Many people renew their policy "out of habit" — with the same company and on the same terms. Sometimes this is justified, but often the client overpays or gets worse cover than they could. International market studies regularly show the same picture: policyholders are less and less loyal to one company and increasingly demanding about service. Let's see how loyalty works in insurance and how to benefit from it.

Why clients leave

  • Renewal price. The premium may rise because the insurer has revised its rates, coefficients have changed, or repair costs have gone up with inflation.
  • Claims experience. Lengthy repairs, a dispute over the amount or a refusal is the main reason for switching.
  • Service. Inconvenient communication channels, long waits for answers, complex procedures.
  • Online comparison. Offers are easy to compare online and policies can be bought remotely, so the "cost of switching" for the client has become minimal.

What is kept when you switch insurers

OSAGO

The bonus-malus coefficient (KBM) in OSAGO (compulsory motor third-party liability insurance) is tied not to the insurance company but to the driver. It is stored in the OSAGO automated information system and calculated from the history of insurance and accidents. So when you move to another insurer, your no-claims discount is kept. Rates within the base-rate corridor set by the Bank of Russia differ between companies — the OSAGO calculator will help you compare them. Concluding an OSAGO contract is mandatory for the insurer: it cannot refuse.

KASKO and other voluntary lines

Here everything depends on the specific company's rules. A no-claims discount usually applies only within one company, but a new insurer may take your history into account if you provide a claims history certificate from the previous one. Before switching, find out what inspection will be required and whether there will be a gap in cover.

What bonuses loyal clients get

  • a no-claims discount on renewal of KASKO (comprehensive motor insurance) or property insurance;
  • package discounts for several policies with one company;
  • simplified renewal without a repeat inspection;
  • retention of "accumulated" terms — for example, no waiting periods in long-term insurance;
  • a personal manager and faster claims settlement for corporate clients.

The bonuses are real, but their value should be compared with other companies' offers rather than taken on trust.

What to expect from a good insurer

  • clear insurance rules and an honest explanation of exclusions before purchase;
  • convenient communication channels and a personal account with policy documents;
  • transparent claims handling: a clear list of documents, deadlines and status updates;
  • a renewal reminder in advance, with a quote, rather than an automatic price increase.

When it is worth staying

  • you have had a positive claims experience;
  • the terms are long-term (life insurance, savings programmes) — early termination may cost you part of your funds;
  • a competitor's offer is cheaper but on worse terms: a large deductible, depreciation, a narrow list of risks.

How to check an offer before renewal

  1. Take your current policy and the insurance rules — compare not only the price but also risks, exclusions, deductible and method of settlement.
  2. Request quotes from two or three companies on identical terms — conveniently via the Comparison section.
  3. Check the new insurer's financial stability and claims practice in the insurance company catalogue.
  4. Make sure the new contract starts immediately after the old one ends.
  5. Remember the "cooling-off period": for many voluntary lines, individuals can cancel the contract within 14 calendar days and get the premium back (in full or minus a portion for the days elapsed), provided there were no insured events.

Keep an eye on deadlines

Managing policies is easier if you keep them in one place and receive reminders about expiry in advance: a month before renewal leaves enough time to compare offers calmly.

Why a specialist's help is useful

Comparing prices is easy, but comparing terms is harder: the wording of insurance rules varies greatly between companies. Polis Re specialists will help you sort out the details and choose an option that really pays off. Send a request and we will select offers for your situation.