A survey of auto and homeowner policyholders reveals that younger drivers have a tendency to act independently when it comes to managing their insurance options. Conducted by
The study results revealed that 18- to 34-year olds are more likely to change carriers and channels, do business without an intermediary and access high-tech options for sales and service than consumers who are 51 and older, says Deloitte. This consumer intelligence will be fodder for carriers seeking to grow either line of business.
“For many insurers, achieving organic growth is almost a quest for the Holy Grail; our survey underscores the role consumer inertia plays in this challenge and offers potential solutions,” says Rebecca Amoroso, vice chairman and insurance sector leader, Deloitte LLP. “Forty-five percent of homeowners and 30 percent of auto policyholder respondents have never switched carriers. These figures become more significant when satisfaction is considered, as more than 80 percent are satisfied with both price and service. With renewals remaining strong, insurers seeking growth must focus on attracting new customers – and our survey revealed younger consumers were considerably more likely to make a change.”
The study also noted that the buying behavior of younger consumers is in stark contrast to that of consumers over the age of 50. In fact, notes the study, 20 percent of 18- to 34-year-olds changed auto carriers in the prior 12 months, compared to only 10 percent of those 51 and older. Nearly 15 percent of the younger respondents signed with a new auto insurer between 12 and 24 months ago, compared to nine percent of those over 50.
On the homeowners policyholders queried, approximately 12 percent of the youngest demographic had changed insurers in the previous year, compared to just five percent of those 51 and older. Fifteen percent of younger consumers bought from a new carrier between 12 and 24 months ago, compared to six percent of older ones.
Insurers may be advised to consider the study’s results when making marketing decisions, notes Sam Friedman, Deloitte’s insurance research leader. “Insurers can attract younger buyers by leveraging multiple touch points, including social media and mobile applications. Nearly 50 percent of 18 to 34 year olds purchasing auto insurance believe communication over several channels is extremely or very influential when deciding to switch carriers, versus a little more than 20 percent of respondents over 35. For homeowners between 18 and 34, approximately 50 percent say numerous touch points were influential in their decision to change carriers, compared to only 19 percent of those 50 and older.”
Deloitte adds the following other key trends uncovered by the survey:
•
•
•
•