History

Georgian Insurance Association was founded in 1996 as a union of the Georgian insurance industry representatives.

For many years, the Association has been playing a crucial role in development of the insurance sector, drafting and implementing corresponding legislative and regulatory framework. The Association has extensive experience in lobbying and advocacy and is regarded as an important participant and authority in processes related to the insurance sector.

Building on its traditionally close and businesslike relations with civil society organizations, the media, and state institutions, the Association has repeatedly acted as an initiator and implementer of various innovations.

GIA regularly participates in discussions on insurance-related topics with all stakeholder groups of society. With extensive project experience, it serves as an initiator and participant in regional and international cooperation projects.

GIA has extensive experience both in providing professional and public education and in information management.

Projects

Insurance Mediation
In order to enhance consumer protection and comfort in insurance relations, as well as to facilitate out-of-court settlement of disputes/disagreements arising between policyholders and insurance companies for all types of insurance, an agreement On Insurance Mediation was signed on March 1, 2015, between the Non-Entrepreneurial (Non-Commercial) Legal Entity Association of Insurance Companies of Georgia (Georgian Insurance Association – GIA) and insurance companies. The Insurance Mediation of the Georgian Insurance Association began accepting requests on April 1, 2015.
 
In the event of disputes/disagreements related to the performance of an insurance contract, you may seek settlement through the Insurance Mediation of the Georgian Insurance Association via the telephone line: 2 555 155 (on working days from 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.) or by email: mediacia@insurance.org.ge.

Insurance Information Bureau LLC was established on the initiative of insurance companies and the Georgian Insurance Association.

The Bureau facilitates the electronic exchange of information on insurance claims arising within the framework of motor vehicle insurance among the insurance companies participating in the Bureau, using the Bureau’s information exchange system. This information exchange is conducted for the purpose of assessing insurance risks and conditions.

From 2010 to 2015, the Insurance Guide was in effect, with the mission of:
  • Facilitate the formation of appropriate expectations on the part of the consumers;
  • Better address the demands of society and promote the improvement of service quality;
  • Promote informed decision-making by the society;
  • Promote the establishment of healthy relationships among stakeholders in the insurance sector.
The main objectives of the Insurance Guide were:
  • To meet consumer expectations regarding insurance services;
  • To facilitate the fulfillment of the society’s demand for insurance services;
  • To increase the consumers’ influence on the quality of insurance services;
  • Out-of-court resolution of disputes arising between insurance companies and consumers;
  • To study and promote the implementation of innovative methods and experiences to protect consumer interests and improve service quality;
  • To improve the insurance culture.

The primary objective of establishing the Health Insurance Mediation Service of the Georgian Insurance Association was to assist the parties in insurance relationships in resolving disputes through out-of-court settlement.

As a result of implementation of programs initiated by the government in 2007–2008, a significant portion of the population – including those living below the poverty line, teachers, employees of law enforcement agencies, and other public servants – became insurance consumers. The rapid transition from state-funded healthcare programs to a private health insurance system naturally led to a significant increase in the number of complaints and disputes related to insurance.

Through meetings with the society and public presentations, and with its staff providing assistance via telephone consultations and explanations, the Mediation Service helped individual policyholders, providers, and other target groups obtain answers to insurance-related questions and resolve conflicts through out-of-court settlement. Prior to this, no such service existed in Georgia.

 

Agreements