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Introdcution
Insurance is a crucial financial service that plays a fundamental role in managing risk and
providing protection against unforeseen events. An insurance company, also known as an
insurer, is a business entity that offers various insurance products to individuals and businesses.
These products are designed to safeguard policyholders against financial losses, such as damage
to property, illness, accidents, or other unexpected incidents. Insurance companies operate on the
principle of risk pooling, where a large number of policyholders contribute premiums to create a
fund that can be used to compensate those who experience covered losses.
Insurance companies can be categorized into various types based on the risks they cover. Life
insurance companies focus on providing financial protection to beneficiaries in the event of the
policyholder's death. Property and casualty insurance companies cover damages to property,
liability, and other risks. Health insurance companies offer coverage for medical expenses and
healthcare-related costs. Additionally, there are reinsurance companies that provide coverage to
primary insurers, helping them manage their own risk portfolios.
The primary function of an insurance company is to assess risk, set premiums, and provide
coverage to policyholders. Insurance companies employ actuaries, underwriters, and other
professionals to evaluate the likelihood of various events and determine appropriate premium
rates. Policyholders pay premiums regularly to maintain coverage, and in return, the insurer
agrees to compensate them or cover their losses in accordance with the terms of the insurance
policy. This risk-transfer mechanism is essential for individuals and businesses to mitigate the
financial impact of unexpected events.
Insurance companies contribute significantly to the stability of the economy by promoting risk
management and financial security. They facilitate economic growth by providing individuals
and businesses with the confidence to invest and innovate, knowing that they have a safety net in
case of unforeseen events. Insurance also plays a vital role in disaster recovery, helping
communities rebuild after natural disasters or catastrophic events. Moreover, insurance
companies are key investors in financial markets, managing substantial investment portfolios to
generate returns that can contribute to their financial strength.
While insurance companies play a crucial role in risk management, they face challenges such as
evolving regulatory landscapes, advancements in technology, and changing consumer
expectations. The industry is adapting to digital transformation, utilizing data analytics, artificial
intelligence, and other technologies to enhance risk assessment, streamline operations, and
improve customer experience. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on sustainable and
ethical practices within the industry. As insurance companies navigate these challenges, they
continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of their policyholders in an ever-changing global
landscape.
The mission and vision statements of Urs Total Insurance Solutions and Financial Services
generally reflect their core values, purpose, and goals. While these statements can vary from one
institution to another, here are some examples that capture the essence of what many such
organizations strive to achieve:
Mission Statement:
Protecting and Securing Futures: We are committed to providing individuals and businesses with
financial security through innovative insurance and financial solutions, safeguarding their well-
being and ensuring a resilient future.
Risk Mitigation and Resilience: Our mission is to help clients navigate uncertainties by offering
comprehensive risk management solutions, ensuring stability in an ever-changing economic
landscape.
Global Impact: We aim to make a positive impact on the global economy by fostering
sustainable development, responsible investment practices, and contributing to social and
environmental well-being.
Vision Statement:
Innovation for Tomorrow: We envision a future where continuous innovation drives the
evolution of financial and insurance services, providing solutions that adapt to the changing
needs of our customers.
Leading with Integrity: Our vision is to be a trusted industry leader, known for our unwavering
commitment to ethical practices, transparency, and accountability in all aspects of our
operations.
Financial Inclusion: We aspire to be a catalyst for financial inclusion, ensuring that every
individual, regardless of background or circumstance, has access to the tools and resources
needed for financial success.
Global Reach, Local Impact: We aim to extend our global reach while maintaining a local focus,
understanding and addressing the unique financial challenges faced by communities around the
world.
Building Partnerships: Our vision includes fostering strategic partnerships and collaborations to
create a network of financial support and expertise, working together to enhance the overall
financial health of our clients and communities.
It's important to note that these statements are generic examples, and individual institutions may
tailor their mission and vision statements to reflect their specific values, goals, and the markets
they serve.
The story of insurance is probably as old as the story of mankind. The same instinct that prompts
modern businessmen today to secure themselves against loss and disaster existed in primitive
men also. They too sought to avert the evil consequences of fire and flood and loss of life and
were willing to make some sort of sacrifice in order to achieve security. Though the concept of
insurance is largely a development of the recent past, particularly after the industrial era – past
few centuries – yet its beginnings date back almost 6000 years.
Life Insurance in its modern form came to India from England in the year 1818. Oriental Life
Insurance Company started by Europeans in Calcutta was the first life insurance company on
Indian Soil. All the insurance companies established during that period were brought up with the
purpose of looking after the needs of European community and Indian natives were not being
insured by these companies. However, later with the efforts of eminent people like Babu
Muttylal Seal, the foreign life insurance companies started insuring Indian lives. But Indian lives
were being treated as sub-standard lives and heavy extra premiums were being charged on them.
Bombay Mutual Life Assurance Society heralded the birth of first Indian life insurance company
in the year 1870, and covered Indian lives at normal rates. Starting as Indian enterprise with
highly patriotic motives, insurance companies came into existence to carry the message of
insurance and social security through insurance to various sectors of society. Bharat Insurance
Company (1896) was also one of such companies inspired by nationalism. The Swadeshi
movement of 1905-1907 gave rise to more insurance companies. The United India in Madras,
National Indian and National Insurance in Calcutta and the Co-operative Assurance at Lahore
were established in 1906. In 1907, Hindustan Co-operative Insurance Company took its birth in
one of the rooms of the Jorasanko, house of the great poet Rabindranath Tagore, in Calcutta. The
Indian Mercantile, General Assurance and Swadeshi Life (later Bombay Life) were some of the
companies established during the same period. Prior to 1912 India had no legislation to regulate
insurance business. In the year 1912, the Life Insurance Companies Act, and the Provident Fund
Act were passed. The Life Insurance Companies Act, 1912 made it necessary that the premium
rate tables and periodical valuations of companies should be certified by an actuary. But the Act
discriminated between foreign and Indian companies on many accounts, putting the Indian
companies at a disadvantage.
The first two decades of the twentieth century saw lot of growth in insurance business. From 44
companies with total business-in-force as Rs.22.44 crore, it rose to 176 companies with total
business-in-force as Rs.298 crore in 1938. During the mushrooming of insurance companies
many financially unsound concerns were also floated which failed miserably. The Insurance Act
1938 was the first legislation governing not only life insurance but also non-life insurance to
provide strict state control over insurance business. The demand for nationalization of life
insurance industry was made repeatedly in the past but it gathered momentum in 1944 when a
bill to amend the Life Insurance Act 1938 was introduced in the Legislative Assembly. However,
it was much later on the 19th of January, 1956, that life insurance in India was nationalized.
About 154 Indian insurance companies, 16 non-Indian companies and 75 provident were
operating in India at the time of nationalization. Nationalization was accomplished in two stages;
initially the management of the companies was taken over by means of an Ordinance, and later,
the ownership too by means of a comprehensive bill. The Parliament of India passed the Life
Insurance Corporation Act on the 19th of June 1956, and the Life Insurance Corporation of India
was created on 1st September, 1956, with the objective of spreading life insurance much more
widely and in particular to the rural areas with a view to reach all insurable persons in the
country, providing them adequate financial cover at a reasonable cost.
Life Insurance Corporation had 5 zonal offices, 33 divisional offices and 212 branch offices,
apart from its corporate office in the year 1956. Since life insurance contracts are long term
contracts and during the currency of the policy it requires a variety of services need was felt in
the later years to expand the operations and place a branch office at each district headquarter. Re-
organization of Life Insurance Corporation took place and large numbers of new branch offices
were opened. As a result of re-organisation servicing functions were transferred to the branches,
and branches were made accounting units. It worked wonders with the performance of the
corporation. It may be seen that from about 200.00 crores of New Business in 1957 the
corporation crossed 1000.00 crores only in the year 1969-70, and it took another 10 years for
Life Insurance Corporation to cross 2000.00 crore mark of new business. But with re-
organisation happening in the early eighties, by 1985-86 Life Insurance Corporation had already
crossed 7000.00 crore Sum Assured on new policies.
Today Life Insurance Corporation functions with 2048 fully computerized branch offices, 113
divisional offices, 8 zonal offices, 1381 satallite offices and the Corporate office. Life Insurance
Corporation’s Wide Area Network covers 113divisional offices and connects all the branches
through a Metro Area Network. Life Insurance Corporation has tied up with some Banks and
Service providers to offer on-line premium collection facility in selected cities. Life Insurance
Corporation’s ECS and ATM premium payment facility is an addition to customer convenience.
Apart from on-line Kiosks and IVRS, Info Centres have been commissioned at Mumbai,
Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, New Delhi, Pune and many other cities.
With a vision of providing easy access to its policyholders, Life Insurance Corporation has
launched its SATELLITE SAMPARK offices. The satellite offices are smaller, leaner and closer
to the customer. The digitalized records of the satellite offices will facilitate anywhere servicing
and many other conveniences in the future.
Life Insurance Corporation continues to be the dominant life insurer even in the liberalized
scenario of Indian insurance and is moving fast on a new growth trajectory surpassing its own
past records. Life Insurance Corporation has issued over one crore policies during the current
year. It has crossed the milestone of issuing 1,01,32,955 new policies by 15th Oct, 2005, posting
a healthy growth rate of 16.67% over the corresponding period of the previous year.
From then to now, Life Insurance Corporation has crossed many milestones and has set
unprecedented performance records in various aspects of life insurance business. The same
motives which inspired our forefathers to bring insurance into existence in this country inspire us
at Life Insurance Corporation to take this message of protection to light the lamps of security in
as many homes as possible and to help the people in providing security to their families.
Some of the important milestones in the life insurance business in India are :-
1818: Oriental Life Insurance Company, the first life insurance company on Indian soil started
functioning.
1870: Bombay Mutual Life Assurance Society, the first Indian life insurance company started its
business.
1912: The Indian Life Assurance Companies Act enacted as the first statute to regulate the life
insurance business.
1928: The Indian Insurance Companies Act enacted to enable the government to collect
statistical information about both life and non-life insurance businesses.
1938: Earlier legislation consolidated and amended to by the Insurance Act with the objective of
protecting the interests of the insuring public.
1956: 245 Indian and foreign insurers and provident societies are taken over by the central
government and nationalised. Life Insurance Corporation formed by an Act of Parliament, viz.
Life Insurance Corporation Act, 1956, with a capital contribution of Rs. 5 crore from the
Government of India.
The General insurance business in India, on the other hand, can trace its roots to the Triton
Insurance Company Ltd., the first general insurance company established in the year 1850 in
Calcutta by the British.
Some of the important milestones in the general insurance business in India are:-
1907: The Indian Mercantile Insurance Ltd. set up, the first company to transact all classes of
general insurance business.
1957: General Insurance Council, a wing of the Insurance Association of India, frames a code of
conduct for ensuring fair conduct and sound business practices.
1968: The Insurance Act amended to regulate investments and set minimum solvency margins
and the Tariff Advisory Committee set up.
1972: The General Insurance Business (Nationalisation) Act, 1972 nationalised the general
insurance business in India with effect from 1st January 1973.
107 insurers amalgamated and grouped into four companies viz. the National Insurance
Company Ltd., the New India Assurance Company Ltd.,the Oriental Insurance Company Ltd.
and the United India Insurance Company Ltd. GIC incorporated as a company.
Employees Corner
Our Experience Dynamic Team with over several years of collective Insurance experience.
Dr. Rajesh Urs.H.M- Chairman, Founder of URS TOTAL INSURANCE SOLUTIONS AND
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Mr Dharma Raj – MBA -Managing Director & Principal Officer Since Inception of the
Company
Mr. Harsha B.Com –General Manager since inception of the Company, 15 Years of rich
experience in the Insurance industry.
Mrs. Harshitha – M.Com Corporate Member Qualified person, Manager F&A since 2010 of the
Company, 13 years of experience in Insurance industry.
Mr Abhishek Urs – Administartive Officer Since Inception of the Company , 15 Years of Rich
experience in Life Insurance
Mrs Thunga- Senior Manager Since 2002, 10 Years of Experience in Insurance Administration.
245 Direct Sales Executives , 130 Advisors and 55 Chief Advisors. Total 430 Employees are
Working
Values
Culture
Adaptability
Collaboration
Commitment
Discipline
Empowerment
Sensitivity
Excellence
OBJECTIVES
o Spread life insurance widely and in particular to the rural areas and to the socially
and economically backward classes with a view to reaching all insurable persons
in the country and providing them adequate financial cover against death at a
reasonable cost.
o Conduct business with utmost economy and with the full realization that the
moneys belong to the policyholders.
o Act as trustees of the insured public in their individual and collective capacities.
o Meet the various life insurance needs of the community that would arise in the
changing social and economic environment.
o Involve all people working in the Corporation to the best of their capabilities in
furthering the interests of the insured public by providing efficient service with
courtesy.
Purpose:-
We As a insurance broker represents consumers in their search for coverage and can sell policies
from several different insurance companies for a Monetary benefits . Unlike captive and
independent agents, who represent one or more insurance companies, We as a broker's primary
duty is to the client.
Work Process-
We financial planner's primary role is to assist clients with creating personal budgets;
Establishing objectives for saving; minimizing, controlling, and/or managing expenses; and
implementing the necessary steps for creating and accumulating wealth.
Prepare sound financial plans to ensure clients meet their goals. Advise clients on current
financial issues and make recommendations. Generate new business and build relationships.
Financial Planning refers to a comprehensive plan of long term or short term objectives for
financial security to indivisuals. The purpose of financial planning is to form the foundation for
a specific goal or destination of life.
Our Insurance Advisors are responsible for identifying sales opportunities for insurance plans and
overseeing a portfolio of clients. Also known as Insurance Sales Advisors, these professionals are
responsible for identifying risk management strategies, handling policy renewals, and tracking
claims.
Our Responsibilities:
We insurance brokers are not simply sales people. This conflation has resulted in a common
misconception among consumers that it is in their best interest to work with various insurance
Professionals and different insurers at once because doing so will increase the probability of
receiving a cheaper quote. While compensation may differ among brokers, shopping for
insurance with several brokers at the same time is in fact disadvantageous and can result in fewer
competitive insurance.
While the unique nature of your business will dictate what you need from your broker, there is
one requirement that remains consistent, no matter the size or complexity of your business: client
care.
To dispel the notion of “broker shopping” benefiting consumers, it’s worth reviewing the role of
an insurance broker in the context of your business and looking closely at the relationship that
exists between a business, its broker, and the insurance marketplace.
A broker’s role is to serve your best interests – they are meant to assess your risks, goals, and
coverage requirements and to then work with insurance companies to create or obtain the
policies you need. The client-broker relationship is an important one, as a deep understanding of
your business will result in better representation to insurance markets and a better alignment with
your goals and service needs.
When it comes to claims, a broker is not a neutral intermediary between you and an insurance
company. Rather, they are your advocate, working to ensure a speedy and fair settlement. A
great broker will utilize relationships with underwriters to facilitate a smooth process —
connectivity between clients, underwriters, and brokers can result in a more palatable resolution
when claims occur.
Access to insurance companies is not universal between insurance brokerages. Your broker must
have a formal partnership with an insurance company in order to approach them with a
submission detailing your business and your risk.
Our Ethics:-
Providing complete underwriting details on risks in order that each risk may be properly
assessed. Facts will not be withheld that could be detrimental to the interest of insurers
Respect my obligations to insurers
Acting in a professional manner at all times
We will fulfill Our responsibilities to fellow brokers by:
Conducting myself in a frank and open manner in dealing with colleagues
making no false statements or misrepresentations by omission of facts, inference or
subterfuge
Co-operating in every reasonable way for the betterment of the industry
o Using fair methods of competition in solicitation of business which are consistent
with the honour and dignity of the profession
LIFE INSURANCE
Life insurance companies offer a variety of products and services to cater to the diverse needs of
individuals and families. Here are common types of life insurance products and associated
services:
- **Product:** Provides coverage for a specific term (e.g., 10, 20, or 30 years).
- **Service:** Pays out a death benefit to beneficiaries if the insured passes away during the
term.
- **Service:** Combines a death benefit with a cash value component that grows over time,
providing a savings element.
- **Service:** Allows policyholders to change coverage and premium amounts based on their
financial needs.
- **Service:** Policyholders can invest the cash value in various sub-accounts, potentially
increasing its value.
- **Product:** Insures two lives, paying out the death benefit upon the death of the second
insured.
- **Service:** Provides a smaller death benefit, ensuring financial assistance for end-of-life
costs.
7. **Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance:**
- **Service:** Enhance coverage with riders like waiver of premium, accelerated death
benefit, or additional term coverage.
- **Financial Planning:** Offering guidance on how life insurance fits into broader financial
planning.
Individuals should carefully evaluate their financial goals and needs to choose the life insurance
product that best aligns with their circumstances.
HEALTH INSURANCE
Health insurance companies offer a range of products and services to help individuals and
families manage medical expenses. Here are common types of health insurance products and
associated services:
- **Product:** Requires members to choose a primary care physician and obtain referrals for
specialists.
- **Service:** Allows members to see specialists without referrals and offers some coverage
for out-of-network services.
- **Product:** Similar to a PPO but typically doesn't cover any out-of-network care, except in
emergencies.
- **Product:** Combines features of HMO and PPO, requiring primary care physicians and
referrals but offering some coverage for out-of-network care.
5. **High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with Health Savings Account (HSA):**
- **Product:** Requires higher out-of-pocket costs until a deductible is met; can be paired
with an HSA for tax-advantaged savings.
- **Service:** Allows individuals to save for qualified medical expenses and offers more
control over healthcare spending.
- **Product:** Provides coverage for major medical expenses after a high deductible is met.
- **Service:** Primarily designed for young, healthy individuals seeking protection against
severe health events.
- **Service:** Helps manage costs for routine dental and vision services.
Services associated with health insurance often include:
- **Enrollment Assistance:** Helping individuals sign up for coverage during open enrollment
periods.
- **Claims Processing:** Facilitating the payment of medical expenses covered by the insurance
policy.
- **Customer Service:** Addressing inquiries, policy details, and assistance with claims.
Individuals should carefully review the terms and coverage of health insurance plans to choose
one that aligns with their healthcare needs and financial considerations.
General Insurance
General insurance companies offer a variety of products and services to protect individuals and
businesses from a range of risks. Here are common types of general insurance products and
associated services:
1. **Auto Insurance:**
- **Product:** Covers damage to or caused by a vehicle, as well as liability for injuries and
property damage.
2. **Home Insurance:**
- **Service:** Offers coverage for perils like fire, theft, natural disasters, and liability.
3. **Renters Insurance:**
5. **Liability Insurance:**
- **Product:** Protects individuals and businesses from legal claims and associated costs.
- **Service:** Coverage options include general liability, professional liability, and product
liability.
6. **Travel Insurance:**
- **Product:** Provides coverage for trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and other travel-
related risks.
- **Service:** Assistance services for travelers, including emergency medical support and trip
interruption coverage.
7. **Pet Insurance:**
- **Service:** Helps manage the cost of pet healthcare, including surgeries and medications.
- **Service:** Aids businesses in recovering from unexpected events that impact operations.
9. **Cyber Insurance:**
- **Product:** Shields businesses from financial losses due to cyber threats and data breaches.
- **Service:** May include risk assessments, incident response, and coverage for legal and
notification costs.
Choosing the right general insurance products involves considering individual needs, risk
exposure, and the specific coverage offered by each policy.
Recruitment Process
Recruitment in Urs Total Insurance Solutions and Financial Services is a multifaceted process
that involves identifying and attracting qualified individuals to fill various roles within the
organization. The insurance industry, with its diverse functions and specialized areas, requires a
range of skilled professionals, from sales and underwriting to risk management and claims
processing. Here's an overview of the key aspects of recruitment in insurance companies:
Insurance companies offer a variety of job roles to cater to different aspects of their operations.
Common positions include insurance agents and brokers responsible for selling insurance
policies, underwriters who assess risk and determine policy terms, claims adjusters who
investigate and settle claims, actuaries who analyze statistical data, and various administrative
and support roles.
Candidates for insurance positions should possess a set of skills and competencies relevant to
their roles. This may include analytical skills for underwriters and actuaries, strong
communication skills for sales and customer service roles, attention to detail for claims
processing, and a good understanding of risk management principles. Additionally, adaptability
and the ability to stay updated on industry trends are valued qualities.
4. Recruitment Channels:
Insurance companies use various channels for recruiting talent. These include online job portals,
company websites, recruitment agencies, campus placements at universities offering relevant
degrees, and industry networking events. Many companies also engage in social media and
professional networking platforms to reach a broader audience.
The recruitment process typically involves interviews and assessments to evaluate candidates'
suitability for specific roles. Behavioral interviews, technical assessments, and case studies may
be used to assess skills and problem-solving abilities. Since the insurance industry often involves
interaction with clients, interpersonal skills and customer service orientation are essential
qualities evaluated during the interview process.
Insurance companies recognize the importance of diversity and inclusion in their workforce.
Efforts are made to attract talent from diverse backgrounds to bring different perspectives and
experiences to the industry. This includes promoting equal opportunities for all candidates and
creating an inclusive workplace culture.
In summary, recruitment in insurance companies involves identifying candidates with the right
mix of education, skills, and competencies for the diverse roles within the industry. The process
aims to attract and retain talent while promoting diversity and fostering a culture of continuous
learning and development.
Employee Training
Training for employees in insurance companies is crucial to ensure that they have the necessary
skills, knowledge, and capabilities to perform their roles effectively in a rapidly evolving
industry. Here are key aspects of employee training in insurance companies:
Employees need a deep understanding of the insurance products offered by the company. This
includes knowledge of various types of insurance policies, coverage details, exclusions, and the
regulatory environment.
Regular updates on industry trends, changes in regulations, and emerging risks are essential to
keep employees informed and responsive to market dynamics.
Technical Skills:
Depending on their roles, employees may require technical skills related to underwriting, claims
processing, risk assessment, actuarial analysis, and the use of industry-specific software and
tools.
Training programs should cover the use of technology and data analytics to enhance efficiency
and accuracy in tasks.
For roles involving client interaction, such as insurance agents and customer service
representatives, training should focus on effective communication, relationship-building, and
sales techniques.
Customer service training is essential to handle inquiries, resolve issues, and provide a positive
experience to policyholders.
Given the highly regulated nature of the insurance industry, employees must be well-versed in
compliance requirements and ethical standards.
Regular training sessions on compliance policies, legal obligations, and industry codes of
conduct help ensure that employees adhere to regulations.
Soft skills, including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management, are
critical in an industry that involves collaboration and client interactions.
Training programs may include workshops and activities focused on enhancing these skills to
improve overall employee effectiveness.
Continuing Education:
Insurance is a dynamic field with evolving products and risks. Continuous learning is essential to
keep employees updated on the latest industry developments.
For employees in leadership or managerial positions, training should cover leadership skills,
team management, and strategic decision-making.
Leadership development programs can contribute to building a strong managerial pipeline within
the organization.
Insurance companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of diversity and inclusion.
Training programs may focus on creating awareness, promoting inclusivity, and fostering a
diverse workplace culture.
Practical training methods, such as simulations and role-playing exercises, can be effective in
providing hands-on experience and helping employees apply their knowledge in real-world
scenarios.