Experts Reveal Car Insurance Preferences: Trends and Insights from 300 Financial Professionals

Insights into Car Insurance Choices by Financial Experts in 2026

Selectra Japan conducted an extensive survey among 300 financial professionals, including actuaries, accountants, and financial planners, focusing on their preferences for car insurance in 2026. The research highlights significant trends, especially in the choice between online and traditional (agency) insurance providers.

Growing Preference for Online Insurance

Almost half (48%) of the surveyed experts favored online car insurance, surpassing the 45.3% who chose traditional agency models. This marks an increase from 44% reported in a similar survey conducted in 2025, indicating a growing trend towards online insurance among knowledgeable professionals.

Examining Market Share and Acceptance

Despite the relatively small market share of online insurance providers based on net premium income (0.9% for SBI Insurance, 3.6% for Sony and 7% for Zurich, for example), their popularity among experts can be as much as eight times higher. The findings suggest that while these online options may have low market visibility, their acceptance among professionals is significant.

Diverging Values

The survey also revealed distinct reasons for choosing different types of car insurance. Online providers were favored for their lower premiums and optimized coverage combinations, while agency providers were preferred for their long-standing relationships and reliability. This dichotomy highlights the experts' varying priorities: online users seek cost-effectiveness while agency users value service continuity.

Key Findings on Satisfaction

Experts rated their satisfaction across various dimensions of their car insurance. For online providers, factors such as perceived value and effective customer service levels scored highly, while agency providers' satisfaction stemmed largely from their trusted claims response services. This difference in focus suggests a need for consumers to align their insurance choice with their values and risk tolerances.

Top Choices for Online and Agency Providers

Online Providers:
1. Sony Insurance: Emphasized for its balance of premium and coverage.
2. SBI Insurance: Noted for being cost-effective, even compared to others with higher premiums.
3. Zurich Insurance: Offers necessary and sufficient coverage with competitive pricing.

Agency Providers:
1. Tokio Marine & Nichido: Prized for its comprehensive coverage and responsiveness to claims.
2. Sompo Japan: Recognized for quick and effective service during incidents.
3. Mitsui Sumitomo: Valued for reliable customer support and coverage options.

Caution from Experts

The survey additionally highlighted several warning points articulated by experts when considering a switch to online providers:
1. Understanding the Fine Print: While searching for lower premiums, potential hidden conditions may exist that might not be beneficial long-term. Experts urge verifying coverage limits and conditions thoroughly.

2. Duplicate Coverages: Consumers with multiple vehicles should be cautious of overlapping coverages that could lead to unnecessary costs.

3. Premium Fluctuations in Subsequent Years: Many online options offer significant first-year discounts, revealing potential price hikes in following years.

In conclusion, the landscape of car insurance in 2026 isn't merely about choosing the cheaper option; it's about making informed decisions aligning with one's risk profile. Navigating this new insurance environment requires attention to detail and thoughtful consideration of personal needs and financial circumstances.

This study provides valuable insights into the behaviors of highly knowledgeable financial professionals in the insurance market, underlining the importance of both informed decision-making and understanding of the shifting dynamics between online and traditional insurance options.