A new television commercial launched weekend by Axa Mansard Insurance Plc has changed the narrative, bringing to the fore that insurance is not for death, but actually for the living.
The commercial tries to paint a picture of a family that has taken necessary financial planning steps, meaning that the bread winner can actually go about his or her businesses with peace of mind. That, with or without his presence the family can get adequate healthcare, children can continue their education, there will be something to fall back in retirement, and that life on its own could be simply ‘complete’.
Kunle Ahmed, managing director/CEO Axa Mansard Plc, speaking at the media launch of its new ‘Life TVC Premiere’ said over the years, the company has remained committed to ensuring customer satisfaction.
“We want to stay through to our customers in their journey to life”.
He said the company wants to provide good healthcare through Axa Mansard Health; we want to provide insurance through our Axa Mansard Insurance and we want to provide pensions through our pension subsidiary, AXA Mansard Pensions.
Ahmed said what the company has done with the new TVC is part of the drive to increase insurance awareness, penetration, which will in the long run add to insurance industry contribution to the GDP.
Rasaq Salami, deputy director, NAICOM speaking on role of insurance in the economic development of Nigeria said this cannot be over emphasized when you look what it does in the life of individuals, corporates or governments.
He cited the recent collapse of buildings in Lagos, stating that people and victims could have been better compensated if there was insurance, rather than government bearing the cost, which at the end of the day may not really cover their losses.
He commended the TVC, stating that it was not difficult for him to approve because it was a unique way to bring out the benefits of insurance to consumers without talking about catastrophe, as has been the case.
Yetunde Ilori, director general, Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) speaking on role of insurance as well as, said insurance gives you rest of mind to venture into new businesses and risks, that in the event of the unexpected you are protected.
She stated further that efforts must be geared towards emphasizing the benefits that people get from taking up insurance policies.
Fatai Adegnenro, executive secretary of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) speaking on the benefits of life insurance said, it’s a protection mechanism for you and your beneficiaries. “It is actually for you. It gives you rest of mind, you can fall back on your policy when you are down, it could be used as collateral for loan to finance your business.
In the event the unexpected happening, it enables the dependants to continue to live the life they have been used to.”
Nimi Akinkugbe, founder and CEO, Bestman Games and author of MoneyMatters, said “For me insurance is absolutely a necessity, unfortunately in this part of the world people don’t appreciate the need.”
Advising consumers, she said in taking up insurance, you should be mindful of the choice of company, so that at the end you can always make your claim.
Akinkugbe also emphasized the need for consumers of insurance to ensure regular payment of premiums, as this is critical in keeping to the term of the contract.
While urging insurers to look critically on reforming its policy documents, particularly small prints which scare many consumers away, she said “Life is the greatest asset you have, so insure it.
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