The verdict in three sentences
A growing broker can no longer hold policies, claims and commissions in scattered files without losing renewals. A custom business tool (25,000-60,000 USD) centralises the book, computes commissions automatically and chases renewals before they lapse. The ROI comes from policies saved from non-renewal.
Packaged insurance software vs custom: the 2026 costing
A packaged product covers the common core but imposes its model; custom fits your organisation and your commission grids.
| Criterion | Packaged software | Custom |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | 2,000-6,000 USD | 25,000-60,000 USD |
| Recurring cost | 200-600 USD/month | Maintenance 600-1,500 USD/month |
| Policy management | Standard | Fitted to your lines |
| Commission calculation | Fixed grids | Specific rules |
| Renewal alerts | Basic | Chase scenarios |
| Client portal | Rare | Dedicated, bespoke |
| Switch point | < 500 policies | >= 800 policies |
The scope to cost
The budget splits by block. Renewal alerts and commission calculation pay back most.
| Block | Effort (days) | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Policy + book management | 14-20 | 9,000-14,000 USD |
| Automatic commission calc | 10-16 | 7,000-12,000 USD |
| Claims management | 10-14 | 6,000-10,000 USD |
| Renewal alerts and chasing | 8-12 | 5,000-8,500 USD |
| Client portal | 10-14 | 6,000-10,000 USD |
| Data-protection compliance | 6-10 | 4,500-8,000 USD |
Mini case study
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Ms Lim runs a brokerage in Singapore with 1,200 active policies, an average premium of 700 USD/year and an average commission of 12 %, i.e. 84 USD commission per policy. She loses about 6 % of renewals for lack of chasing, i.e. 72 policies and ~6,050 USD/year of vanished commission. A custom tool at 40,000 USD recovering half of those renewals brings back ~3,025 USD/year, plus the time saved on manual commission calculation.
FAQ
Isn't packaged software enough? Under 500 policies, often yes. Beyond that, fixed commission grids and the lack of automatic chasing end up costing renewals.
How is commission calculation automated? Your rules (rate by line, tiers, introducers) are coded once then applied to every premium call, removing manual calculation errors.
Are renewal alerts reliable? Yes: each policy triggers scheduled chases (D-60, D-30, D-7) by email or SMS, sharply reducing missed renewals.
What is the delivery time? 12-18 weeks for the full scope; a book + renewals module alone ships in 7-9 weeks.
Is client data protected? Yes: processing register, retention periods and restricted access are built in from design, in line with data protection.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your policy count, lines of business and commission grids, and we will cost a tool that secures your renewals. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
