Challenger financial institution Monzo has entered the UK dwelling insurance coverage market to supply contents cowl, and this could show well-liked given UK shoppers’ choice for digital channels. Monzo has recognised the low penetration charges for contents insurance coverage particularly, and GlobalData knowledge exhibits that younger shoppers and renters current a big alternative for contents-only insurers.
GlobalData’s 2024 UK Insurance coverage Client Survey discovered that solely 44.3% of renters have a house insurance coverage coverage—this group solely requires contents cowl. This compares to a penetration price of 90.2% for owners (with a mortgage). Moreover, solely 38.4% of adults below the age of 30 who lease have dwelling insurance coverage cowl. That is subsequently an enormous market alternative. Our survey additionally finds that over half (61.0%) of under-30s buy dwelling insurance coverage on-line (both through laptop computer, smartphone, or a app), so a financial institution that specialises within the digital channel needs to be effectively positioned to achieve this shopper group.
Younger adults and renters have all the time been a difficult group for insurers to achieve. Monzo is providing easy insurance policies through its app with a fast sign-up course of, which ought to enchantment to youthful clients. The method entails answering solely 5 inquiries to obtain a quote. The penetration price for renters will all the time be effectively under owners because of the have to have buildings cowl, however the distinction at current is huge and does depart individuals susceptible. Monzo itself estimated that renters might have round £12,000 ($15,600) of belongings unprotected.
Monzo would be the model behind the coverage, though it will likely be underwritten by Chubb. It might spark an increase within the bancassurance channel, which has remained static within the UK over the previous few years. 13.7% of shoppers bought dwelling insurance coverage through banks in 2024, which is a rise on 11.9% in 2023 however under 15.0% in 2022. This implies there’s a strong buyer base for bancassurance as a consequence of add-ons to accounts or model belief, however there’s little proof of huge progress within the channel. General although, family clients are open to utilizing the financial institution channel, and there’s a sizable alternative for insurers because of the low penetration charges for contents-only insurance policies. Monzo concentrating on this space with digital insurance policies subsequently seems to be a wise transfer.
