超3100家退出！保险分支机构加速“瘦身”

Core Insights - The insurance industry is undergoing a significant "downsizing" trend, with over 3,156 branch offices exiting the market in 2025, marking a six-year high [1][2][10] - This trend is driven by the need for cost reduction and efficiency improvements, alongside ongoing regulatory policies [1][4] Summary by Sections Downsizing Trend - In 2025, 3,156 insurance branch offices were closed, with 72.78% from life insurance companies and 27.22% from property insurance companies [2][10] - The number of branch closures has increased significantly over the past six years, with 971 in 2020, 2,197 in 2021, 2,966 in 2022, and 2,065 in 2023 [2][9] Reasons for Closure - The closures are attributed to the coupling of cost reduction and digital transformation, as many low-efficiency branches became redundant due to increased online operations [2][10] - Regulatory guidance has also played a role, pushing the industry to eliminate ineffective institutions [3][10] Branch Structure and Impact - The majority of closures involve lower-tier branches, particularly in third and fourth-tier cities, where market capacity is limited [3][11] - For instance, Taikang Life closed 299 marketing service departments in 2025, citing decreased consumer capacity and willingness in these regions [11] Future Outlook - The trend of branch closures is expected to continue into 2026, but with a more rational and structured approach, focusing on merging low-efficiency branches and upgrading high-value ones [4][11] - The role of physical branches is anticipated to shift towards service centers, providing in-depth consultations and support rather than merely sales [13][14] Digital Transformation - The insurance industry is increasingly adopting digital and intelligent solutions, with 40% of consumers using AI tools for personalized insurance recommendations [12] - Despite the rise of online channels, physical branches will remain essential for complex insurance products that require personal interaction and trust-building [12][13]