Smart to sell insurance by text messaging

Smart Communications Inc. is launching a project which allows users to subscribe to insurance using their mobile phones.

 

 “Because almost every Filipino owns a cellular phone, the service is very accessible. Financial security is just a text away,” Smart head of sales and distribution Florante Jimenez said.

 

In their micro-insurance project called “HapiPinoy Text Insure” (HTI), subscribers can buy a P7,500 accident insurance and P2,500 cash assistance in cases of fire for P10 worth of cellular load.

 

Also, subscribers can text HAPI 20 for twice the insurance coverage – P15,000 accident insurance and P5,000 fire insurance.

 

In light of natural disasters such as Ondoy and the recent torrential monsoon rains, “This mobile micro-insurance service is part of our initiative to help Filipinos become prepared for these kinds of situations, to live insured and live more,” said Jimenez.

 

When a customer subscribes to HTI, a text prompt will tell users to register the key code HREG with their full name, age, and address. After 24 hours, a text message will confirm the activation with a unique Insurance Reference Number or IRN.

 

“The insurance packages are valid for three months from the time of application. You can go to any Cebuana Lhuillier outlet to claim your insurance using your IRN,” said OksPinoy CEO John Joseph Gabriel Puzon.

 

Smart telco partnered with mobile application developer OksPinoy Inc. and Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Solutions for the project. — MJC/VS, GMA News