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.
Between July and October 2020, the number of people in Guatemala exploring options for life insurance online increased by 3%, and the number of Panamanian consumers seeking auto insurance increased by 39%.
CentralAmericaData's interactive platform, Consumer Insights, monitors in real time changes in consumer habits in all markets in the region and in other Latin American countries, with fundamental information to understand their behavior, new trends and anticipate eventual changes in their purchase patterns.
Following the reform of government agreement 17-2020, the entry into force of the regulation requiring passenger and cargo transport units to take out civil liability insurance was delayed for one year in Guatemala.
The current scenario of reactivation of commercial flights and tourist activities, are an opportunity for insurers to increase their sales, since the hiring of a policy is a mandatory requirement for tourists to be allowed to travel.
Products that offer a refund in the event of having to cancel the trip due to illness, as well as coverage at the destination if the person becomes ill, both for medical expenses and for lodging in case a quarantine is needed, constitute a great opportunity in this context of the spread of covid-19.
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.
Due to confinement, the economic crisis and vehicle restriction measures, two out of ten customers in Guatemala cancelled their car insurance.
The spread of covid-19 has generated a health and economic crisis in the country, a situation that caused falls in the income of insurance companies, however, the sector's union considers that it is a temporary effect and that in the coming months sales could recover.
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).
Grupo Unity, a regional insurance broker in Central America, will be acquired by Willis Towers Watson, a company specializing in risk management and insurance brokerage.
According to a press release from Willis Towers Watson, the objective of the transaction "...is to increase the reach, scale and talent of Willis Towers Watson in the Latin American region, both for the Corporate Risk and Brokerage (CRB) segment, and for Human Capital and Benefits (HCB)."
Except for Nicaragua, which projects a decline in revenues, Fitch Ratings estimates that by year-end the region's insurance markets will have grown from 3% to 8%.
According to the report Perspectives of Insurance Industry in Central America, prepared by the rating agency Fitch Ratings, El Salvador will be the market that in 2019 will register more dynamism in the region, reporting an 8% increase over revenues reported in 2018.
The Ministry of Communications of Guatemala tenders insurance for vehicles, fixed buildings, electronic equipment, machinery, transportation and civil liability.
Guatemala Government Purchase 10904530:
"Considering that in the General Direction of Roads, currently there are Vehicles, Fuel, Fixed Constructions, Electronic Equipment, Machinery and Equipment, Transportation, Fuel Tanks and Buses service for the personnel, it is necessary to contract the respective insurances.
Customers who are guided by immediacy and technology, who are also more focused on travel than buying health or life insurance, force insurers to reinvent their processes to continue increasing their sales.
Because the population group known as the "millennials," which is made up of customers who like to keep up with the buying process and are not willing to wait, companies must transform to keep up with their sales pace.
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.
The policy of collective life insurance and medical expenses for deputies, directors and deputy directors of the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala is tendered for a 24-month term.
Guatemala Government Purchase 10457577:
"The coverage of the Collective Life and Medical Expenses Insurance policy shall be for the use of the Honorable Representatives, Deputies, Directors and Sub-Directors of the Congress of the Republic, which shall be valid for two (2) years.
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