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.…
Insurance Industry Education Gets a Major Overhaul: New 'Bachelor Professional' for US Agents
The insurance industry is modernizing professional education to meet new challenges. Discover how the updated 'Fachwirt' qualification, now a 'Bachelor Professional,' equips agents for digital trends, sustainability, and evolving client needs in the US market, including private health insurance and Medicare.…
From Student Dorm to Industry Leader: How a bAV Pioneer Mastered Digital Media
Discover the journey of Stephan Seidenfad, co-founder of von Buddenbrock Concepts, from zero clients to becoming a top German expert in occupational pensions (bAV). Learn his proven strategies for YouTube content creation, LinkedIn personal branding, and niche marketing that earned an OMGV Broker Award nomination. Get actionable insights for financial advisors on building authority in specialized fields.…
Homeowners Insurance Premiums Rising in 2024: Understanding the 7.5% Increase and How to Save
Homeowners insurance premiums are set to rise by approximately 7.5% in 2024 due to a new adjustment factor. Learn what drives this increase, how it affects your policy, and discover actionable strategies to manage costs and potentially lower your home insurance bill.…
Berlin 'Fürst' Project: Insurers and Pension Funds Fear Total Loss
The stalled Berlin 'Fürst' real estate megaproject threatens a total loss for German insurers and pension funds. Discover the financing dispute, legal battle over jurisdiction, and warnings from industry experts.…
Are Real Estate Investments Still Attractive for German Insurers?
Rising interest rates and a construction crisis challenge real estate's role in insurer portfolios. Florian Bauer of Bauer Immobilien explains why insurers should maintain long-term real estate exposure despite current headwinds.…
PKV Growth Leaders 2022: Which Private Health Insurers Gained the Most New Customers?
While the German private health insurance (PKV) market is stagnating, a few insurers are bucking the trend. Discover the 'growth champions' that successfully gained the most fully insured customers in 2022 and what sets them apart.…
Financial Literacy Gap in Germany: Key Study Reveals Where Knowledge Falls Short
A new study reveals major gaps in German financial literacy, especially in investing, insurance, and mortgages. Discover the demographics most affected and learn how to bridge the knowledge gap for better financial planning and security.…
Standard Software vs. Custom Development: A Strategic Guide for Insurance Companies
Should your insurance company buy standard software or build custom solutions? In this Digital Insurance Podcast episode, Pavel Berkovitch of Landeskrankenhilfe shares key insights on digital strategy, IT investment, and achieving operational excellence in the insurance industry.…
Award-Winning Recruitment Strategy for the Insurance Industry: How to Attract Top Talent
Facing a talent shortage? Discover the award-winning 'AREA Talent Journey' strategy used by VPV. Learn how a candidate-centric approach, digital tools, and lifelong career support can revolutionize recruiting for insurance agents, brokers, and advisors in competitive markets.…
Getsafe Acquires Luko's German Portfolio: A Digital Insurance Power Move Explained
German InsurTech Getsafe acquires Luko Insurance's 50,000-strong German customer portfolio. This strategic move expands Getsafe's reach in Haftpflicht, pet health, and contents insurance. Learn what this means for digital insurance, customer choice, and the evolving landscape of tech-driven coverage.…
Save Up to €319 on Car Insurance: How Your German ZIP Code Drives Your Premium
Your German address can cost you €319 extra on car insurance. Learn how 2024 Regional Classes (Regionalklassen) affect your Kfz-Versicherung price and how to fight back with comparison shopping and your special cancellation right.…