BuyVima - Project Report - 24-25
BuyVima - Project Report - 24-25
1
Table of Contents
Executive Summary 4
Business Description 9
Market Analysis 13
Operations Plan 27
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Table of Contents
Financial Plan 34
Conclusion 43
Glossary 47
Disclaimer 48
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
5
MISSION
To empower individuals and businesses in India to navigate the
complexities of general insurance with confidence.
6
VISION
7
UNIQUE SELLING PROPOSITION (USP)
USP
Personalized Approach: You don't just sell policies; you take the
time to understand each client's unique needs and risk profile.
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BUSINESS DISCRIPTION
India's general insurance industry is the 10th largest globally and the 2nd
largest in emerging markets (as of 2022).
It's experiencing steady growth, with a projected CAGR (Compound Annual
Growth Rate) of 7.1% for total premiums over the next five years.
This growth is driven by factors like:
o Increasing economic activity
o Expanding middle class with rising disposable income
o Growing awareness of risk management
o Government initiatives promoting insurance penetration
Market Structure:
The Indian general insurance market is a mix of public and private players.
Public sector insurers (like National Insurance Company) held a significant
market share historically, but private players are gaining ground.
As of March 2024, there were 29 private general insurance companies
operating in India.
Product Landscape:
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BUSINESS DISCRIPTION
Challenges:
Low Insurance Penetration: Despite growth, India's general
insurance penetration (premium as % of GDP) remains lower compared to
developed economies.
High Claim Ratios: High claim ratios can put pressure on profitability
for insurers.
Cybersecurity Threats: The increasing reliance on technology
makes the industry vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Conclusion:
Overall, the general insurance industry in India is poised for continued
growth, driven by a combination of economic factors, regulatory support,
and technological advancements. By addressing challenges like low
penetration and adapting to evolving trends, the industry can play a vital
role in India's economic development and financial inclusion.
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BUSINESS MODEL
Value Proposition:
Client Focus: As a general insurance broker, you act as an intermediary
between clients and insurance companies. Unlike agents who represent
specific companies, you prioritize finding the best coverage and rates for your
client's specific needs.
Expertise & Risk Assessment: You offer expertise in analysing client risks,
comparing insurance products from various insurers, negotiating premiums,
and assisting with claims filing.
Convenience & Streamlined Process: You simplify the insurance buying
process for clients, saving them time and effort in researching and comparing
policies.
Target Market:
Individuals seeking personal insurance (e.g., property, auto, health)
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) requiring business insurance (e.g.,
property, liability, cyber)
Large corporations with complex insurance needs
Revenue Streams:
Commissions: Your primary income comes from commissions paid by
insurance companies for policies sold through your brokerage. The
commission rate varies depending on the type of insurance and the insurer.
Fees: You may offer additional fee-based services such as risk consulting,
claims management assistance, or customized insurance policy reviews.
Cost Structure:
Operational Costs: This includes rent, salaries, marketing expenses,
technology costs (e.g., CRM software), and professional indemnity insurance.
Licensing and Regulatory Fees: You'll need to pay fees for obtaining and
maintaining your insurance broker license from IRDAI.
Training & Development: Investing in ongoing training for your team ensures
they stay updated on insurance products and regulations.
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BUSINESS MODEL
Marketing & Sales Strategy:
Develop a strong online presence: Create a user-friendly website that
provides information about your services and allows clients to get quotes.
Utilize social media platforms to connect with potential clients and build brand
awareness.
Network with potential clients: Attend industry events, partner with local
businesses, and build relationships with financial advisors or other
professionals who might refer clients to you.
Content marketing: Create informative content (blogs, articles, webinars) on
insurance topics to educate potential clients and establish yourself as a
thought leader.
Challenges:
Competition: The insurance broking industry is competitive. You'll need to
differentiate yourself by offering a unique value proposition and excellent
customer service.
Client acquisition: Attracting new clients requires effective marketing
strategies and building trust.
Regulatory compliance: Ensure you adhere to all IRDAI regulations and
maintain a high ethical standard.
Conclusion:
By focusing on client needs, offering a comprehensive service package,
and staying informed, a general insurance broker in India can build a
successful business model. Remember, building trust and strong
relationships with clients is paramount for long-term success.
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MARKET ANALYSIS
Individuals:
Demographics:
o Age: Young adults (25-40 years old) entering the workforce and
starting families.
o Income level: Middle class and above with disposable income to invest
in risk management.
o Location: Urban and semi-urban areas with higher insurance
awareness.
o Digital Savvy: Individuals comfortable researching and purchasing
insurance online.
Insurance Needs:
o Personal accident insurance
o Health insurance (individual and family plans)
o Motor insurance (cars, two-wheelers)
o Property insurance (home, valuables)
o Travel insurance
Businesses:
Business Types:
o Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across various sectors
(manufacturing, retail, services)
o Large corporations with complex insurance needs
Insurance Needs:
o Property insurance (buildings, machinery)
o Business interruption insurance
o Liability insurance (product, professional)
o Marine insurance (for businesses involved in imports/exports)
o Cyber insurance
o Group health insurance for employees
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MARKET ANALYSIS
Untapped Potential:
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) represent a significant
untapped potential for brokers. Many MSMEs lack awareness of the benefits
of insurance and can be persuaded by brokers to adopt appropriate coverage.
Rural markets also hold promise, with growing disposable income and
increasing awareness of financial products. Brokers can develop strategies to
reach these markets through local partnerships or targeted marketing
campaigns.
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MARKET ANALYSIS
General insurance brokers in India face competition from various players in the
market. Here's a breakdown of direct and indirect competitors:
Direct Competitors:
Indirect Competitors:
Insurance Companies:
o While brokers represent clients, insurance companies have their own
sales channels:
Direct Sales: Many insurers sell policies directly through their
websites or telemarketing teams.
Bancassurance: Partnerships between banks and insurers
allow for insurance products to be sold at bank branches.
Agency Network: Insurance companies have their own network
of agents who promote and sell specific company policies.
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MARKET ANALYSIS
Challenges from Insurers:
o Insurance companies may offer lower premiums or bundled deals to
attract clients directly, bypassing brokers.
o They may have a larger marketing budget and brand recognition
compared to individual brokers.
Strategies to compete:
o Focus on unbiased advice: Highlight the advantage of brokers who
compare policies across multiple insurers to find the best fit for the
client's needs.
o Personalized service: Emphasize the personalized attention and risk
management expertise brokers provide compared to a one-size-fits-all
approach by some insurance companies.
o Niche expertise: Brokers can develop in-depth knowledge of specific
insurance categories, offering a level of specialization that some direct
sales channels might lack.
Online Aggregators:
o Websites that allow users to compare insurance quotes from various
companies directly.
o While convenient for price comparison, they may not offer personalized
advice or in-depth product knowledge.
Fintech Start-ups:
o Emerging insurtech start-ups are leveraging technology to simplify
insurance buying and claims processes.
o Brokers can stay ahead by adopting similar technologies and focusing
on building trust and long-term relationships with clients.
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MARKET ANALYSIS
Market Need:
General insurance brokers in India address several
specific needs that individuals and businesses might have
when it comes to insurance:
For Individuals:
Finding the Right Coverage: Individuals may not have the time or expertise
to research and compare different insurance policies from various companies.
Brokers can analyse their needs and recommend the most suitable coverage
at a competitive price.
Understanding Complex Products: Insurance products can be intricate with
various clauses and exclusions. Brokers can explain the finer details of
policies, ensuring clients understand what they're buying.
Personalized Service: Brokers offer personalized attention, tailoring
recommendations to individual risk profiles and financial situations.
Negotiating Premiums: Brokers can leverage their relationships with
insurers to negotiate better premiums for clients.
Claims Assistance: During a claim situation, brokers can guide clients
through the process, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.
For Businesses:
Risk Management Expertise: Brokers can help businesses identify potential
risks and develop a comprehensive insurance strategy to mitigate them.
Tailored Insurance Solutions: Businesses have complex insurance needs
that may require customized solutions. Brokers can design insurance
packages that address specific business risks.
Cost Optimization: Brokers can help businesses compare quotes from
various insurers and find the most cost-effective coverage without
compromising on necessary protection.
Streamlined Processes: Brokers can handle policy renewals, manage
multiple insurance policies for a business, and save them time and effort.
Risk Management Consulting: Some brokers offer additional services like
risk management consulting, helping businesses develop safety programs
and loss prevention strategies.
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MARKET ANALYSIS
Claims Support: Brokers offer guidance and assistance during the claims
process, ensuring clients receive fair compensation.
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PRODUCTS & SERVICES
Insurance Products Offered –
For Individuals:
Personal Accident Insurance: Provides financial compensation in case
of accidental death, permanent or temporary disability, or medical expenses
arising from an accident.
Property Insurance: Protects your home and its contents against fire,
natural disasters (earthquake, floods), theft, and other specified perils. You
can choose from various building sum insured options and consider add-on
covers for jewellery, valuables, and riots or strikes.
Travel Insurance: Provides financial protection for medical emergencies, trip
cancellations, baggage loss, flight delays, and other unforeseen events while
traveling domestically or internationally. Different plans offer varying coverage
depending on the trip duration and destination.
Home Contents Insurance: Protects your belongings inside your home in
case of theft, fire, or other insured perils. This can be helpful if your property
insurance doesn't cover the contents.
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PRODUCTS & SERVICES
Insurance Products Offered –
For Businesses:
Property Insurance: Covers commercial buildings, machinery,
equipment, and inventory against fire, theft, natural disasters, and other
specified perils. You can choose from various building sum insured options
and consider add-on covers for business interruption and breakdown of
machinery.
Marine Insurance: Covers cargo and ships involved in import and export
activities against loss or damage during transportation.
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PRODUCTS & SERVICES
Additional Points:
This list is not exhaustive. Depending on your specific needs and risk profile,
there might be more specialized insurance products available.
Each category may have various sub-categories and add-on covers to
customize the policy as per individual or business requirements.
As your broker, I would work closely with you to understand your risk profile,
budget, and specific needs. Based on this information, I can recommend the
most suitable insurance products and coverage options.
Claims Assistance: In case of a claim, I can guide you through the claims
process and ensure a smooth experience.
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PRODUCTS & SERVICES
Value-added Services -
we can offer a variety of valuable services as your general insurance broker such as
services like consulting, claims processing assistance, etc.
Consulting Services:
Claim Guidance: In the unfortunate event of a claim, I can guide you through
the entire claims process, ensuring you understand the paperwork and
procedures involved.
Claim Negotiation: I can assist you in negotiating with the insurance
company to ensure you receive a fair settlement for your claim.
Dispute Resolution: If you face any disputes with the insurance company
regarding your claim, I can help you navigate the resolution process.
Market Updates: I can keep you informed about the latest changes in the
insurance industry, new policy offerings, and regulatory updates.
Loss Prevention Tips: I can provide tips and resources to help you minimize
risks and prevent potential losses.
Renewal Reminders: I can help you stay on top of your insurance policy
renewals and ensure you don't face any lapse in coverage.
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MARKETING STRATEGY
Marketing Approach: How you plan to reach your audience (digital
marketing, networking, etc.).
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MARKETING STRATEGY
Additional Considerations:
Conclusion:
By implementing a comprehensive marketing strategy that combines
digital and offline approaches, a general insurance broker in India can
effectively reach its target audience, build brand awareness, and attract
new clients. Remember, the key is to provide valuable information,
demonstrate expertise, and build trust with potential clients to establish
yourself as a reliable advisor in the general insurance landscape.
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SALES STRATEGY
Sales Strategy for Acquiring and Retaining
Customers: General Insurance Broker in India
Building a successful sales strategy as a general insurance broker in
India involves a two-pronged approach: acquiring new clients and
retaining existing ones. Here's a breakdown of effective methods:
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SALES STRATEGY
Claims Assistance: During a claim situation, be there for your client. Guide
them through the claims process, assist with paperwork, and advocate for
their fair compensation.
o A smooth and hassle-free claims experience builds loyalty and trust.
Value-Added Services: Go beyond basic broking services and offer
additional value:
o Conduct risk assessments for existing clients to identify areas for
improvement.
o Provide loss prevention tips and resources to minimize risks.
o Offer educational workshops or webinars on insurance topics relevant
to your client base.
Client Appreciation: Show your clients you appreciate their business. Send
birthday greetings, personalized thank you notes, or offer small tokens of
appreciation.
Additional Strategies:
Referral Programs: Incentivize existing clients to refer friends and family by
offering referral bonuses or discounts.
Client Testimonials: Showcase positive client testimonials and case studies
on your website or marketing materials to build trust with potential clients.
Build Long-term Relationships: Don't view clients as a one-time
transaction. Invest in building long-term relationships by providing exceptional
service, ongoing support, and demonstrating your commitment to their
financial well-being.
Technology Adoption:
Utilize technology to streamline your sales process and enhance client experience:
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OPERATIONS PLAN
Operational Workflow for a General Insurance
Broker in India
Daily Operations: The daily operations of a general insurance broker
involve a series of interconnected tasks focused on acquiring new
clients, servicing existing clients, and managing policies. Here's a
breakdown of the typical workflow:
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OPERATIONS PLAN
Proposal & Negotiation:
Proposal Preparation: Prepare a detailed proposal outlining the
recommended insurance plan, including policy details, coverage limits,
premiums, and justification for the chosen options.
Negotiation: Negotiate with insurance companies on behalf of the client to
potentially secure better premiums or coverage terms.
Additional Tasks:
Market Research: Stay updated on industry trends, new insurance products,
and regulatory changes.
Compliance: Ensure adherence to all IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and
Development Authority) regulations related to insurance broking activities.
Networking: Continually network with potential clients, other professionals
(financial advisors), and insurance companies to build relationships and
generate new business opportunities.
Technology in Workflow:
CRM Software: Utilize Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software
to manage leads, track client interactions, store policy documents, and
automate tasks.
Online Portals: Provide clients with access to online portals where they can
view policy details, manage renewals, and submit claims electronically.
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OPERATIONS PLAN
Essential Partnerships:
Insurance Companies: The core of my business revolves around partnering
with various insurance companies in India. I would establish relationships with
multiple insurers to offer clients a wide range of insurance products and
competitive quotes.
Technology Providers: Utilizing Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
software is crucial for managing client data, interactions, and policy details.
Partnering with a reliable CRM provider ensures efficient operations and
streamlined communication.
Potential Partnerships:
Financial Advisors: Collaboration with financial advisors can be mutually
beneficial. They can refer clients who need insurance solutions, and I can
assist their clients in finding suitable coverage while potentially expanding my
client base.
Real Estate Agents: Partnering with real estate agents can be another
avenue for lead generation. Real estate agents often deal with clients who
need homeowner's insurance or other property-related coverage.
Additional Services:
Legal and Compliance Experts: Staying updated on complex insurance
regulations and legalities is vital. Partnering with legal or compliance experts
can ensure adherence to IRDAI regulations and provide guidance on handling
complex situations.
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OPERATIONS PLAN
Benefits of Partnerships:
Access to a Wider Range of Products & Services: Partnering with various
insurance companies allows me to offer clients a diverse selection of
insurance products to meet their specific needs.
Enhanced Expertise: Collaboration with other professionals like financial
advisors can provide access to their expertise and potentially open doors to
new client segments.
Streamlined Operations: Technology partnerships can improve operational
efficiency by automating tasks and managing client data effectively.
Important Note:
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MANAGEMENT & ORGANIZATION
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MANAGEMENT & ORGANIZATION
Operations Specialist:
o Handles the administrative aspects of policy issuance, renewals, and
endorsements.
o Liaises with insurance companies to ensure smooth policy processing.
o Maintains accurate client data and policy records.
o Ensures adherence to internal processes and operational efficiency.
o Possesses strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
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MANAGEMENT & ORGANIZATION
Additional Considerations:
The specific structure can vary depending on the size and specialization of
the brokerage.
Some brokerages might have dedicated legal counsel or compliance officers.
Larger firms might have separate departments for marketing, web
development, and content creation within the Sales & Marketing department.
Conclusions:
Overall, the organizational structure should be designed to ensure efficient
operations, clear communication channels, and a client-centric approach.
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FINANCIAL PLAN
In India, the minimum capital requirement to start a direct general insurance broking
business is ₹75 Lakhs (approximately ₹7.5 million or $93,750 USD as of May 17,
2024). This initial funding serves various purposes to get your brokerage off the
ground:
Registration & Licensing: A portion of the funds will be used to pay for
registration fees and obtain the necessary licenses from the Insurance
Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).
Office Setup: Setting up a physical office space or a virtual office
infrastructure might require initial investment for furniture, equipment, and
technology.
Marketing & Branding: Building brand awareness and attracting clients
might involve investments in website development, marketing campaigns
(online and offline), and potentially content creation.
Technology & Software: Investing in Customer Relationship Management
(CRM) software is crucial to manage client data, track interactions, and
automate tasks. Additional software for policy processing or communication
might be needed.
Operational Costs: Initial funding needs to cover operational expenses like
salaries for your team (brokers, customer service representatives, etc.),
internet connectivity, office supplies, and other ongoing business costs.
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FINANCIAL PLAN
Alternative Funding Options:
While ₹75 Lakhs is the minimum requirement, having additional capital provides a
buffer for unforeseen expenses and allows for faster growth. Here are some
possibilities:
Remember:
Consulting with a financial advisor can help you create a detailed budget and
explore funding options tailored to your specific business plan.
It's crucial to manage your initial funding efficiently to ensure the long-term
sustainability of your general insurance broking business.
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FINANCIAL PLAN
Year 1:
Clients Acquired:
Average Revenue / Premium per Client (ARPC):
Renewal Rate: Assumed to be low in the first year as you build a
client base
Year 2:
Clients Acquired (New):
Existing Clients Renewed: (Year 1 Clients * Renewal Rate) =
Total Clients: (Year 1) + (Year @) (New) + (Renewed) =
ARPC: Assumed to increase slightly (10%) due to potentially
upselling existing clients (₹0)
Renewal Rate: Increase slightly as you establish client
relationships (40%)
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FINANCIAL PLAN
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FINANCIAL PLAN
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FINANCIAL PLAN
2nd 300
12,000 36,00,000 7,20,000 7,00,000 20,000
3rd 600
15,000 90,00,000 22,50,000 10,00,000 12,50,000
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FINANCIAL PLAN
Assumptions:
The initial capital investment of ₹75 Lakhs is not included here; it's a one-time
expense.
Client acquisition and revenue figures are based on the sample projections in
the previous section.
Operating expenses are estimates and might include:
o Salaries for brokers, customer service representatives, and other staff.
o Marketing and advertising costs.
o Office rent and utilities.
o Technology and software subscriptions.
o Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDAI) fees and
other regulatory charges.
The operating expense increase considers inflation and potential growth in
your team size.
This is a simplified P&L statement, and other income or expenses might exist
depending on your specific business (e.g., interest on investments).
Important Notes:
These are just sample projections, and the actual figures will vary significantly
depending on your business operations and market performance.
The P&L statement shows a net loss in the initial years, which is common for
new businesses that are still acquiring clients and building a brand reputation.
Closely monitor your actual income and expenses to compare them to your
projections and adjust your strategies as needed.
Break-even Analysis:
It's also important to consider your break-even point, which is the point where your
revenue equals your operating expenses, resulting in zero profit or loss. By
analysing your revenue projections and estimated operating costs, you can
determine the number of clients you need to acquire and the average revenue per
client to achieve profitability.
By crafting a P&L statement and conducting break-even analysis, you can gain
valuable insights into the financial health of your projected general insurance broking
business. Remember to tailor these projections to your specific circumstances and
update them regularly as your business evolves.
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FINANCIAL PLAN
Calculating Break-even:
There's no one-size-fits-all formula, but a simplified approach to estimate the break-
even number of clients is:
Interpretation:
According to this simplified calculation, to achieve profitability in year 2, you would
need to acquire and retain at least 150 clients. This is just an estimate, and the
actual number could be higher or lower depending on the factors mentioned earlier.
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FINANCIAL PLAN
Recommendations:
Conduct a detailed cost analysis to determine your exact client acquisition
cost and operational expenses.
Develop strategies to reduce client acquisition costs (e.g., targeted marketing,
referral programs).
Focus on selling a mix of insurance products to optimize your ARPC.
Implement strategies to improve client retention (excellent service, value-
added offerings).
Regularly monitor your progress and adjust your strategies based on real-time
data.
Remember:
Break-even analysis is an estimate, and achieving profitability might take longer than
initially projected. Building a successful general insurance broking business requires
a long-term commitment to client acquisition, service excellence, and cost
management.
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CONCLUSION
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INSURANCE BROKER REGULATIONS
This document summarizes the answers to various questions you might encounter
on the Insurance Broker Licensing Exam. Refer to the Insurance Regulatory and
Development Authority (IRDAI) website (IRDAI) for the latest regulations and details.
Licensing Requirements
4. License Validity
6. Broker Remuneration
7. Books of Accounts
8. License Renewal
The validity period for an Insurance Broker license is not 5 years (it's 3 years).
Late fee for renewal up to 6 months after expiry: ₹1000
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INSURANCE BROKER REGULATIONS
a. Reinsurance Broker:
b. Direct Broker:
The authority is the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDAI), not
the Ministry of Finance.
The limits of professional indemnity cover vary by broker type. Refer to IRDAI
for details.
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INSURANCE BROKER REGULATIONS
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GLOSSARY
US$: US Dollar
Where applicable, numbers have been rounded off to the nearest whole number
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DISCLAIMER
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engagement under the Professional Service Agreement signed by the
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except with the written approval of VGIBPL.
This presentation is for information purposes only. While due care has been
taken during the compilation of this presentation to ensure that the information
is accurate to the best of Aranca (Mumbai) Pvt. Ltd and VGIBPL’s knowledge
and belief, the content is not to be construed in any manner whatsoever as a
substitute for professional advice.
Aranca (Mumbai) Pvt. Ltd and VGIBPL neither recommend nor endorse any
specific products or services that may have been mentioned in this
presentation and nor do they assume any liability, damages or responsibility
for the outcome of decisions taken as a result of any reliance placed on this
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