Smart device repair firm weFix has partnered with insurtech start-up Click2Sure, looking to disrupt SA's smartphone insurance market.
The partnership allows the repairer's 36 stores and nationwide footprint to offer an insurance policy at the point of check-out for a new range of refurbished smartphones, while also offering in-store insurance post-repair.
The companies say up until recently, in the traditional insurance industry, a consumer would have to phone a broker or call centre to enquire about getting their cellphone insured.
However, Click2Sure notes, the new disruptive model ensures that as a consumer leaves the store, the device is insured via a full-stack digital platform which enables partners such as weFix to attach a protection plan to the purchase or repair of an item.
There are two options. The range of refurbished Apple phones can come with an optional embedded one-year protection plan from Click2Sure, but customers who have not purchased a refurbished phone from weFix can also seek cover for their smartphone repair costs when they have picked up their fully repaired device at one of the weFix stores.
The companies say the disruption is driven by cost, accessibility and a digital model - with technology taking away human intervention and administration, typically elements that would increase cost. The other problem with insurance is complexity and small print, which has been removed and simplified, they add.
"The entire journey is digital. From the point of purchasing your cover, to upgrading it, deactivating or processing a claim, it's all done online and is fully compliant with current legislation," says Daniel Guasco, founder of Click2Sure.
"So for example, with weFix, a customer takes their cracked screen in, it gets checked in and repaired and the customer then receives 30 days free limited cover post-repair, which covers up to R500 repair costs during that period. As the customer collects the phone, Click2Sure sends an activation link via e-mail, alongside the policy documents, and he or she accepts the 30 days free, opts in, and then can choose to later upgrade their insurance to a longer term, via a sign-up process."
Share