Digital Transformation: "Constantly Clarify Who or What We Are Doing This For"
Solveig Schulze, Head of Digitalization at Gothaer, shares insights on building a transformation culture, leveraging AI across the insurance value chain, and why 'digital detox' matters. Learn how insurers can navigate innovation, manage legacy systems like fax, and embrace trends like generative AI without losing sight of the customer.…
Can Your Cyber Insurance Deny Claims Due to Outdated Security? A Landmark German Ruling and Lessons for US Businesses
A recent German court ruled that outdated servers don't automatically void cyber insurance coverage. This article explores the implications for US businesses, comparing German PKV/GKV to US private health insurance and Medicare/Medicaid, and explains how to ensure your cyber liability insurance pays out.…
Landeskrankenhilfe Appoints New Sales Director: Strategic Shift for German Health Insurer
German health insurer Landeskrankenhilfe (LKH) appoints Jan-Peter Diercks as new Sales Director. Explore the implications for broker relations, marketing strategy, and the competitive private health insurance (PKV) market in Germany.…
Zurich Germany Announces Broker Sales Leadership Change: New Strategy for Intermediary Channel
Zurich Insurance Group in Germany appoints Kai Müller as new Head of Broker Retail, succeeding Jan Roß. Explore the strategic implications for insurance brokers, commercial lines, and Zurich's distribution efficiency goals.…
The "Porting Losers" in Private Health Insurance: Which Insurers Are Losing Their Best Customers?
Discover which private health insurance (PKV) companies in Germany are losing long-term customers and valuable ageing reserves to competitors. This analysis of porting data reveals the intense competition for policyholders and what it means for your insurance choice.…
Digital Sales Support for Insurance Agents: How Well Are Insurers Really Performing?
Digital tools are crucial for insurance agents, but are insurers delivering? We reveal the latest survey insights on the quality of digital sales support from carriers and what brokers truly need to succeed.…
German Car Insurance Prices Soar Up to 16% - Why Switching Now Saves You Money
Car insurance premiums in Germany are rising up to 16% this fall. Our analysis reveals why and how you can still save over 30% by switching providers during the annual renewal season. Compare Kfz-Versicherung rates now.…
Sole Proprietorship to LLC Conversion: A Guide for Insurance Agents & Financial Advisors
Considering converting your independent insurance agency from a sole proprietorship to an LLC or S-Corp? Explore the key benefits like liability protection and tax advantages, understand the costs, and learn the step-by-step process for financial advisors.…
Death is Not a Taboo: How a Financial Advisor Builds a Legacy of Certainty and Trust
Discover how Christoph Steinberger transforms the difficult topic of death into a cornerstone of comprehensive financial planning. Learn his unique methods for client acquisition through referrals, achieving a remarkable cross-selling ratio, and using technology like VR and AI to enhance communication. This guide offers profound insights into estate planning, end-of-life preparation, and building an advisory practice rooted in deep trust and holistic service.…
Emergency Preparedness Guide: Protecting Your Family's Future with Insurance and Estate Planning
Just as the pandemic was a wake-up call in Germany, unexpected emergencies can strike anyone. Learn from expert Oliver Mest how comprehensive emergency management, including life insurance, health coverage, and legal directives, safeguards your family's financial future. This guide compares German PKV/GKV with US private insurance and Medicare/Medicaid, offering essential strategies for Americans.…
Inside Königswege: A Modern German Insurance Network's Growth & Views on Commission Reform
Stefan Gierschke, CEO of Königswege, discusses his network's explosive growth, client portability, and why he believes commission-based advice is being unfairly scapegoated in Germany's pension reform debate.…
BGH Ruling: Allianz Forced to Reverse Basis Pension - What It Means for Your Insurance Rights
The German Federal Court of Justice (BGH) has upheld a ruling forcing Allianz to reverse a Basis-Rente (Rürup pension) contract due to flawed cancellation instructions. Learn how this landmark insurance law decision affects policyholders' cancellation rights and what you should know about your own private pension or life insurance.…
New German Law: Mandatory Car Insurance for Riding Lawn Mowers & Slow Vehicles
Germany plans to mandate car insurance (Kfz-Haftpflicht) for riding lawn mowers, forklifts, and slow tractors. Learn what the new EU rule means, potential fines, and why even insurers oppose it.…
Gothaer Insurance Sales & Marketing Chief to Depart Amid Major Merger Plans
Gothaer's Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Oliver Brüß, will not renew his contract, departing at the end of 2024. Explore the implications for the Gothaer-Barmenia merger and the future of insurance distribution in Germany.…
Why a Leading Actuary Advocates for Commission-Based Advice: Insights from Axel Kleinlein
In a revealing podcast interview, renowned actuary and former BdV spokesperson Axel Kleinlein defends the Zillmer method for insurance commissions, arguing for 'appropriate' advisor compensation. Discover his views on AI in financial advice, the role of intermediaries, and how insurers sometimes exploit conflicts of interest. This analysis provides crucial perspective on the value of professional financial advisory services.…
Baloise Germany Appoints New CFO: Christoph Wappler Takes Finance Helm
Swiss insurer Baloise appoints Christoph Wappler as new Chief Financial Officer for its German operations. Learn about the leadership transition and its strategic context within the European insurance market.…
InsurTech helden.de Rebrands After Consumer Watchdog Action: A Lesson in Transparency
The InsurTech platform helden.de (formerly Insurance Hero) has undergone significant changes following a warning from a German consumer protection agency. Learn why the company removed a 'waiver of advice' clause and rebranded, and what this case teaches about regulatory compliance, consumer rights, and the importance of clear communication in digital insurance sales.…
New German Financial Standards Committee (NAFin): What It Means for Global Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection
Germany's DIN institute launches the NAFIn committee to unify financial sector standardization. This move aims to streamline regulations, impacting everything from insurance advice to sustainable finance. Learn how this European initiative could influence global financial standards and your financial planning.…
Private Health Insurance (PKV) Customer Loss: Which Insurers Lost the Most Policyholders in 2022?
The German private health insurance (PKV) sector continues to lose fully insured members. Discover which insurers faced the largest customer declines in 2022, the reasons behind the trend, and what it means for the future of PKV coverage.…
The Future of Insurance: How Digital Platforms and Service Dominance Drive Success
Explore how the insurance industry is shifting from product-centric to service-dominant models. Learn why holistic customer experiences, powered by open B2B2C platforms like onpier, are key to competitiveness. This guide examines digital transformation strategies, the role of InsurTech, and how insurers can become comprehensive lifestyle partners.…