Sony Assurance Launches Automobile Insurance Sales via Jibun Bank
—Expanding Bank Sales of Insurance Products by Utilizing Our Direct Business Model—
October 9, 2009
Sony Assurance Inc., a wholly owned non-life insurance subsidiary of Sony Financial Holdings, today announced plans to sell automobile insurance via Jibun Bank Corporation ("Jibun Bank") starting on October 13, 2009.
Jibun Bank provides its customers with financial services on its mobile phone website, one of which offers an automobile insurance product overview and brochure request for Sony Assurance. Furthermore, Jibun Bank account holders can request a brochure easily and conveniently without having to input information such as name or address.*
After reviewing the brochure, customers can request an estimate via the Sony Assurance website, by telephone or by fax. If the customer is satisfied with the products and premiums, the applications can be accepted via the Sony Assurance website or by mail.**
Sony Assurance strives to expand sales channels compatible with its direct business model by making use of marketing expertise cultivated over many years. Sony Assurance intends to aggressively expand bank sales as one of important sales channels.
Sales via Jibun Bank enhance customer convenience and place Sony Assurance's automobile insurance at their fingertips. Sony Assurance intends to leverage these features to broaden its customer base and expand its operations.
* Brochure request is available to everyone, even those without a Jibun Bank account.
** As of October 9, 2009, insurance estimate and contract procedures are not available through the Sony Assurance mobile phone website. Going forward, Sony Assurance intends to expand the service range of mobile phone applications in line with customer needs.
Note: This is an English-language summary of a Japanese announcement made by Sony Assurance on October 9, 2009. The summary was prepared by Sony Financial Holdings Inc. solely for the convenience of non-Japanese readers.
