Real Insurance will use the Google Assistant voice technology app to answer customers’ life insurance questions.

The program replicates the call centre “journey”, allowing customers to gather information and make buying decisions before engaging with an insurer agent on the phone.

“Smart speaker” adoption was at 29% of the Australian adult population last year. About 20-25% of people have access to a voice-enabled device.

Real says the app will significantly reduce time spent with agents on the phone while providing relevant insurance information.

“Voice is the fastest-growing form of search globally and, as more technology is enabled by voice, and more people interact with it, there is more reason for companies to develop content for it,” Chief Marketing Officer Simon Hovell said.

“In addition, understanding how to optimise for this emerging technology is crucial, just like it is for more traditional search.”

Real Insurance is a trading name of Greenstone Financial Services.