are creating self-contained conversational experiences that satisfy customers’ needs—rather than simply answering FAQs or pointing customers to where they can get help—are generating higher levels of satisfaction with significant customer service cost savings and reduced reliance on a challenging labor market.

New Product and Service Development

Recently, Accenture found that 88% of executives think their customers’ needs are changing faster than their businesses can keep up with. Factors like climate change and economic uncertainty are forcing customers to adapt to circumstances that are out of their control, moving through territory as they try to make the decisions that are best for them. Our research revealed a need for companies to shift from focusing on customer as consumer to developing a nuanced understanding of the customer as a multifaceted human being with complex and often contradictory desires.

This shift from customer-centricity to an approach we’ve coined “life-centricity” is especially relevant for carriers as they develop products. AI can help carriers widen their understanding of customer behavior and move outside of cookie-cutter customer profiles with data insights. It can help them build offerings that can be tailored to the needs and habits of customers as they move through their life, seamlessly recommending or upgrading individuals’ products to respond to events like the purchase of a new home or providing coverage as climate change reshapes natural disaster risk.

There are plenty of opportunities for insurers to create new products and services that use AI to realize more value and deliver enhanced experiences. We’re already seeing many carriers implementing AI in their auto insurance products to assess driver behavior and offer pay-as-you-drive policies.

As IoT and wearable technology improves, carriers will be able to use AI to gain an even deeper understanding of customer behaviors, meeting their needs and predicting what their needs might be in the future.

Insurers that are looking to gain momentum with their AI investments should focus on the front office, where there are significant opportunities to improve customer experience, develop new products and services, and optimize sales and marketing activities. By leveraging AI to power total enterprise reinvention, carriers can move into the Achiever category and realize greater value.

When it comes to customer experience, insurers should focus on building a single view of the customer, integrating AI capabilities into their CRM platforms, and creating conversational AI experiences that satisfy customers’ needs. For product and service development, insurers should shift from customer-centricity to life-centricity, using AI to widen their understanding of customer behavior and build offerings that can be tailored to customers’ needs and habits. Finally, for sales and marketing optimization, carriers should leverage AI to personalize customer interactions, optimize marketing spend, and identify potential cross-selling and upselling opportunities.

While implementing AI can be a daunting task, carriers that are able to successfully integrate AI into their front office operations will be well-positioned to achieve long-term success in a rapidly evolving industry.

5Feb

4 Ways to Lower Auto Insurance Cost in 2023

A combination of factors including inflation, rising interest rates, and fluctuating gas prices, made life difficult for drivers in 2022. The added strain of increased auto insurance prices only added to the financial pressure.

The main factors behind the increase were more people driving and cars being more expensive to repair. The company predicts that the average annual rate will go up another 7% to $1,895 this year, but they may not stop there. It could be several years before prices fully stabilize.

A recent survey from the insurance comparison website Insurify found that nearly half (47%) of US drivers saw their car insurance costs increase in 2022. Experts believe that insurance companies will continue to raise rates across the country.

According to a recent Yahoo article, auto insurance rates are expected to rise 8.4% in 2023 in the US, and this trend will likely follow in Hong Kong.

While the continued rise of inflation may cause auto insurance rates to go up, there are steps you can take to reduce the impact on your monthly budget.

1. Shopping around for coverage and comparing quotes.

If you haven’t recently reviewed your car insurance options, you may be overpaying for your coverage. Gone are the days of a tedious comparison process – modern technology has streamlined the process of obtaining quotes from various providers. Make sure you understand the value of your car and the cost of repairs or replacement when considering the amount of coverage you need to buy.

2. Keep your driving record clean.

Safe driving can also help lower your rates, as can having a claims-free or violation-free driving record.

As reported by Insurify, a single infraction on your driving record could cause a surge in your auto insurance premium, with an average increase of 34%.

Many insurance providers offer discounts to drivers who maintain a clean driving history and pose minimal risks on the road. If you have prior driving incidents, you can regain your insurer’s trust and improve your chances of getting a discount by taking an accredited vehicle safety or defensive driving course.

3. Increasing your deductible.

When purchasing car insurance, you must agree to a deductible, which is a specified sum you must pay from your own pocket before your insurance company starts covering the costs of a claim.

By increasing your deductible, you have the opportunity to significantly reduce your monthly insurance bill. Keep in mind, however, that you must have enough funds readily available to pay the full deductible if you need to file a claim in the future.

4. Consider using a pay-as-you-go insurance plan.

Usage-based insurance or pay-as-you-go insurance allows you to pay for the driving you actually do rather than the assumptions made by your insurance company.

To facilitate this type of coverage, the insurance company will either provide a plug-in device or a mobile app to monitor your driving habits, including the frequency and distance of your trips, your driving patterns, and your driving style.

You may be eligible for a discount from your insurance company if the data gathered reflects safe and responsible driving habits, such as infrequent and short trips focused on following traffic laws.

However, this system operates in both directions. Engaging in risky driving behaviors, such as driving long distances or frequently braking hard, can result in penalties from your insurance company.

If you need help finding the best auto insurance cover that fits your budget, we can help. Village Insurance Direct specializes in sourcing personal and business insurance for expats in Hong Kong.

4Jan

3 Insurance Trends that Are Changing the Industry

The insurance industry has shown its ability to withstand challenges and change with the times in recent years. By using advanced digital technologies, insurance companies have been able to improve their efficiency and undergo positive changes.

Overall, the past year has had its ups and downs. While there were increases in premiums in both personal and commercial insurance and challenges such as crises and natural disasters, new companies entering the market struggled to effectively innovate in the industry.

From a “glass half full” viewpoint, we did see that ongoing competition encourages innovation. We observed a growing interest in cloud transformation (despite some delays). The emergence of modern ecosystems was also observed. In the middle of all these changes, carriers also grasped the importance of a diversified talent pool and gave hiring, development, and retention top priority.

We foresee three trends that will probably influence the insurance sector in 2023 and beyond, given the industry’s continuous struggles with issues like inflation, rising interest rates, climate change, and a skills shortage.

1. Emerging and Evolving Risks

Insurance companies find it challenging to navigate the risk landscape due to uncertainties sparked by international problems, governmental rules, and economic forces.

Additionally, these types of risks tend to be intricate and interrelated. For instance, extreme weather and natural disasters can create vulnerabilities for businesses and make the workplace hazardous and properties uninhabitable.

Another growing risk is cybersecurity, with a rise in the frequency and intensity of ransomware attacks. Cybersecurity is no longer just a matter of technology but a business risk as well. To address these interconnected threats, insurance companies must be quick to respond and adapt. This means being flexible and proactive in using tools like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation to prevent and mitigate risks. In the coming year, data management systems and decision-making tools will likely play a central role in helping insurance companies operate efficiently and effectively.

2. Tech Integration to Normal Life

Insurance companies are focusing on reducing costs and promoting long-term growth as they look ahead to the new year. Some companies are modernizing their technology systems, either by streamlining their legacy systems or adopting new technologies. Others are using insurtech solutions to enhance their offerings.

Ultimately, insurance companies are working to build flexible, scalable, and resilient technology systems that can support growth and add value. This may involve automating certain parts of the claims process, using data from third parties to better assess risk, or implementing digital customer service tools to improve satisfaction. By starting with a strong foundation, insurance companies can take advantage of these opportunities and continue to shape the industry in the coming year.

3. A More Human Experience for Clients

During difficult times, it’s important for insurance companies to remember the emotional impact their actions have on their clients. Customers often want more communication with their insurers, especially when they are in need.

Engaging with agents and providing high-touch support can make customers feel heard and kept informed. Customers also appreciate being able to choose the communication channel that best fits their needs, whether it’s a website, smartphone app, or live conversation.

A poor customer experience can cause people to switch to a different brand, so it’s important for insurance companies to prioritize the customer experience and shift from a policy-focused business model to one that is customer-centric. Companies that do this well will likely find success in the long term. Providing personalized and omnichannel experiences can improve the customer experience and streamline processes.

13Nov

Four Cybersecurity Outlook for Small and Medium Businesses in 2023

In the post-COVID-19 era, the market for cybersecurity insurance is anticipated to grow from US$ 11.9 billion in 2022 to US$ 29.2 billion by 2027, at a CAGR of 19.6%.

Cyber insurance will be bought by more SMBs than ever. Industry research found that only 15% of SMBs had purchased some form of cyber insurance, even though cybercrime was one of their top concerns. This means that for the foreseeable future, cyber insurance represents the single biggest growth opportunity for carriers, brokers, and MGAs.

According to a recent survey by Inc.com, which found that there are more than 30 million small top midscale businesses in the US alone, 77% of these companies believe that adopting technology throughout their company is a key factor in their growth.

Cyber insurance will be a part of every organization that depends on digital technology currently or in the future.

Here are four outlooks for cybersecurity in 2023:

1. Insurance companies will factor in a company’s existing (or non-existing) cyber security measures.

For carriers and policyholders that lack an active risk management system for these risks, the cost of mitigating and insuring data breaches and other cyber catastrophes will keep rising. For small and medium-sized firms, a cyber event often costs insurance more than US$150,000.

The average cost of a cyber incident for large businesses is around US$10 million. Carriers will demand more security from businesses to buy insurance to reduce those expenses and keep a successful book of business.

We predict that, at the very least, policies with limits of more than $500,000 will need to have anti-virus, firewall, two-factor authentication, backup, and encryption.

2. Companies that’ve already experienced data breaches will have a harder time finding a cyber insurance provider.

According to a recent report by the Government Accountability Office (gao.gov), the increasing threat of a cyber breach will drive an upsurge in cyber insurance premiums while reducing availability.

In 2020, 47% more buyers chose cyber coverage, up from 26% in 2016. The cost of cyberattacks roughly doubled for American insurance companies between 2016 and 2019. And as a result, there was a significant rise in insurance prices. Due to the current shortage of insurance capacity in the market and the fact that many firms are unable to obtain cyber insurance at an acceptable price, costs are likely to increase.

3. Costs are projected to rise as a result of the market’s existing lack of insurance capacity and the fact that many businesses cannot find cyber insurance at a competitive price.

Brokerages must now be ready to discuss a packaged approach: a pre-placement cyber risk report, a competitive cyber insurance policy, and a platform that continuously monitors exposures throughout the policy’s lifetime and notifies the insured before a breach occurs. This will help clients avoid a price spike following a breach and a claim.

This strategy may lessen the need for some coverage restrictions or exclusions while preventing premium increases.

4. The adoption of AI-powered automated underwriting for cyber policies will keep expanding.

Providers can help their clients in getting the coverage they require, lower the chance of a breach, and prevent premium increases when carriers and MGAs use tested automated underwriting supported by tested technology. In order to provide the SMB market sector with a cyber insurance policy, automated data-driven solutions are essential.

If your business needs help finding the right cyber insurance, get in touch with us at Village Insurance Direct.

28Aug

Updates on Employees’ Compensation Ordinance in Hong Kong | Typhoon Season

The Labour Department has reminded employers to make prior work arrangements for staff to ensure the safety of employees and smooth operation of establishments now that it’s typhoon season.

The Labour Department (LD) reminded employers to make prior work arrangements for staff during and after tropical cyclone warnings, including arrangements on reporting for duty, release from work, resumption of work and work from home (if applicable) to ensure the safety of employees and smooth operation of establishments.

There are several changes to the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance in Hong Kong. Companies need to be aware of these changes which essentially means that more people are now eligible for compensation if they suffer an injury or illness as a result of their work.

The key details about the ordinance are:

1. The scope of coverage has been expanded to include those who are not employees, such as domestic workers.
2. The definition of ‘compensable injury’ has been broadened to include mental health conditions caused by work stress.
3. The maximum amount of compensation that can be awarded has been increased.
4. The time limit for making a claim has been extended from one year to three years.

How will this affect businesses in Hong Kong?

Companies will need to take measures to protect workers from injuries and illnesses, both physical and mental. This may include providing safe working conditions, and training staff on how to cope with work stress. They may also need to budget for higher compensation payments in the event that an employee does suffer an injury or illness.

The penalty for non-compliance is HK$100,000 and 6 months imprisonment.

The reaction of employers to the new ordinance has generally been positive, as they recognise the importance of protecting workers’ health and safety. Some have raised concerns about the increased financial burden that may be placed on businesses, but overall most seem to support the changes.

One way for employers to reduce the financial burden from their end is to purchase employee compensation insurance, which will now become even more essential.

The cost of employee compensation insurance for a small business is estimated at around $2,000 per year while it costs a medium-sized business $3,000 to $4,000 and a large business $5,000 to $15,000.

Domestic helper insurance policies cost about $500 per year for up to four helpers. Coverage includes personal accidents, hospitalization and repatriation expenses.

Employers and businesses are expected to comply starting from the first day of employees’ first policy year. Changes to the ordinance in 2022 will make it mandatory for all businesses with employees to have employee compensation insurance in place.

Need help finding an employee insurance policy? Our advisors can help you find the right cover for your business.

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