Know more about your favorite TV show than your insurance policy?

More than half (57%) of the respondents to a Nationwide Insurance survey said they know more about their favorite prime-time television show than they do about their insurance policy.

 

When asked to describe their insurance policy, consumers said it was too long (53%), complicated (43%), overwhelming (31%) and confusing (29%).

 

The survey also found:

• Only 40% have read their entire policy (in the past 12 months)
• 2 in 5 say they completely understand policy details
• Half say they don’t understand how to file a claim after an incident

Most insurance policyholders want a simple explanation of their policy with the details summarized on a single page.

 

Nationwide Insurance believes changes in insurance laws would make it easier for policies to be more simple and understandable. Such changes include:

• Having an easy-to-read summary of coverage at the top of the insurance contract.
• Allowing insurers to use simpler language in the written communications with customers.
• Using electronic notifications and signatures on documents so consumers can more easily do business with insurance companies.

Nationwide has already made changes to its products and services to simplify the insurance experience for its members, including:

• Making members’ insurance information available to download on mobile devices through the Nationwide mobile app.
• Leveraging its exclusive agents to conduct On Your Side® Reviews with members so they can choose the coverage that meets their needs.
• Providing members with customer worksheets to use when working with agents to determine the type of coverage they want to buy.

Learn more about solving the insurance mystery in our infographic or contact a Nationwide Insurance agent to have an On Your Side® Review.

 

*Methodology

The Simplification Study was conducted between February 22 and March 5, 2013. The respondents were comprised of 1,594 adults ages 18+ who currently own property and casualty insurance. Results are weighted as needed for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, region and household income. Propensity score weighting was also used to adjust for respondents’ propensity to be online. Individuals for this research were selected from among those who have agreed to participate in Harris Interactive surveys. Because the sample is based on those who were invited to participate in the Harris Interactive online research panel, no estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.