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An innovative insurance company has opened a new office in Russia this month with the aim of providing an immediate point of contact for consumers attending the World Cup.
TravelCard – dubbed the world’s first real-time insurer – confirmed the temporary Moscow location yesterday and said an expert team would be on-hand to help policyholders.
The decision comes after the company conducted a detailed risk analysis and considered the number of customers expected to travel to the World Cup.
“Given that thousands of our customers are expected to travel to Moscow for the event, we decided to open a front-office on the ground to stay closer to our customers, and provide them with prompt first-line assistance,” said chairman Alon Ketzef.
Michael Tauber, CEO of TravelCard, said the additional line of support helps build consumer confidence and sends a message to clients that their insurance company is there to help.
“The front-office is another proof point to brokers’ clients that TravelCard is willing to go to any lengths to find ways to establish trust and pay customers in real-time, so brokers and their clients will have peace of mind that we’ve got their backs,” he told Insurance Business.
The seamless process and improved customer experience, he argues, will also have a positive impact on brokers’ business.
“This will attract new customers from brokers’ existing client base, providing a reoccurring revenue stream and lifetime commission,” he said.
When asked if he thought other insurers should be stepping up to support consumers during major events which pose significant risks, Tauber said he could only speak for TravelCard.
“Our philosophy is to be highly customer centric and be there before, during, and after a customer travels,” he said. “As far as we are aware, we are the only travel insurance provider that helps travelling Australians when they need it the most by paying travel insurance claims in ‘real time’.”
While the World Cup only comes around once every four years, Tauber also says the company is open to putting a team on the ground for other major events.
“Based on the very positive feedback we’ve had from brokers and their clients, TravelCard will definitely consider opening a front-office at other major events around the world,” he said.
