The increasing importation of used vehicles, the increase in the number of motorcycles and the perception that the risk to which drivers are exposed is low, are some of the reasons that explain why the penetration of vehicle insurance in the Guatemalan market is still only 10%.
According to data from the Superintendence of Tax Administration (SAT) at the end of 2020 there were 4.11 million vehicles registered nationwide, this figure exceeded by 8% the 3.79 million reported at the end of 2019.
As a result of the damage and losses caused by covid-19 and tropical storms Iota and Eta, insurers in Guatemala have received compensation claims of about $65 million.
According to statistics from the Guatemalan Association of Insurance Institutions (Agis), due to the Eta storm, up to November 30th, 1.005 claims were reported for floods or slopes, which amounted to about $32 million. For Iota, the insurance companies received 120 claims, which together amounted to approximately $2 million.
Although the covid-19 outbreak in Guatemala has increased interest in medical and life insurance, it is expected that because of the economic crisis, group insurance sales will be affected.
Figures revealed by directors of the Guatemalan Association of Insurance Institutions (AGIS), detail that so far the months with the highest incidence of positive cases have been June and July.
As of March 20, the government agreement that requires passenger and cargo transport units to take out civil liability insurance will become effective in the country.
On February 12, 2020, government agreement 17-2020 was published in the Diario de Centroamerica, requiring owners of trucks, panels and pickups, as well as micro and urban buses, taxis, motorcycle taxis and "tuc tucs", to have an insurance policy.
Having the possibility of offering complementary private insurance for medical care and social security pensions is one of the proposals of the union in Guatemala.
Directors of the Guatemalan Association of Insurance Institutions (AGIS) indicate that they have developed proposals to seek such synergies with the Guatemalan Social Security Institute (IGSS).
Although in the first six months of the year, the Guatemalan market increased to 6%, for the growth to be sustained, it is necessary to regulate the obligatory nature of civil liability insurance against third parties and occupants for all vehicles in the country.
Currently, the Guatemalan insurance market has only regulated compulsory insurance in the part corresponding to extra-urban transport units, which slows down the growth potential of companies in the sector.
Improving the presence in cities of the province and taking advantage of the margin of growth that still exists in the metropolitan area are the keys for the sector to grow during the following years.
According to figures presented by the Guatemalan Association of Insurance Institutions (AGIS), between 2017 and 2018 the number of premiums subscribed in the country went from $881 million to $907 million, which is equivalent to a 3% increase.
Guatemalan businessmen assure that the change from Stable to Negative made by Fitch Ratings in the country's risk perspective should be taken seriously, since investments could stagnate.
On April 11, Fitch announced that it maintained its "BB" rating for long-term foreign currency debt default, but decided to modify the outlook because the country reflects political tension and greater uncertainty in agents, as well as a constant erosion in the government's low tax collection.
During 2018, Guatemala's insurance sector increased 3% year-on-year, well below the 8% growth rate reported between 2016 and 2017.
According to figures presented by the Guatemalan Association of Insurance Institutions (AGIS), between 2017 and 2018 the total of premiums subscribed in the country went from $881 million to $907 million.
The Guatemalan insurance association reports that at the end of the year premiums totaled $926 million, 8% more than in 2016.
According to a report presented by the Guatemalan Association of Insurance Institutions, the growth of 7.7% was below the 9% that had been foreseen for 2017.It should be noted that medical insurance exceeded expectations, growing above 10%.
The insurers' association has reported a 9% increase in premiums generated in September this year.
Enrique Murillo, executive director of the Guatemalan Association of Insurance Institutions (AGIS), told Elperiodico.com.gt that"... the total premiums generated in September 2017 is $708 million, while up to the same month last year the figure was $640 million."
The insurance industry had a turnover of $795 million in premiums, thanks to segments such as health, damages, and vehicles, accounting for 1.2% of Guatemala's GDP last year.
According to the Guatemalan Association of the Insurance Industry (Agis), growth in areas such as health and hospitalization (13.3%), damages (6.9%) and automotive (6.8%) vehicles favored a general growth in premiums in 2015 of 6.3% compared to the amount accumulated in 2014, with total premium income being in the order of Q6.157 million.
Between January and September crop insurance generated premiums of $1.9 million, well below the performance of other policies, such as life, which increased by 10% compared to the same period in 2013.
In August 2014 the field of health and personal accident was the category which recorded the biggest loss, equivalent to $7 million.
A monthly report by the Guatemalan Association of Insurance Institutions shows that the categories of personal health and auto accident and were two which experienced the greatest losses in the month of August.
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