The insurance industry is often wrapped in layers of complexity—terms like “deductibles,” “premiums,” “underwriting,” and “actuarial science” can leave customers scratching their heads. Add to that the emotional stress that often comes with buying insurance—be it for health, auto, home, or life—and you’ve got a communication challenge on your hands. That’s where explainer videos come in like a breath of fresh air.
An explainer video is a short, engaging clip—typically animated or live-action—that breaks down complicated information into digestible, often entertaining content. In insurance, these videos are particularly powerful because they do something most brochures, web pages, or call center scripts can’t: build trust, explain clearly, and drive action—all within a couple of minutes.
Insurance buyers today are digital-first. They want answers quickly, and they want to feel like they understand what they’re buying. Whether it’s a 60-second overview of a new life insurance product or a friendly animated guide to filing a claim, explainer videos take the guesswork out of the customer journey.
The best part? These videos are highly versatile. You can embed them on your website, share them in an email campaign, feature them on your social media, or even use them in training programs. For brokers and agents, it’s a ready-made pitch that’s consistent every single time.
So let’s look at what makes a great explainer video for insurance, the types you should consider, and some examples that hit the mark.
What Makes a Great Insurance Explainer Video?
Not all explainer videos are created equal. Some dazzle with animation but lack clarity. Others are informative but feel cold and corporate. The best ones strike a balance between simplicity, warmth, and depth.
Here’s what to look for in a high-quality insurance explainer video:
- Clarity and Simplicity
The core message should be easily understood within the first 20 seconds. Jargon should be either avoided or explained clearly. - Customer-Centric Language
Great explainer videos speak directly to the customer’s concerns. Instead of “We offer risk mitigation strategies,” say “We help you bounce back when things go wrong.” - Visual Metaphors
Animation or whiteboard-style videos often use metaphors like a broken umbrella for insufficient coverage or a safety net for financial protection. These images make abstract ideas feel concrete. - Professional Voiceover
Tone matters. A warm, trustworthy voiceover helps make the message feel more personal and less like a sales pitch. - Brevity with Impact
The sweet spot is between 60 to 120 seconds. Enough time to explain, not too long to lose attention. - Consistent Branding
Colors, fonts, tone—all should align with your brand. Consistency builds familiarity and trust. - Clear Call to Action
A good explainer doesn’t just inform—it drives action. Whether it’s “Get a quote,” “Contact an agent,” or “Learn more,” the next step should be obvious.
Types of Explainer Videos That Work Well in Insurance
Insurance isn’t a one-size-fits-all industry. Different products and audiences call for different styles of videos. Here are some of the most effective types of explainer videos you’ll see in this space:
- Animated Explainers for Policy Basics
These are great for breaking down the ABCs of a policy. What’s a deductible? How does co-pay work? What’s the difference between term and whole life insurance? Animation keeps it light and digestible. - Customer Journey Videos
Show a fictional or real-life character going through a situation—like a car accident or a hospital visit—and how insurance helped. It makes the product feel real and relevant. - Live-Action Agent Intros
Perfect for local agents or small firms, these videos show the agent explaining who they are, what they offer, and how they help. It’s human, warm, and builds trust. - Claim Process Walkthroughs
Filing a claim can be intimidating. A step-by-step video showing the process (and how simple it is) can reduce friction and increase customer satisfaction. - Comparison Videos
When a client is torn between two types of policies or coverage options, a visual side-by-side breakdown can help clarify things without sounding pushy. - FAQ Video Series
Instead of a long help page, break each question into a short clip. What’s covered in renters insurance? Do I need travel insurance for a weekend trip? One video, one answer.
Examples of Standout Insurance Explainer Videos
To give you a taste of what “great” looks like, here are some examples of explainer videos that nailed it in the insurance space:
- Lemonade: How Insurance Works
Lemonade Insurance nailed the simplicity game with a video explaining peer-to-peer insurance using quirky animation and plain talk. It builds brand identity while educating viewers. - GEICO: Insurance Made Simple
Known for humor, GEICO uses cartoon-style videos to explain everything from bundling policies to accident forgiveness. They’re short, funny, and super clear. - Oscar Health: Understanding Your Health Insurance
Oscar’s explainer videos are human-centric and visually soft—ideal for making health insurance feel approachable. They also include motion graphics and warm tones that build emotional connection. - Allstate’s Claims Process Video
A live-action video featuring an agent walking viewers through a car insurance claim. Clean, direct, and trust-building. - Progressive: Snapshot Explainer
This animation breaks down how Progressive’s usage-based insurance program works, with a focus on benefits and simplicity.
Table: Explainer Video Types vs. Use Case
Video Type | Best Used For | Ideal Style |
Animated Policy Explainers | Explaining basics of coverage and terms | 2D Animation |
Journey-Based Narratives | Demonstrating real-life use cases of policies | Animated + Voiceover |
Agent Intros | Personal branding for local agents or small businesses | Live Action |
Process Walkthroughs | Filing claims, changing policies, renewal guides | Screen Recording or Live |
FAQ Video Series | Customer education and support | Micro Animation |
Comparison Videos | Helping with product selection decisions | Split-Screen Motion |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why should insurance companies invest in explainer videos?
Explainer videos help simplify complex products, increase customer trust, reduce support queries, and drive conversions. They are also shareable, helping to widen brand reach.
Are animated videos better than live-action for insurance topics?
It depends. Animated videos are excellent for explaining abstract or complex topics. Live-action videos build a stronger human connection, making them great for agent introductions or testimonials.
How long should an insurance explainer video be?
The ideal length is between 60 and 120 seconds. If the topic requires more depth, consider breaking it into a short series instead of one long video.
Do explainer videos improve customer acquisition?
Yes. They help potential customers understand the product better, which builds confidence in decision-making. Many companies report higher conversion rates after embedding explainer videos on landing pages.
Can these videos be reused for different platforms?
Absolutely. One well-made explainer can be shared on your website, social media, email campaigns, and even in digital ads. Shorter versions can also be tailored for Instagram or TikTok.
Conclusion: Is Your Insurance Brand Speaking Clearly Enough?
Insurance isn’t inherently exciting—but clarity is. And clarity sells. Explainer videos help demystify your offerings, soothe your customers’ concerns, and breathe personality into your brand. Whether you’re a large insurer trying to launch a new product or a local agent looking to connect with your community, an explainer video can be your best ally.
When done right, these videos act like a 24/7 virtual rep—ready to educate, clarify, and convert. They build trust with just a few frames. They turn confusion into confidence. And in an industry built on trust and understanding, that’s everything.
So the real question isn’t if you need an explainer video—it’s which one should you make first.