Sensa is dropping policyholders
Based on information obtained by Coverager, car insurance startup Sensa Insurance Company is asking agents to find Sensa policyholders new coverage with different insurance companies.
Sensa is a subsidiary of MDGo, a tech company that offers an accident detection and response solution to insurers and OEMs. Sensa was launched in Illinois in February 2022, offering consumers auto insurance with the crash detection sensor that’s based on MDgo’s technology. It later launched in Ohio, and Texas.
In an email sent out to agents, Itay Bengad, co-founder and CEO of both Sensa and MDgo, writes that he was “forced to remove” Sensa from the marketplace after he wasn’t able to acquire the systems or make the changes that he desired to make with the company’s board of directors. In the email, agents were advised to find new coverage for their customers within 60 days.
We reached out to Bengad who told us that the company is in the process of reducing the number of independent agencies it works with. Based on this, it isn’t clear what the future holds for Sensa. We called the phone number listed on Sensa’s site, which promises to connect you with an agent, but we were greeted with a message that no support agents are available to take the call. This number is also the emergency assistance service number, which is supposed to be available 24/7.
Agents looking to get appointed with Sensa are unable to schedule a meeting with a company representative.
According to one source, Sensa lost its sensor manufacturer, adding that some customers never received their sensors. In the note sent out to agents, Sensa said that new devices will not be shipped, and service might not be operational in case of an accident.
We were also unable to access MDgo’s site. Recently, Apple announced a new crash detection feature for the iPhone and watch and Cambridge Mobile Telematics also offers this capability. One notable client is Progressive.
While Sensa didn’t disclose any funding amount, MDgo raised $17 million from several investors including MS&AD Ventures, Volvo, and others. In the press release announcing Sensa’s launch, it was stated that MDgo’s technology and Sensa’s insurtech offering were backed by funding from investors including Bessemer Venture Partners, Target Global, Volvo, Hyundai Motors, and Nationwide.
