Latest News on ICICI Lombard
Insurers to charge 18% GST on agents’ commission, Input Tax Credit issue
The Indian government’s decision to reduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on health insurance premiums from 18% to 0% has had an unintended consequence on the insurance industry. Insurers are now imposing an 18% GST on commissions paid to agents and distributors to offset losses from the withdrawal of input tax credit (ITC). This move has come as a major blow to insurance intermediaries across the country.
The GST cut means that insurers can no longer claim ITC on commissions, rewards, and other corporate expenses such as rent, technology, and manpower. As a result, insurers are passing on the GST cost to agents and distributors, which could squeeze smaller distributors and individual agents. For example, if the commission for a sale is Rs 100, the amount payable will reduce by 18% to Rs 84.74.
Industry experts warn that this new structure could make health insurance distribution less profitable or unviable for many agents, unless companies revise commission structures or offer alternative incentives. While customers may gain marginally from lower premiums, the ripple effects are being felt sharply across the industry. Insurers face higher operating costs, and distributors face lower earnings.
The problem stems from how the GST framework treats exemptions. For a company to claim input tax credit, there must be a GST component on its output. With the health insurance sector’s GST set to nil, insurers lose this offset mechanism, and expenses on rent, IT systems, advertising, outsourcing, and agent commissions will add up as unrecoverable costs.
Several insurance companies, including Aditya Birla Health Insurance, Care Health Insurance, Star Health Insurance, and ICICI Lombard General Insurance, have acknowledged the challenge and are passing on the GST cost to distributors. They have reiterated their commitment to passing on the entire GST benefit to customers, but noted that the exemption benefits customers while simultaneously increasing operational costs for insurers. The companies have stated that they will absorb the impact of GST on expenses, but will pass on the GST on commissions to distributors to maintain equilibrium and protect customer interests.
Bombay High Court’s stay brings GST relief to over a dozen insurers
The Bombay High Court has granted a temporary stay on a substantial demand and associated penalties by the Goods and Services Tax (GST) authorities, providing relief to over a dozen insurance companies. The insurance companies, including Aditya Birla Health Insurance, Oriental Insurance, and ICICI Lombard General Insurance, among others, had approached the court challenging the demand raised by the GST authorities, which totaled over Rs 10,000 crore. The court’s stay order brings immediate relief to the insurance companies, which had been facing significant uncertainty due to the GST demands.
The insurance companies had argued that the demand was in contravention of circulars issued by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBEC) on October 11, 2024, and January 28, 2025, which were issued in pursuance of a decision taken by the GST Council. The companies’ counsel, Senior Advocates Arvind Datar and Rohan Shah, pointed out that in six cases, similar demands had been dropped by jurisdictional officers in Meerut, Delhi, and Pune, and two cases in Mumbai, and argued that the same approach should be adopted in the present case.
The court’s decision is seen as a significant relief for the insurance industry, which had been facing challenges due to the GST demands. The insurance regulator had changed the expense of management guidelines post the tax notices, giving relief to insurers. The GST Council had already recommended a clear position on co-insurance premium and ceding commission, which was subsequently implemented through CBIC circular clarifications. The court’s order reinforces that such circular-based guidance cannot be disregarded in assessment proceedings.
The matter will now be tested on its merits, but the interim protection itself is a meaningful safeguard for the insurance companies facing legacy exposes. The court will hear the matter further on February 18. The temporary stay on the GST demand is expected to provide a significant reprieve to the insurance companies, allowing them to continue their operations without the uncertainty of the substantial tax demand hanging over them.
Bombay High Court stays GST demands on co-insurance premiums.
The Bombay High Court has provided temporary relief to several insurance companies, including ICICI Lombard General Insurance, Aditya Birla Health Insurance, and Tata AIG General Insurance, by staying Goods and Services Tax (GST) demands on co-insurance premium and ceding commission. The court’s decision was based on the argument that the levy was contrary to circulars issued by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). The insurance companies had approached the court challenging orders passed by GST authorities in Palghar, Maharashtra, confirming the GST demands.
The petitioners, represented by senior advocates Arvind Datar and Rohan Shah, argued that the demands were in violation of CBIC circulars dated October 11, 2024, and January 28, 2025, which were issued pursuant to decisions made by the GST Council. They also pointed out that similar GST demands had been dropped by jurisdictional officers in other cases in Meerut, Delhi, Pune, and Mumbai, following the CBIC circulars. The court was shown an order from one such case to demonstrate the consistent departmental approach elsewhere.
The Directorate General of GST Intelligence had investigated over two dozen insurance companies for allegedly creating shell entities to pay excess commissions and misclassifying expenses to reduce GST liability. The Income Tax Department had also conducted parallel investigations into alleged tax evasion and violations of Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India rules. The GST probe focused on alleged fake input tax credit and misclassification of expenses, while the income tax investigation examined suspected tax evasion arising from commission payments in excess of regulatory limits.
The court’s decision has provided much-needed relief to the industry, according to Amit Maheshwari, managing partner at CA firm AKM Global. The court’s intervention highlights the importance of predictable tax administration and consistent field-level implementation. The ad-interim stay will remain in place until the next date of hearing, which is scheduled for after the respondents file their reply affidavits by February 12. The insurance companies will have to wait until then to know the final outcome of their petitions.
Health insurers fuel non-life premium growth due to GST benefits.
The non-life insurance industry in India experienced a significant boost in December, with a 14% year-on-year increase in gross direct premium collections, reaching ₹28,446.82 crore. This growth is the second-strongest monthly expansion in the industry, following a substantial 24.2% jump in November. The main driver behind this surge was the performance of standalone health insurers, which reported a 39% year-on-year rise in premiums, reaching ₹4,260.10 crore. Star Health and Allied Insurance, the largest player, saw its premiums climb 24% to ₹1,712 crore.
The growth in the health segment can be attributed to the government’s decision to exempt GST on individual health insurance policies, making them more affordable and stimulating demand. Public sector general insurers also demonstrated healthy growth, with a 15% increase in gross premium collections to ₹10,126.36 crore. National Insurance reported a 37% surge in premium income to ₹1,520.36 crore. Private players, including ICICI Lombard and HDFC Ergo General Insurance, also contributed significantly to the growth, with a 15% year-on-year increase in gross direct premiums to ₹13,621.42 crore.
The outlook for the non-life insurance industry remains positive, with brokerage firm Emkay Global anticipating continued healthy growth in the December 2025 quarter. The growth is expected to be driven by strength in both the motor and health insurance segments. The retail health segment is poised for robust expansion, directly benefiting from increased affordability following GST exemptions. Additionally, growth in motor insurance is likely to be driven by strong new-vehicle sales, potentially aided by prior GST rate adjustments. Overall, the non-life insurance industry in India is expected to continue its growth momentum, driven by increasing demand for health and motor insurance products. With the government’s support and growing awareness among consumers, the industry is likely to experience sustained growth in the coming months.
On October 8, 2025, insurance agents and associations are likely to raise the issue of Goods and Services Tax (GST) with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) and the Finance Ministry.
The insurance industry in India is facing a significant issue related to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Input Tax Credit (ITC). Private insurers have reduced distributor payouts by 15-18% to offset the loss of ITC, following the GST exemption on life and health insurance premiums. This move is expected to have a significant impact on agents, brokerages, and individual advisors, particularly small and independent operators. The reduction in payouts will directly cut into their working capital, leading to reduced take-home income and morale, especially in smaller towns and rural markets.
The current GST framework, if left unadjusted, may set a precedent where insurers maintain profitability by squeezing distribution costs rather than improving efficiency. Industry associations and agents are likely to take up the issue with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) and the Finance Ministry. The President of the General Insurance Agents Federation Integrated stated that the change will shrink access to insurance, which is against the Prime Minister’s vision of Insurance for All by 2047.
In contrast, Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) and other public sector insurers have decided to maintain existing commission structures, even as they pass the full GST relief to policyholders. LIC plans to offset the impact through higher policy sales and new product pricing. Public sector general insurers, including New India Assurance, Oriental Insurance, United India Insurance, and National Insurance, have also opted against cutting commissions, choosing instead to absorb the ITC loss.
Private insurers, on the other hand, are passing on the ITC burden to agents because their business models and cost structures leave little room to absorb additional expenses. The removal of ITC has raised operating costs by roughly 2-3% of premiums, and private companies must adhere to stricter IRDAI Expense of Management (EoM) caps. Absorbing this loss would directly dent profitability and risk regulatory breaches. Several private general and standalone health insurers, including Tata AIG, Aditya Birla Health Insurance, Niva Bupa, Care Health, and ICICI Lombard, have implemented revised commission structures, making payouts inclusive of 18% GST, which means distributors will bear the tax cost.
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Ghaziabad Insurance Scam: Cyber police have busted a ₹50 crore fraud that affected over 25,000 vehicle owners.
Two individuals, Sartaj and Deepak Thakur, were arrested in Ghaziabad for their involvement in a massive insurance scam that deceived over 25,000 people across India, including 128 victims from the city, over the past year. The scam, which has a financial impact of over Rs 50 crore, involved the duo fabricating third-party insurance policies for various companies, including ICICI Lombard General Insurance, Magma HDI General Insurance, and others. The accused would collect premium payments from owners of commercial vehicles and lorries but would issue two-wheeler insurance policies instead, which are significantly cheaper.
The scam was uncovered after a complaint was filed by the vice president of ICICI Lombard General Insurance, Sanjay Thakur, on March 8. An investigation revealed that the accused had created fake insurance policies by misrepresenting commercial vehicles as two-wheelers. Four people were arrested on March 10, and Sartaj and Deepak were arrested later after their names were revealed by the gang.
The police believe that over one lakh people may have fallen prey to the scam over the last two years and are continuing to identify and reach out to more victims. The accused were booked under Section 318 (4) (cheating) of the BNS and relevant sections of the IT Act. A team has been formed to nab the mastermind, Rohit Kumar, and a woman, Priya, who is believed to have been involved in creating the fake insurance papers.
The police have recovered 84 counterfeit third-party insurance policies from the accused’s mobile phones and are contacting the companies whose policies were fabricated. The ADCP (crime & cyber) Piyush Kumar Singh said that the perpetrators took advantage of the fact that proprietors of aged commercial vehicles and trucks generally purchase only third-party coverage, which creates opportunities for manipulation when issuing low-value third-party policies. The police are working to prevent such scams in the future and to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, Tata AIG, and United India have joined CRED Garage as insurance partners.
CRED, a fintech platform, has expanded its selection of motor insurers on CRED garage to include Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, Tata AIG, and United India Insurance. This addition brings the total number of curated insurance providers on the platform to seven, including ACKO, ICICI Lombard, Zurich Kotak, and Digit. CRED members can now evaluate and choose from India’s leading motor insurance providers in one place, with the ability to compare premiums, get quotes, and renew their policy seamlessly.
To date, CRED garage has enabled members to insure over 10 lakh vehicles without coverage lapses. The platform also facilitates digital claims initiation and provides end-to-end support through a dedicated concierge team. Insurers offer dynamically priced premiums with better rates for those with higher credit scores, recognizing members’ creditworthiness as a signal of responsible behavior.
The addition of new insurers reflects the benefit of CRED’s approach to the entire ecosystem, where creditworthy members get better benefits and insurers have access to more prudent consumers. According to Akshay Aedula, Product and Growth at CRED, the platform has reimagined the traditional insurance experience from the user’s perspective, enabling them to make the right choice in a frictionless, transparent, and intuitive manner.
The partnership with CRED garage has been welcomed by the new insurer partners. Dr. Tapan Singhel, MD & CEO of Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, said that insurance should adapt to the customer’s life, and the partnership allows vehicle owners to stay on top of their insurance status and renewal dates. Saurabh Maini, Senior EVP at TATA AIG, stated that the partnership helps them offer motor insurance solutions to a tech-savvy audience, reinforcing their focus on innovation and customer-centric protection.
Lipika Kalra, General Manager (Marketing) at United India Insurance, said that the partnership marks a key milestone in their digital transformation and B2C growth journey, enabling them to directly engage with a digitally native community that values convenience, transparency, and trust. With over 1.1 crore vehicles managed through CRED garage, the platform helps members manage all parts of car ownership in one place, from discovering challans to renewing pollution certificates, insurance, FASTag, checking valuation, and even resale.
Two-wheeler insurance scam: Rs 80 crore duped from 25,000 victims
A massive insurance fraud racket has been uncovered in Ghaziabad, India, with over 25,000 people falling victim to the scam. The fraud, which involves vehicle insurance, has a financial impact of more than Rs 50 crore (approximately Rs 80 crore) in Ghaziabad alone, with 128 people from the city affected. The scam was busted by the Ghaziabad Cyber Police, who arrested two key conspirators, 51-year-old Sartaj and 38-year-old Deepak Thakur.
The accused, who were licensed agents at the RTO office in Ghaziabad, targeted owners of old commercial vehicles and lorries. They would charge full premium for heavy vehicles, ranging from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000, but would only apply for insurance policies for two-wheelers, which cost around Rs 1,500. The remaining amount would be pocketed by the gang.
During the investigation, police recovered 84 fake third-party insurance policies from the accused’s mobile phones. These policies were created in the name of several insurance companies, including ICICI Lombard General Insurance, Magma HDI, and Bajaj Allianz, among others. The police have contacted the companies and are investigating the matter further.
The arrested individuals, Sartaj and Deepak Thakur, have degrees in commerce and arts, respectively. A case has been registered against them at the cyber police station in connection with the fraud. The police are working to uncover the extent of the scam and bring all those involved to justice. The investigation is ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge as the case unfolds.
The scam has significant implications, with thousands of people affected across India. The fact that the accused were able to create fake insurance policies in the name of reputable companies raises concerns about the vulnerability of the insurance industry to fraud. The police are working to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that measures are put in place to prevent such scams from occurring in the future.
Non-life insurers record 2% premium growth in September, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance leads the way
The non-life insurance sector in India has reported a modest 1.94% year-on-year growth in gross direct premium to Rs 23,430 crore in September. This growth was driven primarily by an increase in standalone health insurance premiums. The largest general insurer, New India Assurance, saw a 3.5% rise in premiums, while ICICI Lombard General Insurance reported a 6.2% increase. Other state-owned insurers, such as United India Insurance and Oriental Insurance, also reported significant growth, with increases of 23.36% and 4.45%, respectively.
Private general insurers, including Bajaj Allianz General and HDFC Ergo, also reported varying degrees of growth, with Bajaj Allianz General seeing a 31.35% increase and HDFC Ergo experiencing a decline of 3.78%. Standalone health insurers, such as Niva Bupa Health Insurance and Star Health and Allied Insurance, reported growth of 1.45% and 3.36%, respectively.
The government’s recent clarification on Goods and Services Tax (GST) has also had an impact on the industry. Premiums for individual life and health insurance policies are now exempt from GST, making them more affordable for individuals and families. However, this exemption does not apply to group insurance policies, which are typically offered by employers to their employees. Reinsurance services, which insurers purchase to protect themselves, are also exempt from GST.
However, insurers will face a significant adjustment regarding Input Tax Credit (ITC). They will no longer be able to claim ITC for essential input services such as agent commissions, brokerage, and administrative services. This change may have a significant impact on the industry, as insurers will need to adjust their business models to account for the loss of ITC. Overall, the non-life insurance sector is experiencing moderate growth, driven primarily by increases in standalone health insurance premiums, and is adapting to changes in the tax landscape.
Non-life insurers record 5% premium growth in June, data reveals
The Indian general insurance industry has witnessed a mixed performance in terms of premium growth, with some insurers reporting significant increases while others saw declines. New India Assurance, the largest general insurer, led the pack with a 10.6% year-over-year (YoY) increase in premiums to Rs 3,328 crore. This growth is notable, given the current market conditions.
Other state-owned insurers also reported strong growth, with United India Insurance seeing an 11.4% YoY rise in premiums, National Insurance posting a 26% growth, and Oriental Insurance’s premiums rising by 13.5%. These numbers indicate a positive trend among public sector general insurers.
In contrast, the second-largest general insurer, ICICI Lombard General Insurance, reported a 10.4% decline in premiums to Rs 1,987 crore. This decline is a significant setback for the company, which had been performing well in previous quarters.
Among private general insurers, Bajaj Allianz General reported an impressive 17% YoY growth in premiums to Rs 1,445 crore. This growth is a testament to the company’s strong distribution network and product offerings. On the other hand, HDFC Ergo saw a decline of 17.4% in premiums to Rs 870 crore, which is a concerning trend for the company.
Overall, the general insurance industry has shown a mixed performance, with some insurers reporting strong growth while others struggled to maintain their premium base. The growth of state-owned insurers is a positive sign, while the decline of some private insurers is a cause for concern. The industry’s performance will be closely watched in the coming quarters to see if the growth momentum can be sustained.
The premium growth of general insurers is an important indicator of the industry’s health, and the current trends suggest that the industry is facing challenges. However, with the government’s initiatives to increase insurance penetration and the growing awareness among consumers, the industry is expected to grow in the long term. The companies that are able to adapt to the changing market conditions and offer innovative products will be better positioned to capitalize on the growth opportunities.
Sharp premium drop hits general insurers in August; New India Assurance down 47% MoM
The Indian insurance sector experienced a decline in premium collections in August, with several leading insurers reporting sharp drops on a month-on-month (MoM) basis. In the general insurance segment, New India Assurance saw the steepest decline, with premiums falling 47% MoM to ₹2,197 crore. However, the company attributed this drop to the timing of policy receipts, citing the receipt of a quarterly installment of a government health policy in the previous month. Despite this, New India Assurance reported an 8.67% growth in premiums on a year-on-year (YoY) basis and a 14.66% growth up to the month on a YoY basis.
Other insurers also reported declines in premium collections. ICICI Lombard saw a 12% MoM decline in premiums to ₹2,182 crore, while Go Digit General Insurance registered a 16% MoM drop to ₹738 crore. Health insurers Niva Bupa Health Insurance and Star Health Insurance also reported contractions, with premiums declining 4% and 6% MoM, respectively.
This decline comes after a period of steady expansion in the insurance sector, with many insurers reporting strong inflows in July. In fact, New India Assurance, ICICI Lombard, Go Digit, Niva Bupa, and Star Health all posted double-digit MoM growth in July, highlighting a sharp contrast with the August figures. The decline in premium collections may be a temporary blip, and the sector is expected to continue growing in the long term. The insurance sector’s performance is closely watched, as it is a key indicator of the overall health of the economy. The decline in August may be attributed to various factors, including seasonal fluctuations and changes in policy receipts. However, the sector’s growth on a YoY basis suggests that it is still on a positive trajectory.
HDFC Ergo and Tata AIG have joined other insurers in reducing distributor commissions.
The Indian government has introduced a significant change in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on individual health and life insurance premiums, reducing it from 18% to 0% effective September 22, 2025. However, this change also means that insurance companies can no longer claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) on services such as brokerage and commission for individual health and life insurance. As a result, insurance companies are reducing commission payouts to distributors to absorb the loss of ITC benefit.
Several major insurance companies, including HDFC Ergo General Insurance, Tata AIG General Insurance, ICICI Lombard General Insurance, Aditya Birla Health Insurance, Niva Bupa Health, Star Health, and Care Health, have already cut commissions to distributors. The commission paid to distributors is now inclusive of 18% GST, effective October 1, 2025. This change is expected to impact the profitability and operating expenses of insurance companies.
The government’s intention behind this move is to make insurance policies more affordable for individuals. However, it has created pressure on insurance companies’ margins, as they have lost the benefit of ITC that they could earlier claim on their expenses. Insurance companies are now absorbing the ITC disallowance impact on non-commission costs to keep premiums affordable for customers.
The reduction in commission payouts to distributors may affect their earnings, but insurance companies are encouraging them to focus on selling more policies to increase their volumes and earnings. The new guidelines have created a challenging environment for insurance companies, and they are awaiting responses from relevant authorities to address their concerns. Meanwhile, insurance companies are revising their commission rates to align with the GST changes, and distributors can expect updated commission grids soon. Overall, the GST exemption on individual health and life insurance premiums has created a complex situation for insurance companies, distributors, and policyholders, with both positive and negative implications.
CRED has expanded its insurance network by partnering with Bajaj Allianz, Tata AIG, and United India on its garage platform.
CRED, a fintech company, has expanded its motor insurance offerings on its CRED Garage platform by partnering with three new insurance providers: Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, Tata AIG, and United India Insurance. This brings the total number of insurance providers on the platform to seven, including existing partners ACKO, ICICI Lombard, Zurich Kotak, and Digit. CRED Garage offers a range of services, including premium comparison, policy renewal reminders, digital claims initiation, and dedicated concierge support.
The platform has facilitated insurance coverage for over 10 lakh vehicles without any coverage lapses to date and currently manages 1.1 crore vehicles. One of the unique features of CRED Garage is its dynamic pricing model, which offers better premium rates to members with higher credit scores. This model leverages creditworthiness as an indicator of responsible behavior, with the assumption that individuals with good credit scores are more likely to be responsible drivers.
The partnership with the new insurance providers is expected to help CRED reach a wider audience, particularly tech-savvy individuals. According to Dr. Tapan Singhel, MD & CEO of Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, there is a correlation between good credit scores and responsible driving behavior. Saurabh Maini from TATA AIG highlighted the importance of the partnership in reaching affluent and tech-savvy audiences, while Lipika Kalra from United India Insurance described the collaboration as a milestone in the company’s digital transformation journey.
CRED serves over 1.5 crore affluent Indians and restricts access to individuals with high credit scores. In addition to insurance services, CRED Garage offers comprehensive vehicle management services, including challan discovery, pollution certificate renewal, FASTag services, and vehicle valuation. With its expanded partnerships and range of services, CRED Garage is positioned to become a leading platform for vehicle owners in India. The platform’s focus on using credit scores to determine premium rates is also expected to promote responsible financial behavior among its members.
Insurance premium collections rose in August, driven by Bajaj Allianz and New India Assurance.
The Indian general insurance sector experienced modest year-on-year growth in premium collections for August, according to data from the General Insurance Council. However, several major players reported significant sequential declines in premiums compared to July.
ICICI Lombard General Insurance saw a 2.1% year-on-year increase in gross direct premium underwritten, reaching ₹2,182 crore. Nonetheless, its premiums dropped 12% compared to the previous month. New India Assurance reported an 8.7% annual increase, with premiums totaling ₹2,197 crore, but experienced a substantial 47% month-on-month decline, the steepest among major insurers.
Star Health and Allied Insurance’s premium rose 1.9% year-on-year to ₹1,426 crore. In contrast, Go Digit General Insurance achieved a 13.6% annual jump, with premiums reaching ₹738 crore, but slipped 16% on a sequential basis. Bajaj Allianz General Insurance posted the strongest annual growth, with premium collections up 18.8% year-on-year at ₹2063.2 crore.
The declines in premiums for several major insurers may indicate a slowdown in the Indian general insurance sector. The significant drop in premiums for New India Assurance, in particular, may be a cause for concern. Despite the year-on-year growth, the sequential declines suggest that the sector may be experiencing a temporary downturn.
Overall, the data from the General Insurance Council highlights the mixed performance of Indian general insurers in August. While some insurers reported strong annual growth, others experienced substantial sequential declines. The sector’s performance will be closely watched in the coming months to determine if the declines are a one-time phenomenon or a sign of a larger trend. The Indian general insurance sector will need to adapt to changing market conditions to maintain growth and stability.
Top insurance companies have successfully leveraged technology to revolutionize their approach to customer service, setting a new standard for the industry.
SBI General Insurance has emerged as the top performer in the motor insurance category. The company, which has partnered with 21 original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for motor insurance, reported a moderate increase in the segment in the financial year 2024. Notably, it settled 2,70,716 motor own damage claims, with over 7,148 claims for four-wheeler private cars being resolved through its “fast lane method,” which allows for spot settlement of minor damages.
According to Naveen Chandra Jha, Managing Director and CEO of SBI General Insurance, both health insurance and motor insurance are under-penetrated markets that offer opportunities for growth. The company’s strong performance in the motor insurance category can be attributed to its strategic partnerships with OEMs and its efficient claims settlement process.
The New India Assurance and ICICI Lombard General Insurance have been jointly ranked second in the motor insurance category. Girija Subramanian, Managing Director and Chairman of The New India Assurance, attributes the company’s strong performance to its long-standing presence across the country, particularly in Tier I-IV towns. The company’s extensive network of agents and intermediaries, including brokers, motor insurance service providers, web aggregators, and insurance marketing firms, has played a crucial role in generating large volumes of business.
However, Subramanian notes that the automobile industry has experienced muted growth in the financial year 2025, with a decline in sales of private cars and commercial vehicles. This has had a negative impact on the company’s business figures, which have only recently started to pick up during the festival season. Despite this, the company remains optimistic about achieving double-digit growth in the motor insurance business by the end of the year. The New India Assurance works with 2,500 garages for cashless claims, which has helped to streamline its claims settlement process and improve customer satisfaction. Overall, the motor insurance category is expected to continue growing, driven by increasing demand for vehicle insurance and the introduction of new products and services by insurers.
ICICI Lombard appoints Parag Lokhande to lead AI, data science, and startup strategy
ICICI Lombard has appointed Parag Lokhande as the Head of Data Science, AI, and Startup Initiatives. This move signifies the company’s push towards AI-led innovation and collaboration with startups. Lokhande will be responsible for developing advanced machine learning solutions and engaging with emerging ventures to future-proof the insurer’s digital strategy.
With over two decades of experience in analytics, AI, and digital transformation across the BFSI sector, Lokhande is well-equipped to drive the next phase of growth for the organization. Prior to his current role, he was the EVP at Kotak Securities and has also worked with organizations such as Bajaj Finserv and PNB MetLife. Lokhande’s experience combines hands-on technology implementation with strategic innovation leadership, and he holds an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, Mumbai.
The appointment of Lokhande comes at a time when the insurance industry is undergoing significant transformation, with AI and startup-led solutions redefining claims processing, risk modeling, fraud detection, and customer engagement. ICICI Lombard aims to build in-house AI capabilities and collaborate with startups to shape the next era of tech-led insurance.
Lokhande’s role will involve leveraging internal teams and engaging with the startup ecosystem to identify and integrate cutting-edge technologies. He will focus on collaborating with new-age startups to co-create innovative, future-ready solutions aligned with the organization’s long-term strategic objectives. This strategic hire is expected to drive ICICI Lombard’s digital strategy and position the company as a leader in the insurance industry.
The insurance industry’s transformation is driven by the need for efficient and effective solutions, and AI and machine learning are playing a crucial role in this process. With Lokhande’s expertise and ICICI Lombard’s commitment to innovation, the company is poised to make significant strides in the industry. The collaboration with startups will also provide opportunities for ICICI Lombard to stay ahead of the curve and adapt to changing market trends.
Overall, the appointment of Parag Lokhande as the Head of Data Science, AI, and Startup Initiatives is a significant step for ICICI Lombard, and it is expected to drive the company’s growth and innovation in the insurance industry.