Translations

A solidarity-based system of micro-insurance for entrepreneurs in France implemented by AG2R LA MONDIALEplemented by AG2R LA MONDIALE

6. Clients and consumers

Client and consumer relations

Sector Finance / Bank / Insurance

Year 2018

Country France

Transmitter

Context

In France, 20% of the entrepreneurs cannot obtain an insurance coverage because of the price it costs. Risk coverage companies, insurance groups (APRIL Group, AG2R LA MONDIALE, CNP, CFDP Assurances, MATMUT) and financial institutions (Caisse des Dépôts, La Banque Postale) decided in 2006 to start the "Fondation Entrepreneurs de la Cité" officially recognized as a non-profit organization in 2008

Each partner gave financial resources (500 000€ for aG2R LA MONDIALE) for helping to develop France's first solidarity-based micro insurance service dedicated to this segment. At the same time, an association was created to oversee policyholder management and representation.

Objectives

Participate in organizing a human and technical solidarity movement (risk-sharing) adapted to micro-entrepreneurs, many of whom are returning to the workforce through creating their own business.
Enhance individuals' social and economic autonomy
Make recognize the capacity of people to take economic initiatives by giving them the means to do that: a collective risks management by offer them an insurance product at the lowest price.

APPROACH

Apply a system built in Southern countries to the French context, thanks to close cooperation with actors in the solidarity-based finance sector;
Bring together actors from the insurance and solidarity-based finance sectors in order to create a Foundation capable of underwriting the project's independence;
Expand Foundation membership by entering into new partnerships; over the past several years, new members include among others: Polyexpert, Visual Link, Algoe Consultants, Kaelia, the Caritas Foundation, Doméo, Big Company, the Rhône-Alpes sponsorship club, and Cégid.
Partner with organizations assigned to validate the feasibility of corporate creation missions, including: ADIE, Boutiques de gestion, France Active, Chamber of Commerce and Industry - Entreprendre, Planet Finance, and Cigales and the Chamber of Trades.
Four types of coverage serve to protect policyholders: a professional multi-risk, a pension plan, a complementary medical coverage, and a limited-scope ten-year protection (since 2012).
Creation of an autonomous management body to monitor policies and claims, since such autonomy facilitates the adaptation to meet policyholder needs.
Organization of micro-insurance training to benefit advisors accompanying the new entrepreneurs, plus the creation of regional committees, a network of associated volunteers, a healthy team spirit and cooperation among the various Foundation actors.
Creation of streamlined products, at low price with the sole cost being risk (without remunerating the insurers who provide their service while not covering their expenses).

Best Practice spotted by the World Forum for a Responsible Economy in 2011 and updated in 2015.

CONTRIBUTION TO COMPANY PERFORMANCE

Reinforcement of professional pride among all Group employees involved in the project.
Dialogue with stakeholders, channeled through the policyholder association.

Benefits

Continuous increase in the number of covered business creators, 900 in 2009; 2,700 by the end of 2012; 3,500 by the end of 2013.
Number of covered persons: 1,600 by the end of 2011; 1,774 by the end of 2012; 1,806 by the end of 2013; 1,707 by the end of 2014.
Improved brand image for insurers.