AT a time when the Covid-19 pandemic has crippled many businesses in and outside the country, a local insurance company, Credit Insurance Zimbabwe Limited (Credsure) says embracing technology has saved its business.
With reduced activity following the adoption of lockdown measures to mitigate the spread of Covid-19 since March last year, the insurance sector has been one of the hardest hit.
In a recent interview Credsure business development analyst, Mr Patrice Chiremba, said while the company remains operational, the Covid-19 lockdown period was a major setback for that company.
“Year 2020 has been a tough year because Covid-19 is not something we had prepared for. The sudden announcement of the lockdown has been a strain as movement was limited, which saw claim reductions as people were closed up in their homes,” he said.
“Fortunately, we are an innovative company so we improvised by developing a digital platform called ‘auto-fill’ which is mainly for motor insurance where clients can easily access insurance from the comfort of their homes,” said Mr Chiremba.
He said the fact that customers could download the auto-fill application and use it from their homes, enhanced business activity.
“From the platform customers are able to check quotations, pay for insurance, policies and inquiries. Basically, you can do everything,” said Mr Chiremba.
“The platform is highly interactive and two way because it contains a chatbot where the customer can ask questions and will be responded to. So, from our end we simply confirm the payment and finalise the transaction,” said Mr Chiremba.
With services now driven by technology, he said the company was looking at exploring many ICT-based products and growing the business.
“We are hoping to add more products in the future for our digital platform because one thing that Covid-19 has taught us is to always be prepared,” said Mr Chiremba.
Last week Credsure donated sanitisers and masks to pupils at John Tallach High School in Ntabazinduna, Matabeleland North.
Credit Insurance Zimbabwe Limited is majority-owned by Zimre Holdings Limited (ZHL) Group with 85 percent shareholding. The balance of 15 percent shareholding resides with a consortium of local banks.
Zimre Holdings Limited is an investment group that is listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange and has a business network within the region, notably in Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi and Botswana.
In addition, Zimre Holdings Limited has investment interests in the property and agriculture sectors in Zimbabwe.-chronicle.cl.zw