Term Insurance Purchases Among Self-Employed Rise By 50% YoY, Policybazaar Says This!

The rise in term insurance purchases among the self-employed, which has seen an astounding 50% year-on-year growth, is largely attributed to the introduction of specialized plans designed to cater to their unique needs. These tailored term plans have simplified the application process by removing the necessity for traditional income proofs, such as Income Tax Returns (ITR) or salary slips. Instead, insurers are now leveraging various digital metrics to assess an applicant's financial stability, including credit history and surrogate proofs like the Insured Declared Value (IDV) of vehicles. This shift has significantly broadened the accessibility of term insurance for entrepreneurs and business owners, reflecting a deeper understanding of the importance of financial planning despite the often unpredictable nature of self-employed income.

Industry leaders like Max Life, Tata AIA, HDFC Life, and Bajaj Allianz have been quick to adapt their product offerings to align with the evolving demands of the self-employed demographic. With 70% of their sales now coming from plans specifically designed for this group, these companies are at the forefront of a movement that is democratizing access to financial security for freelancers and business owners across India. This trend is indicative of a larger shift within the insurance sector, where personalization and flexibility are becoming key drivers of growth.

Young Entrepreneurs Leading the Charge

A significant finding in the surge of term insurance uptake is that a majority, or 74%, of these new policyholders are millennials, aged between 27 and 38. This demographic’s increased engagement with digital platforms and financial literacy resources has evidently played a critical role in the higher adoption rates observed in the term insurance market. Their proactive stance on securing their financial futures early on highlights a growing awareness and responsibility towards financial planning among young entrepreneurs.

In terms of income distribution and cover preferences, there's a clear trend among self-employed individuals towards securing life insurance coverage that is at least ten times their annual income. This approach not only demonstrates a savvy understanding of the need for substantial financial protection but also reflects the variability and unpredictability often associated with self-employed earnings. It's observed that individuals with an annual income ranging from ₹3-5 lakhs tend to opt for insurance covers around ₹39 lakh, while those earning more than ₹10 lakhs usually go for policies valued at approximately ₹1 crore.

Gender Dynamics and Geographic Spread

While 84% of the self-employed individuals opting for term insurance are males, there's a noticeable uptick in female participation. This uptrend is expected to continue, driven by the increasing number of women venturing into entrepreneurship and business, signaling a shift towards greater gender parity in financial planning and security within the self-employed sector.

The geographical distribution of term insurance purchases reveals that Mumbai leads the way, followed closely by cities like Delhi, Chennai, Lucknow, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. This widespread adoption across both metro and non-metro areas underscores the universal appeal and necessity of these specialized, flexible insurance plans for the self-employed.

Rhishabh Garg, Head of Term Insurance at Policybazaar, emphasizes the significance of this shift, stating, "The significant uptake of term insurance among self-employed individuals is a clear indicator of rising financial awareness. With flexible, specialized plans now available, it's easier than ever for business owners and freelancers to protect their families and secure their financial futures. We urge self-employed individuals to explore these offerings and ensure they are adequately covered."

In conclusion, the surge in term insurance purchases by self-employed individuals marks a pivotal shift towards increased financial security and awareness within this demographic. The availability of customized plans, coupled with the proactive approach of young entrepreneurs and the growing participation of women, paints a promising picture of the future of financial planning among India's self-employed.

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