Bajaj Allianz aims to increase rural biz pie to 20 pc in 5yrs

Despite slowdown, company will pursue its expansion plans in rural areas as rural economy remains vibrant

Bajaj Allianz General Insurance aims to increase its rural business to around 20% in next five years from 6-7% at present, and is planning big expansion in these regions, according to a top official.

"We aim to increase rural business pie to 20% from the present 6-7% in next five years. So, we are planning to expand our presence significantly to achieve this," the company's managing director and chief executive Tapan Singhel told PTI over the weekend.

Despite the economic slowdown, the company will pursue its expansion plans in rural areas as rural economy remains vibrant, Singhel said.

"Car sales are increasing in rural areas along with rise in sales of FMCG products. So, rural areas are going to drive the growth of general insurance industry in the future, for which we aim to increase our rural presence," he said.

Under-penetration of insurance products, especially non-life in rural areas, throws up a huge opportunity for the company, Singhel said.

As per the company, rural business will be driven by low-cost, high service model and supported by technology.

On the impact of slowdown, Singhel said the company will maintain its premia. "We know, pricing is under pressure due to slowdown. But, we will maintain premium rates," he said.

The general insurance industry has witnessed deep discounts being offered by general insurers in recent months in commercial line and group health insurance segments, among others.

He also said despite the slowdown in industry growth, his company is growing more than industry average.

Bajaj Allianz General Insurance is a joint venture between Germany's Allianz Group (26% stake) and Bajaj Finserv (74% stake).

Its gross written premium stood at Rs 1,506.36 crore during the April-July period of this financial year, as per insurance regulator IRDA data.