Life Insurance awareness and adoption surges amongst Urban Indians; Protection Quotient now at 45: Max Life IPQ 6.0 Survey*

Max Life Insurance Company Ltd. (“Max Life”/ “Company”) today unveiled the findings of the sixth edition of its flagship survey, the India Protection Quotient survey (IPQ)* conducted in partnership with KANTAR, the world’s leading marketing data and analytics company. Tapping 4,700 respondents across 25 Indian cities, this widely inclusive survey uncovers urban India’s pulse on financial protection. Marking its 6th edition, the IPQ stands as one of the most comprehensive and long-running financial studies, covering varied cohorts, including Generation-Z, Women and Millennials, carrying forward the theme of ‘Protection for All’. 

As per IPQ 6.0, urban India demonstrates remarkable progress in financial readiness, with 3 out of 4 urban Indians now owning life insurance products. The Protection Index is at an all-time high of 45 in IPQ 6.0, up from 43 in IPQ 5.0, reflecting a positive trajectory in the nation’s evolving protection awareness and adoption. This is reflected in the Knowledge Index increasing from 57 (IPQ 5.0) to 61 (IPQ 6.0) and life insurance ownership levels moving from 73 (IPQ 5.0) to 75 (IPQ 6.0). Over a five-year period, the India Protection Quotient has witnessed an impressive 10-point increase, from 35 in IPQ 1.0 to 45 in IPQ 6.0, that reiterates Urban India’s constant journey towards building financial resilience. 

The latest insights unveil a shift in the nation’s financial well-being as well. Despite a modest increase from 63% in IPQ 5.0 to 65% in IPQ 6.0, urban Indians’ financial security levels have yet to fully recover to pre-pandemic levels. Corresponding with last year’s observations, metro cities are approaching the 50-point milestone this year, boasting a Protection Quotient of 49 points. In contrast, life insurance ownership and adoption in Tier II cities remain stagnant, with IPQ lagging at 36 points. In line with previous findings, South India retained its position as the most financially protected zone with a Protection Quotient of 49 points. This was followed by West India, which showcased a marked improvement in financial preparedness from 42 points in IPQ 5.0 to 46 points in IPQ 6.0. North and East zones lagged in financial protection at 41 and 40 points in this edition, respectively. 

Unveiling key demographic insights, IPQ 6.0 sheds light on an interesting trend as millennials closely trail older age groups in financial preparedness, scoring at 45 and 46 for millennials and non-millennials, respectively. On the flip side, Gen Z emerges as the least financially shielded age group, holding a Protection Quotient of 42 points, largely due to lower insurance ownership. In a significant achievement, working women have successfully narrowed the financial protection gender gap. The Protection Quotient for working women has surged to 47 points, aligning with their male counterparts. Notably, 8 out of 10 working women are now investing in life insurance, marking a positive shift.

Prashant Tripathy, CEO and Managing Director, Max Life Insurance said, “Over the past five editions, the India Protection Quotient has become a true barometer for measuring urban India’s financial protection levels. By including incremental cohorts’ year-on-year, IPQ has become stronger, bigger, and more inclusive. Today, we are witnessing a remarkable shift in the financial consciousness of this diverse group, with 3 out of 4 urban Indians now owning life insurance. This opens opportunity areas for us in the space of digital transformation, creating tailored products, and building greater awareness initiatives that will help ensure an even larger insurance penetration in the country and support the vision of ‘Insurance for All by 2047’”.  

Soumya Mohanty, MD & Chief Client Officer, South Asia, Insights Division, Kantar commented, “We are happy to collaborate with Max Life Insurance in advancing awareness about life insurance and addressing the pressing need for financial security across the nation. As one of the longest-running studies in India, the India Protection Quotient Survey serves as a valued tool in providing critical statistical insights for the life insurance sector. Over the course of six years, the IPQ findings have revealed substantial data relating to financial behavior, savings patterns, and insurance uptake amongst urban Indians, making it an indispensable marker of the country’s financial preparedness.”