NAIROBI, KENYA, FEB 20 — Jubilee Holdings has launched three mobile apps for its customers and agents, as it seeks to grow it visibility and expand its reach in the wake of growing Smartphone usage in the region.
The apps enable users to access self-service and e-commerce functionalities via their mobile phones, an initiative that could drive its local insurance market share past the 11 per cent mark.
The JubiAgent Medical and JubiAgent Motor Apps will enable agents to sell and service Jubilee Insurance’s motor and medical solutions at the touch of a button, while the JubiCare App will enable customers to access all their policy data whenever they require it.
Jubilee Insurance regional CEO Julius Kipng’etich said the new apps will play a big role in integrating insurance as a necessary part of customers’ lives.
“Customers are now looking for services that can be initiated and completed on their mobile phones. They want services that take less time to process and insurance providers who tap into this efficiency and meet this expectation will retain and attract new customers,” Kipng’etich said.
“Our apps have been designed to enhance our customer’s digital experience and provide solutions to their dynamic needs” he added.
According to the Nairobi Securities Exchange listed underwriter, the apps will reduce office visits and phone calls by customers, by allowing them to complete their requests, renewals and transactions at the palm of their hand.
The agent apps enable agents to access the premium calculator, agent account management, pre-insurance inspection and renewal on the go, making them more effective and efficient when interacting with clients.
For policy holders, the medical app JubiCare, has a variety of features including a health facility finder and navigator, eHealth records, pre-authorization requests, medical card management services and e-wellness feeds.
Jubilee Insurance Chairman Nizar Juma acknowledged the new initiative, illustrating the company’s commitment in building the most advanced insurance customer experience for clients and agents.
“The mobile phone is a game changer in the insurance industry as it increases efficiency and helps reach a large number of people when integrated well into their daily lives. Tailor making mobile products that resonate with customer needs will definitely increase insurance uptake in Kenya” said Juma.
“Mobile phone users spend close to 40 hours a month on mobile apps. Through our new apps, we want our new customers and existing policy holders to be able to report incidents of theft or accidents quickly, make claims and access any information they require on our wide range of insurance solutions at any time, from anywhere on their phones” he added.
Jubilee Insurance Kenya CEO Patrick Tumbo noted that the app will also help reduce fraud.
“Looking ahead, the traditional model of selling insurance through brick and mortar structures will dwindle and this is why we want to reach our customers and potential customers at their point of convenience,” he said.
“Technology is now an integral part of the insurance value chain and will be used beyond enrolment, it will be the way premium collection is done, claims are processed and much more” he added.
The apps are available on Google Play Store for Android phones. Customers with feature phones will also able to access these services via USSD by dialing *643#
Established in August 1937, Jubilee Insurance has spread its sphere of influence throughout the region to become the largest Composite insurer in East Africa, handling both long-term and short-term insurance.
It is the leading insurer in East Africa with over 500,000 clients. Jubilee Insurance is also the largest provider of medical insurance across East Africa that includes many of the region’s blue chip companies.
It has a network of offices spanning Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and Mauritius.
Jubilee is also listed at the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange and Uganda Securities Exchange.
In January this year, the underwriter ubilee Holdings has placed a bet on former Uchumi Supermarkets chief executive Julius Kipng’etich to grow its insurance business and outpace competitors in the highly competitive market.
The company closed 2016 with a market share of 11.32 per cent in Kenya’s general business segment and gross premiums of $133.8 million ( Ksh13.5 billion), according to the Insurance Regulatory Authority’s (IRA) data.
In January this year, Jubilee Holdings tapped Kipng’etich from Uchumi Supermarkets to help grow its insurance business in the growing competitive market.
ALSO READ https://www.exchange.co.tz/julius-kipngetich-now-heading-regional-underwriter-jubilee/