Kenyans to buy insurance through scratch cards
PHOTO | SALATON NJAU UAP MD James Wambugu during the launch at the Hilton Hotel in Nairobi on August 13, 2013.
What you need to know:
- UAP is targeting a million customers in one year through the initiative. Uchumi has an annual customer base of 27 million.
An insurance firm has entered into a partnership with Uchumi Supermarkets to give Kenyans easier access to insurance products.
In the deal, customers will be able to buy insurance covers of upto Sh500 monthly from UAP Insurance in form of scratch cards from Uchumi’s outlets. The ‘Do It Yourself Insurance (DITY)’ policy will reduce the need to visit insurance offices or contact agents to get a cover.
“This will give those who do not have cover an opportunity to be insured. We are targeting the large community that uses supermarkets,” UAP managing director James Wambugu said at the launch.
Mr Wambugu said the initiative is expected to increase the number of insured population in the country, and hence increase the firm’s market share.
The insurance policy will mainly touch on personal accident.
For example, a consumer in need of a monthly cover of Sh200 will purchase a Sh250 card, and after scratching it, he or she sends the displayed policy number to the SMS line 20875.
The cover will be activated in 24 hours.
UAP is targeting a million customers in one year through the initiative. Uchumi has an annual customer base of 27 million.
The insurer used the opportunity to roll out an online application for individual medical insurance.
The AfyaImara app, available on the Android platform, can be accessed through the USSD code *827#.
It can also be downloaded as a mobile app and as a web application for personal computers.
