Consumer Searches on Life Insurance Climb

Target Latino’s note: What I would like to know is  if the growth of the U.S. aging population has an impact on the growth in life insurance searches.

Consumer Searches on Life Insurance Climb

Searches for life insurance information grew to 16.6 million queries, an increase of 15 percent versus the previous year, as more consumers turned to the Web to research policies.

“As more Americans utilize the Internet to research life insurance policies for themselves or family members, it is increasingly important for insurers to have a strong brand presence online,” said comScore director Susan Engleson. “Now more than ever, the Internet is playing an important role in this complex financial planning decision and insurers are experiencing varying degrees of success at meeting online consumers’ needs.”

Consumer Searches on Life Insurance Climb

In 2009, searches containing the term ‘life insurance’ grew 15 percent from the previous year to reach 16.6 million searches. During the same time period, consumers requested 2 million online quotes for life insurance, demonstrating Americans’ increased comfort and reliance on the Internet when shopping for complex financial services.

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Total Searches on Phrases Containing the Term ‘Life Insurance’*

2009 vs. 2008

Total U.S. – Home/Work/University Locations

Source: comScore Marketer

Searches (MM)

2008       2009     Percent Change

Life Insurance Searches       14.4       16.6         15%

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*Based on broad match of the search term “life insurance”

An analysis of the top insurance sites visited following searches including the term “life insurance” revealed that MetLife.com was the most frequented insurance site visited as a result of the search, with 5.8 percent of total search clicks (paid and organic) landing on MetLife.com. NewYorkLife.com was the second most referred site with 2.8 percent of search clicks, followed by StateFarm.com with 2.5 percent.

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Top Insurance Sites Visited as a Result of ‘Life Insurance’ Searches*

Q4 2009

Total U.S. – Home/Work/University Locations

Source: comScore Marketer

% of Referred Search Clicks for

‘Life Insurance’ Searches

MetLife.com                          5.8%

NewYorkLife.com                      2.8%

StateFarm.com                        2.5%

SelectQuote.com                      1.7%

Accuquotelife.com                    1.6%

GerberLife.com                       1.5%

RelianceLife.com                     1.4%

GlobeontheWeb.com                    1.2%

Prudential.com                       1.2%

HSBC.com                             1.1%

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*Based on broad match of the search term “life insurance”

Ms. Engleson continued, “The Web gives insurers another touch point to engage with consumers on various levels. Whether it’s providing information on coverage options or fulfilling a quote request, the Internet often represents a critical decision-making phase in the life insurance purchase funnel.”

About comScore

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