Brands
Shriram General posts strong Q3 growth as motor business drives profits
MUMBAI:When insurance hits the accelerator, Shriram General is clearly in the fast lane. Shriram General Insurance Company (SGI) delivered a robust third quarter, posting motor-driven growth that comfortably outpaced the broader industry. Gross Direct Premium (GDP) rose 19 per cent year on year to Rs 1,258 crore in Q3 FY26, compared with Rs 1,061 crore a year earlier, well ahead of the industry’s 11 per cent growth.
The momentum was even sharper on a cumulative basis. For the nine months ended Q3 FY26, SGI’s GDP climbed 24 per cent year on year to Rs 3,304 crore from Rs 2,654 crore in the corresponding period last year, nearly 2.8 times the industry growth rate of 9 per cent.
Profitability kept pace with scale. Net profit for the quarter increased 26 per cent year on year to Rs 165 crore, up from Rs 131 crore in Q3 FY25, reflecting disciplined underwriting and steady investment performance. The insurer also reported a healthy solvency ratio of 3.32 as of 31 December 2025, comfortably above the regulatory threshold of 1.5.
Motor insurance continued to anchor growth, with segment GDP rising 19 per cent year on year to Rs 1,171.12 crore. Engineering insurance saw the sharpest percentage jump at 38 per cent, albeit on a smaller base, while personal accident premiums grew 15 per cent and fire insurance posted a modest 3 per cent increase.
Distribution expansion remained a key growth lever. SGI added 14,262 new financial advisors up to Q3 FY26, taking its total advisor base to 1,01,474. Its branch network expanded to 285 locations, up from 278 a year ago, while active policies increased to 69 lakh as of 31 December 2025, compared with 64 lakh last year.
Commenting on the performance, Shriram General Insurance Company MD and CEO Anil Aggarwal said the quarter reflected strong execution across core segments, supported by deeper distribution reach, disciplined underwriting and stronger claims servicing. Investment income also rose 17 per cent year on year to Rs 255 crore from Rs 217 crore.
Looking ahead, SGI has outlined ambitious growth plans. The company aims to expand its advisor network to two lakh by FY 2029–30, close the current fiscal with gross written premium of Rs 4,600 crore, and scale up to Rs 8,000 crore by 2030. It is also exploring new avenues such as parametric insurance and surety bond insurance to diversify its product mix.
Brands
Akoirah rolls out Diamond Draw campaign across cities for Akshaya Tritiya
Festive offer blends discounts with prize draws to boost jewellery shopping buzz
MUMBAI: Akoirah has launched a festive ‘Diamond Draw’ campaign across Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Pune, aiming to add a dash of excitement to jewellery shopping ahead of Akshaya Tritiya.
Running from April 6 to 19, the limited-period initiative offers customers a chance to win diamond jewellery worth Rs 1.5 lakh with every eligible purchase. Winners will be announced in-store, with one winner selected per outlet, turning a traditional shopping ritual into a more interactive experience.
Alongside the draw, the brand is also offering a flat 20 per cent discount on diamond value during the campaign period, positioning the offer as both celebratory and value-driven.
The move reflects a broader shift in festive retail strategies, where brands are looking beyond straightforward discounts to create more engaging, experience-led campaigns. By linking each purchase to a unique entry in a store-specific draw, the campaign aims to keep participation simple while ensuring fairness across locations.
Speaking on the initiative, Akoirah founder Namita Kothari said the idea was to make festive buying more meaningful and rewarding. She noted that while Akshaya Tritiya remains deeply rooted in tradition, customers today are increasingly seeking memorable shopping experiences alongside value.
The campaign also taps into evolving consumer preferences, with buyers leaning towards lighter, design-led jewellery rather than purely weight-based purchases. This shift has encouraged brands to combine product appeal with experiential elements to drive footfall and engagement.
Backed by digital promotions and in-store activations, the Diamond Draw campaign is expected to build momentum during the festive window. As competition intensifies around key buying occasions, initiatives like these underline how jewellery brands are reimagining the retail experience to keep customers coming back for more than just the sparkle.
