Belairdirect launches simplified home insurance quote tool

Online insurance company belairdirect has launched a new home insurance “quick quote” tool aimed at reducing the amount of time customers typically spend obtaining such a quote.

Belairdirect said in a press release on Thursday that tool, “accessible through any web browser or smartphone, can generate an accurate quote in a matter of minutes by leveraging existing data and available information from various online databases.”

For most Canadians, the company suggested in the release, sourcing a home insurance quote is “not a priority, likely due to the lengthy quote process of the past.” A quote could include upwards of 40 questions, some of which require reference to property assessments and current home insurance policies. “Belairdirect’s home quick quote tool leverages existing information in a streamlined and simplified 15-question process, saving time and eliminating the stress associated with sourcing home insurance.”

“We wanted to make quoting home insurance fast, easy and accurate for belairdirect customers,” said Mathieu Bellerive, creative studio and digital strategy manager at Intact Lab, Intact Financial Corporation’s (IFC) centre for digital excellence. Belairdirect is a subsidiary of IFC, the largest provider of property and casualty insurance in Canada.

“How do you transform something tedious into something fun?” Bellerive asked. “By blending innovative technologies – like big data and Google Maps – with a customer-centric design approach, we created a streamlined and enjoyable way to shop for home insurance.”

Belairdirect said in the release that the home quick quote tool is the latest product of developer efforts at Intact Lab, the Montreal-based “innovation incubator.” The lab provides support to belairdirect and other IFC companies.

Founded in Quebec in 1955, belairdirect provides car and home insurance products directly to consumers. It currently employs more than 1,600 people and allows customers to communicate with an agent by phone, online or in person through its network of branches.