Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

Over the past decade, the relationship between digital insurance platforms (insurtech) and claims settlement efficiency has become a subject of considerable debate among scholars and industry practitioners alike, particularly within the context of Kano State where operating conditions differ markedly from more developed markets.

Kano State presents a useful setting for examining this relationship precisely because the conditions there — structural, regulatory, and behavioural — differ from those typically assumed in the broader literature, most of which draws on evidence from more developed economies.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

While digital insurance platforms (insurtech) is widely discussed in policy and industry circles, empirical evidence on its actual effect on claims settlement efficiency within Kano State remains sparse and, in places, contradictory. This lack of localized, rigorous evidence makes it difficult for decision-makers to know with confidence whether current approaches to digital insurance platforms (insurtech) are helping or hindering claims settlement efficiency — a gap this study sets out to close.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To examine the effect of Digital Insurance Platforms (Insurtech) on claims settlement efficiency in Kano State.
2. To assess the extent to which digital insurance platforms (insurtech) influences claims settlement efficiency within the study area.
3. To identify the challenges associated with digital insurance platforms (insurtech) in relation to claims settlement efficiency.
4. To recommend strategies for optimizing digital insurance platforms (insurtech) in order to improve claims settlement efficiency.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the effect of digital insurance platforms (insurtech) on claims settlement efficiency in Kano State?
2. To what extent does digital insurance platforms (insurtech) influence claims settlement efficiency within the study area?
3. What challenges are associated with digital insurance platforms (insurtech) in relation to claims settlement efficiency?
4. What strategies can be adopted to optimize digital insurance platforms (insurtech) in order to improve claims settlement efficiency?

1.5 Significance of the Study

Beyond its academic contribution to the field of insurance, this study has practical value for management teams within Kano State seeking to understand how digital insurance platforms (insurtech) translates into measurable outcomes around claims settlement efficiency. It is equally useful to students and future researchers looking for a localized empirical reference on this relationship.

1.6 Scope of the Study

In terms of scope, this study confines itself to Kano State, focusing specifically on how digital insurance platforms (insurtech) relates to claims settlement efficiency within that setting. Findings are interpreted within these boundaries rather than as universal claims applicable to every organization or market.