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Source: The Hindu BusinessLine
ICICI Prudential Life sees 69% growth in retail protection business in Keralam
ICICI Prudential Life Insurance has reported massive growth in its retail protection business across Keralam this quarter. Find out which key metrics are driving this surge and what it means for advisors.
ICICI Prudential Life Insurance has reported a significant jump in its business in Keralam. During the first quarter of FY27, the company saw a 68.96 per cent year-on-year growth in its retail protection business. This refers to term plans which provide life cover to individuals. As of March 31, the company has provided insurance coverage to 8.30 lakh people across the state.
The company's financial footprint in Keralam is growing rapidly. Their Assets Under Management (AUM—the total market value of investments managed by the company) stood at ₹12,922 crore by the end of March. Furthermore, the total sum assured (the guaranteed amount paid to a policyholder) reached a massive ₹63,394 crore. Over the last seven years, the insurer has paid out ₹2,773 crore in total benefits to customers in the state, including ₹356 crore specifically for death claims.
To manage this growth, the company relies on a very large distribution network. ICICI Prudential Life currently operates 31 physical branches in Keralam. They are supported by a massive workforce of 20,008 advisors. Additionally, they have 6,217 partner branches and 2,865 specified persons (authorized individuals who sell insurance for a bank or entity) helping them reach every corner of the state.
Manikandan Rajamani, the Chief of Distribution, noted that the momentum is strong in both big cities and smaller emerging towns. He explained that customers are changing their habits. People in Keralam are now focusing more on financial protection, long-term savings, and planning for their retirement. This shift in mindset is helping the insurance sector grow faster than before.
Trust is a major factor in these numbers. The company reported a claim settlement ratio of 99.3 per cent for the first quarter of FY27. This ratio shows the percentage of claims a company pays out compared to the number of claims received. For non-investigated cases, the company clears the payout in just one day on average. Their early claims ratio is 22 per cent, which they claim is the best in the insurance industry.
For bank officers and insurance aspirants, this news highlights Keralam as a high-potential market. The company plans to open more branches and hire more advisors to meet the rising demand. As customers become more aware of the need for life cover, bankers can expect more inquiries regarding term plans and retirement products. The focus will remain on improving accessibility and offering quick service to keep customers satisfied.
