Insurance: India's shield against disasters
Authored by Sanil Basutkar, Co-Founder of Healthysure
The IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory & Development Authority of India) recently issued a circular to all insurers regarding the Balasore train accident. It contained guidelines pushing insurers to set up dedicated helplines, proactive claim settlements & awareness campaigns regarding the claims process.
This should have us thinking: What is a disaster-resilient investment? Why is insurance against disasters so unfamiliar to the average Indian? And how do we fix it?
Insurance as an investment
In an unpredictable world of manmade & natural calamities, insurance can offer a robust solution. It's not just about reacting to a disaster but being prepared for it. With insurance, individuals and communities can recover and rebuild faster, giving everyone a much-needed sense of security.
The benefits of disaster insurance are well-documented around the world. In the year 2017, a year marked by numerous natural disasters, the role of insurance was pivotal. According to Munich Re MUVGn.DE, insurers paid out a record USD 135 billion that year, demonstrating its crucial role in mitigating losses amidst total damages of USD 330 billion. This historical example underscores insurance's significant part in economic resilience during crises.
Why doesn’t the average Indian know about it?
Despite the clear benefits, many Indians remain unfamiliar with insurance that protects against such disasters. This unfamiliarity stems from a lack of awareness and education about insurance products. Additionally, misconceptions about high costs and complex claim processes deter many from considering insurance. Finally, there's a pervasive belief that disasters are rare events, making insurance seem unnecessary. These barriers prevent the wider adoption of such insurance products.
So, how do we make this happen in India?
Boosting insurance coverage in India requires concerted efforts from 3 key stakeholders. One, is the government. Using novel awareness campaigns (Remember the Polio ad?), the government could encourage people to invest in insurance through incentives and simplify claim processes. Two, the Insurance companies. Starting a war against jargon and fine print, these companies should aim to offer affordable and easy-to-understand policies.
And three, the citizens. For us, the common people, it's about acknowledging the increasing frequency of disasters and understanding that we can't solely rely on government aid for recovery. It's time to take a proactive stance and secure our futures with disaster insurance.
For the average Indian, below are some insurance products to consider:
Life Insurance: This type of policy provides a payout to beneficiaries upon the insured individual's death. In the event of a disaster resulting in loss of life, a life insurance policy can offer financial support to the deceased's family, helping them manage expenses such as funeral costs, mortgage payments, or loss of income.
Accident Insurance: Accident insurance, or personal accident insurance, covers the policyholder in the event of an accident resulting in death or disability. It can offer coverage for medical expenses and provide a payout in case of permanent disability or death due to an accident. This can be especially relevant in a disaster scenario where injuries may occur.
Property Insurance: This includes homeowners, renters, and commercial property insurance, and typically covers damages caused by certain natural disasters like fire, windstorms, hail, lightning, and explosions.
Crop Insurance: For farmers, crop insurance can provide coverage against natural disasters that can result in crop loss, including drought, excessive moisture, freeze, and disease.
Business Interruption Insurance: For businesses, this type of coverage can be crucial in ensuring continuity and financial stability during times of disaster-related disruptions, allowing businesses to bounce back and serve their customers without major interruptions.
As a nation, embracing disaster-resilient investment through insurance is not just a financial decision; it is a collective responsibility towards building a safer and more secure India. By proactively investing in insurance, we empower ourselves and our communities to withstand the unexpected challenges that disasters may bring. It is time to dismantle the misconceptions, dispel the lack of awareness, and take charge of our financial well-being.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are personal and may not reflect the views of DSIJ.