Does the integration of new technologies into the insurance system represent a threat or an opportunity for the profession of insurance agent? The issue was debated during an information day recently organized by the National Union of Insurance Agents of Tunisia.
“The insurance agent facing the test of digitalization” was the theme debated during the 4th scientific day organized by the National Union of Insurance Agents of Tunisia (Snagat), reporting to UTICA. Punctuated by several panels focused on digital tools and their role in the reconfiguration of the insurance market in Tunisia, the event aimed to inform insurance agents on new working methods in an increasingly more digitalized.
Master the new technical tools
“We have the impression that everyone is talking about digital instruments, artificial intelligence, the presentation of insurance operations to the public through digitalization. The few advances made on the Tunisian market have unfortunately been without consultation with agents, which gives rise to a certain concern that we would like to dissipate,” said Moncef Felli, secretary general of Snagat, in a statement to The Press. He added that, in an evolving context, the insurance agent must master new technical tools while ensuring the sustainability of his profession. “The insurance agent sector has more than 1,250 SMEs employing a large number of people. In my opinion, nothing can be done and no new thing can be brought to the market without consultation with the profession,” he insisted. Felli also highlighted that insurance agents are today asking questions about the consequences that will arise from the adoption of digital tools for the sale of insurance on the profession. “The union demands and insists on the need for consultation. He also requests clarification for better implementation of sales through digital instruments and clarification of the role assigned to agents in this new digital framework,” he said, adding that some companies have already started experimenting these new methods.
Artificial intelligence, insurers’ paradise
For his part, Mohamed Skander Naija, vice-president of the Tunisian Federation of Insurance Companies (Ftusa), explained in a statement to The Press that digitalization today constitutes a major challenge for the sector, since customers’ consumption and communication patterns have become entirely digitalized, leading to a radical change.
The sector must therefore adapt to this new reality and offer new products for the customer of tomorrow. He added that the insurance agent, as the first link in the insurance chain, must upgrade themselves, understand these issues, prepare for them and train themselves in the tools at their disposal to respond effectively. optimally suited to customer needs. “All this digitalization can only be done with total consultation, from the customer to the suppliers who are the reinsurers. When we digitalize a step, we always consult with the client of this step and with the person who carries it out. For example, for the agent, companies often discuss how to sell, how to design the offer, as well as how to interact with headquarters,” Naija explained.
Asked about the challenges of integrating artificial intelligence into the insurance value chain, the vice-president of Ftusa affirmed that with the massive production of data, this new technology today represents “paradise » insurers.
It improves the efficiency and speed of work. “Currently, in almost all insurance companies in Tunisia, initiatives based on artificial intelligence are emerging. Some products already work with this technology, which allows us to better understand customer needs and offer them more precise offers at better prices. But we probably need to accelerate this integration and popularize it, particularly among our agents,” he concluded.
