SBI General Insurance Becomes First Direct Non-Life Insurer to Launch Hailstorm Alert Email Service Utilizing Proprietary Hailstorm Occurrence Prediction Model

SBI General Insurance launches alert service using its proprietary hail damage prediction model, a first for direct non-life insurers.

📋 Article Processing Timeline

  • 📰 Published: March 30, 2026 at 20:00
  • 🔍 Collected: March 30, 2026 at 22:56 (2h 56m after Published)
  • 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 16, 2026 at 06:52 (391h 56m after Collected)

SBI General Insurance Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and Representative Director: Hisashi Ono; hereinafter referred to as "SBI General Insurance") has independently developed a hail damage occurrence prediction model (hereinafter referred to as "this model"), the first of its kind for a direct non-life insurer*. We will begin distributing hailstorm alert emails to our automobile insurance policyholders starting March 30th.**

Recognizing that it is a crucial mission for a non-life insurance company not only to provide comprehensive coverage in the event of an accident but also to prevent damage by taking measures beforehand, SBI General Insurance has conducted Proofs of Concept (PoC) twice since March 2025. Having confirmed a certain level of hail prediction accuracy, we are now releasing this service to support disaster prevention and mitigation against hailstorms.

■Click here for past press releases regarding the PoC

https://www.sbisonpo.co.jp/company/news/2025/0425.html

In recent years, due to the increasing frequency and severity of hailstorm disasters associated with global warming, cases of vehicle damage have also been on the rise. While damage from hail is generally difficult to predict in advance, taking measures such as moving vehicles to covered parking or using vehicle body covers can help prevent or mitigate damage.

SBI General Insurance has been working to develop a hail occurrence prediction model with the aim of grasping the possibility of hail occurrence in advance and alerting customers. Since March 2025, we have been conducting PoCs (Proofs of Concept) utilizing automobile insurance claim payment records and weather big data to develop and refine the prediction model.

As a result, verification for practical application has been completed. Therefore, from March 30th onwards, based on daily weather information, we will predict the possibility of hail occurrence at the municipality level for the next day and begin sending alerts via email to automobile insurance policyholders residing in prefectures where there is a risk of hailstorms.

In addition to the alert service, we have partnered with Relo Club Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; President and Representative Director: Morio Okamoto) to offer custom-made body covers provided by AUTOLAB Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Shun Senda; hereinafter referred to as "AUTOLAB") at a special price to SBI General Insurance automobile insurance policyholders. By promoting an environment that facilitates the implementation of measures to prevent damage and mitigate losses, we aim to support our customers in enjoying their car life with peace of mind.

Going forward, SBI General Insurance will continue to strive to create value that further satisfies our customers by providing products and services that appropriately utilize digital technology.

◆Special Discount on Body Covers for SBI General Insurance Policyholders***

Custom-made body covers provided by AUTOLAB will be offered at a special price for SBI General Insurance policyholders. In addition to damage from hail and snow, these covers also protect against paint surface damage from direct sunlight in summer, interior temperature rise, and freezing of doors and windows in winter.

Special Discount for Hail Protection Body Covers:

FAQ

What is the new service SBI General Insurance is launching?

SBI General Insurance is launching a hailstorm alert email service for its automobile insurance policyholders. This service utilizes a proprietary hail occurrence prediction model developed by the company.

What is unique about this hail prediction model?

This is the first time a direct non-life insurance company in Japan has independently developed and utilized such a hail damage occurrence prediction model for a customer-facing service.

How does the hailstorm alert service work?

The service predicts the possibility of hail occurrence at the municipality level for the next day, based on daily weather information. Policyholders in prefectures with a risk of hailstorms will receive an alert email.

Why is SBI General Insurance launching this service?

Due to global warming, hailstorm disasters are becoming more frequent and severe. The service aims to help policyholders prevent or mitigate damage by providing advance warnings, allowing them to take protective measures like moving their vehicles to covered parking or using car covers.

Are there any other benefits for policyholders?

Yes, in partnership with Relo Club and AUTOLAB, SBI General Insurance policyholders can purchase custom-made car body covers at a special price. These covers offer protection against hail, snow, sun damage, and extreme temperatures.

When does the service start?

The hailstorm alert email service begins on March 30th.