India leads on tech optimism, Assurant report finds

Assurant has released its India findings from the 2026 Global Connected Consumer Trends Report, identifying India as one of its most optimistic markets for technology adoption.

India recorded a Technology Sentiment Index score of 74, above the global average, reflecting strong confidence in technology and readiness to adopt newer digital products and services.

The data points to broad acceptance of connected technology in everyday life. In India, 94 per cent of consumers said technology had made their lives better, while 85 per cent said they trusted artificial intelligence and were positive about its future role.

That confidence is shaping expectations for devices and support services. Smartphones, computers and other connected products are now central to work, entertainment, communication and financial transactions, making service interruptions more disruptive for users.

Rising expectations

The report suggests Indian consumers want technology experiences that are easy to use and consistently available. Problems such as connectivity failures or storage limits can disrupt daily routines, increasing pressure on brands to provide accessible support.

Protection plans are also becoming more important at the point of purchase. In India, 97 per cent of consumers said customisable protection plans made them more likely to buy a device and enrol in protection, suggesting after-sales support is influencing buying decisions rather than serving only as an optional extra.

The findings point to a market where consumers are not only open to new technology but also willing to judge brands on how well they support it after purchase. That has implications for device makers, retailers and service providers seeking to retain customers in a market where digital use is deeply embedded in daily life.

Federico Bunge, President, International, Assurant, said the research highlighted a broader global trend: "Connected technology is becoming more central to everyday life globally, but what matters most now is how well these experiences adapt to individual needs - balancing innovation with simplicity, trust, and reliability."

He added: "In India, this shift is happening at remarkable speed, with highly optimistic and digitally fluent consumers embracing AI-driven innovation and expecting seamless, always-on experiences that fit effortlessly into everyday life."

Support channels

The report also highlighted how Indian consumers seek help when devices fail or underperform. Many rely on self-help options, including online videos, AI-based assistants and social platforms, to solve problems quickly, showing a preference for digital support across multiple channels.

That behaviour suggests customer service models in India may need to accommodate a more self-directed and digitally confident user base. Rather than relying only on call centres or in-store help, consumers appear comfortable moving between automated tools and online communities to resolve issues.

Assurant said it works with brands in India to integrate protection plans, AI-based support and service options across the customer journey, including onboarding, claims management, troubleshooting and upgrades. It said these services can affect customer satisfaction and create additional revenue streams for partners.

Harini Kannan, Country Director, Assurant India, said the Indian market stands out for both scale and speed of adoption. "India represents one of the most dynamic and forward-looking connected consumer markets globally."

She added: "Consumers are embracing innovation at scale, while expecting technology to work seamlessly in the background. For brands, this creates a significant opportunity to differentiate through protection and service experiences. At Assurant, we enable our partners to deliver that seamlessly through AI-driven solutions, flexible protection, and proactive support that builds trust and long-term loyalty."

Assurant operates in 21 countries and provides protection and servicing for connected devices, homes, vehicles and commercial equipment through brand partnerships. In India, its latest consumer data suggests trust in technology, acceptance of AI and demand for flexible support are converging in ways that could shape how companies sell and service devices in one of the world's largest digital markets.