Astra, one million home insurance policies through SMS

Astra Asigurari in the first half of this year gained more than one million customers on the segment of home insurance, after having launched an offer with a 20-euro standard policy, with a temporary reduction to as little as 8 euros, which clients could pay by SMS-es.

The maximum sum customers get in the case of damage stands at 20,000 euros. This is the most powerful sale campaign that has ever been carried out on the home insurance market.

"The value of the policy can be raised depending on customers' needs, but in the case where an owner has a property worth 70,000 euros, but seals a policy of just 20 euros, the claims value stands at 20,000 euros," explained Radu Mustatea, president of Astra Asigurari general directorate. Astra's offer is virtually in sync with the past year's media campaign regarding the compulsory home insurance.

Brokers say the offer was welcomed in the context where home insurance is not among Romanians' priorities. "It was a very good strategy of boosting sales volumes. It is very good people have started buying house insurance, which they haven't much used to so far," stated Cristian Fugaciu, general manager of Marsh.

In Romania, 1.88 million homes of a total of 8.36 are insured, in line with data provided by the Insurance Supervision Commission (CSA). Astra alone provides insurance to 1.13 million homes.

Insurers hope the introduction of compulsory policies for home insurance will also boost sales of voluntary policies, as customers understand compulsory insurance does not completely cover possible damages.

"Everything depends on the skills of sales personnel, but I believe a percentage of 10-15% of sealed policies is a reasonable level," stated Constantin Toma, chairman of the managing board of PAID (Disaster Insurance Pool).

Radu Mustatea, who is also PAID vice-chairman, expects sales of voluntary products to account for as much as 20-25% in compulsory insurance.