Protega Partners with IZI to Launch “IZI Care” – AI-Powered Protection for Cameras, Drones & Wearables

Mumbai, February 2, 2026 – Protega, India’s AI-driven post-purchase protection platform, has expanded its services to cover high-end gadgets and electronics through a new program called IZI Care. In partnership with online retailer IZI, Protega will provide Accidental Damage Protection (ADP) plans for cameras, gimbals, and smartwatches, as well as Extended Warranty plans for drones. Branded as “IZI Care” on IZI’s e-commerce storefront, this program lets shoppers add protection at checkout and enjoy a seamless, tech-enabled claims experience after purchase. The collaboration combines Protega’s innovative, AI-powered claims technology with IZI’s customer-centric approach, ushering in a new era of hassle-free gadget protection.

A New Standard in Post-Purchase Protection

Today’s gadget buyers invest heavily in drones, DSLRs, action cameras, gimbals, and smart wearables – devices that enhance creativity and productivity but also carry risk of damage or malfunction. Until now, protecting these devices meant relying on disparate warranty extensions or insurance plans with cumbersome processes. Protega’s IZI Care program changes that by offering comprehensive post-purchase care under one umbrella. At the time of buying a gadget on IZI’s platform, customers can opt-in for a protection plan that covers accidental drops, spills, and cracks from day one (for cameras, gimbals, smartwatches), or extends the warranty against hardware failures (for drones) beyond the manufacturer’s period.

By integrating protection plan selection directly into the online checkout, Protega and IZI make it intuitive for consumers to protect their new gadgets. Shoppers simply choose an IZI Care plan with a click, with coverage terms and pricing transparently displayed. “Protega is a comprehensive post-purchase care platform that transforms how brands protect and serve their customers. We deliver an integrated solution combining Accident Damage Protection and Extended Warranty coverage— all built into a single, intelligent program,” explains Mayank Arora, Co-Founder and Head of Business Development & Operations at Protega. “Our partnership with IZI extends these benefits to their tech-savvy customers, ensuring they get peace of mind along with their new devices.”

The accidental damage protection covers incidents like cracked camera lenses, gimbal motor burnouts due to drops, or smartwatch screen shatters – mishaps typically not covered by standard manufacturer warranties. Meanwhile, the extended drone warranty shields against costly repairs for internal failures (motor burnout, battery issues, controller malfunctions) once the original warranty expires. Notably, IZI Care fills a gap: IZI’s standard warranty policy doesn’t include accident coverage, so Protega’s program introduces that safety net for non-drone gadgets. For drone owners, it adds an extra one and two year of warranty coverage, crucial in a category where devices are expensive and repairs can be complex.

Seamless E-Commerce Integration Driving Revenue and Loyalty

Protega’s technology for distribution through e-commerce is a key differentiator. The company has developed plug-and-play integrations that allow online retailers like IZI to embed protection plan offers into their sales flow with minimal effort. When a customer adds a camera or drone to their cart on IZI, the site automatically presents optional IZI Care plans tailored for that product. This opt-in upsell is smooth and customized – the customer sees the price and terms, and can add it with a single click, boosting confidence in the purchase. By offering relevant protection plans at the right moment, IZI not only enhances customer peace of mind but also opens a new revenue stream, sharing in the warranty premium. Retail partners benefit from Protega’s solution by enhancing customer loyalty while creating new revenue streams through innovative protection offerings. Protega reports attach rates (the percentage of customers choosing a protection plan) far above industry norms, thanks to this seamless integration. Whereas extended warranties typically see only single-digit uptake (around 5–8% in many cases), Protega’s white-labeled offers achieve attach rates of 10–30%, significantly outperforming legacy offerings. This high uptake reflects strong consumer trust when the offer is presented on a familiar retail platform and backed by a robust service promise.

From a retailer’s perspective, Protega’s e-commerce integration is a win-win. The attach rate uplift directly translates to additional margin on each sale, with no disruption to the checkout experience. Protega’s platform handles the heavy lifting – from plan pricing and risk assessment to claims fulfillment – so that retailers like IZI can offer top-notch after-sales service without investing in their own warranty infrastructure. “We’ve made it incredibly easy for partner brands to plug into Protega’s platform – whether on their D2C website or in-store – and immediately start offering protection plans,” says Mayank Arora. “This means incremental revenue for the business and a better experience for customers, all through a single integration.” According to Protega, its unified platform approach addresses a major pain point for omnichannel retailers: fragmented after-sales services. “Today’s retailers face a fragmented landscape of customer care across D2C websites, e-commerce marketplaces, and offline channels, with disconnected systems for returns, damage claims, warranties, and service operations. Protega integrates every touchpoint – from initial purchase protection to doorstep service – into one seamless experience,” Arora notes. By unifying these services, Protega not only improves customer satisfaction but also simplifies operations for the business.

AI-Powered Claims: Fast, Easy and Fraud-Free

Where Protega truly stands out is in its proprietary AI-based claims technology, which underpins the IZI Care program’s customer experience. Filing a claim under IZI Care is designed to be as easy as placing an order online, overturning the old image of claims as tedious and time-consuming. Customers can initiate a claim 24/7 through a self-service digital portal or even a chat interface – no lengthy phone calls or paper forms required. Protega’s system intelligently guides users to provide necessary details (like what happened, when, etc.) and to upload any supporting evidence such as photos of the damaged device or videos.

Protega’s AI-driven claims assistant guides users through the claim process via a chat-style interface. The virtual assistant asks simple questions about the incident and prompts the customer to upload photos or videos of the item and damage. By analyzing these inputs in real time, the AI can quickly assess claim eligibility and severity, making the experience intuitive and fast for the user.

Behind the scenes, Protega’s AI models analyze the submitted evidence and cross-check details to validate the claim instantly. Computer vision algorithms, for example, can scrutinize a photo of a cracked camera lens or water-damaged smartwatch and help determine if the damage is consistent with an accident and within coverage. The system also employs AI-powered fraud detection to flag anomalies – for instance, if a user tries to claim for a pre-existing defect or damage that doesn’t match the device – thereby protecting the program from abuse. “Our intelligent claims management system prioritizes genuine claims and reduces time spent on high-risk or fraudulent ones,” says Soni Hegde, Managing Director of Protega. “By the time a customer has finished answering a few questions, our AI has often already made a preliminary approval decision. This means we can settle most valid claims in minutes, not days.”

Once a claim is approved, Protega’s platform springs into action to fulfill it swiftly. For accidental damage, this could mean scheduling a repair pickup or a technician visit; for irreparable gadgets, arranging a replacement or reimbursement. Protega has built an extensive service network to support quick turnarounds – with 1,000+ certified technicians across 500 service centers covering 19,000 pin codes in India. This coverage ensures that whether a customer is in a metro city or a smaller town, help is nearby. In many cases, Protega coordinates doorstep repair services, sending technicians to the customer’s home for device assessment or fix, which is a boon for bulky items like drones or for customers who can’t easily visit a service center. The company also strategically pre-positions spare parts with service partners to enable first-visit resolution rates that exceed industry standards – meaning the issue gets fixed on the first attempt more often than not.

Critically, customers can track the status of their claims in real-time through the IZI Care online portal or app. Transparency is a priority; users receive updates at each stage (claim received, approved, part ordered, technician on the way, etc.), eliminating the uncertainty that typically plagues claims. Documents like the service report or claim certificate are digitized for easy access. The end result is a claims process that is transparent, quick, and user-friendly, turning what used to be a pain point into a brand differentiator for IZI.

Unified Dashboard and Customer Portal

Beyond individual claims, Protega provides both customers and the retailer with powerful tools to manage and monitor the protection programs. IZI Care users get access to a self-service customer portal (available via web or mobile) where all their coverage plans and devices are listed. In this portal, they can see details like policy period, coverage type (ADP or extended warranty), and initiate service requests with a click. For instance, if a user has protected both a camera and a smartwatch, both appear on their dashboard with “File a Claim” buttons next to each. This centralized view makes it convenient to manage multiple gadget protections in one place, rather than juggling different warranty papers or emails.

The Protega-powered customer portal (shown here branded for a partner) provides a unified dashboard for post-purchase care. Users can view all their protected products, coverage details, and take actions like filing a claim or downloading their warranty certificate. This self-service approach, coupled with real-time tracking, puts customers in control of the after-sales process and boosts confidence in the program.

On the backend, Protega offers IZI’s team an analytics dashboard to gain insights into how the protection program is performing. From attach rate statistics to claim trends and settlement turnaround times, every key metric is available in real time. Retailers can see, for example, which product categories have the highest attachment of IZI Care plans, or the ratio of claims approved vs. filed. Such data helps in fine-tuning marketing strategies and ensuring adequate service coverage. Protega’s platform essentially acts as an extension of the retailer’s CRM, but focused on the post-purchase lifecycle. “Protega manages operations end-to-end, minimizing the retailer’s internal involvement,” notes Soni Hegde. “We provide full visibility through our dashboards, so partners like IZI can monitor customer satisfaction and financial performance of the program, without having to actually run it themselves.” By automating claims and service logistics, Protega frees the retailer’s resources to focus on core business, all while strengthening brand loyalty through superior after-sales support.

Outshining the Competition in Gadget Care

The post-purchase protection market is not entirely new – consumers have seen offerings like extended warranties, insurance add-ons, and protection plans from various providers. However, Protega’s approach with IZI Care is raising the bar in multiple ways, effectively outshining incumbents in this space:

• Integrated & White-Labeled Experience: Traditional third-party warranty providers (for example, OnsiteGo or OneAssist in India) often operate via vouchers or separate portals, which can feel disconnected from the retailer. In contrast, Protega powers a native experience on IZI – customers see “IZI Care” with IZI’s branding, and never have to leave IZI’s ecosystem to utilize it. This white-label strategy builds more trust. Even global players like AppleCare (Apple’s in-house program) or DJI’s refresh program are tied to one brand’s products. Protega enables any retailer to offer a similar in-house program across diverse product categories, from electronics to furniture, under their own banner.
• Breadth of Coverage: Many competitors have focused narrowly on popular electronics like smartphones and laptops. Protega, by contrast, covers five high-growth segments representing over ₹70,000 crores in annual opportunity, including areas often ignored by others. For example, Protega designs protection plans for furniture and home décor, premium watches & lifestyle goods, and appliances, in addition to consumer electronics and gadgets. In practice, this means Protega can protect a luxury watch or a modular kitchen with equal finesse as a DSLR camera. “Our clients span diverse retail categories including home décor, appliances, consumer electronics, furniture, and lifestyle products,” notes Hegde, underscoring Protega’s versatile platform. By covering emerging categories like drones and gimbals (which traditional insurers might consider niche or high-risk), Protega positions itself ahead of the curve as new gadget trends emerge.
• AI and Automation: Competitor services have been slower to adopt AI-driven efficiencies. A typical extended warranty claim with some providers might involve manually filling forms and waiting days for approval while a human assessor reviews the case. Protega’s heavy investment in AI – from fraud detection to image recognition – means claims get approved faster and with less hassle for customers. This not only delights users but also reduces operational costs, savings that can be passed on in the form of more competitive plan pricing. Protega’s automation extends to logistics as well, coordinating service dispatch and replacements with minimal human intervention. The result is a scalable model that can handle surges in claims (say, during a festival sale when many devices are sold and might face issues) without compromising on service quality.
• First-Mover Advantage in Drones: The drone market in India is poised for rapid growth, used not just by hobbyists but professionals in photography, surveying, and even deliveries. Yet, drone after-sales support remains nascent. Manufacturer warranties on drones are short and often full of exclusions (crash damage usually not covered). While some global plans exist, Protega’s introduction of a drone extended warranty through IZI Care is among the first of its kind in the Indian context. It gives drone buyers an accessible option to secure their investment beyond the standard warranty. Compared to sending a drone overseas or to specialized centers for repairs (as is sometimes needed with global plans), IZI Care aims to provide local, expedited service. This localization of support differentiates Protega in an area where others haven’t fully stepped in. It’s a bold move that could capture a loyal segment of drone enthusiasts and professionals who until now had limited choices for protection.
• Customer-Centric Philosophy: Many warranty providers tout “hassle-free claims” but still end up with fine print that confuses customers. Protega has approached this differently by designing the service process first and warranty terms second. Features like self-service portals, real-time tracking, doorstep service, and chat-based support are not common across the board in this industry. These thoughtful touches give Protega an edge in customer satisfaction metrics. In fact, Protega highlights that its programs consistently achieve higher customer retention and repeat purchase intent for partner retailers, essentially making the protection plan an extension of the product experience rather than an afterthought.

The numbers speak for themselves: Protega’s attach rates and service metrics surpass industry averages, as noted earlier (10–30% uptake vs. 5–8%, faster resolution times, etc.). “We’ve essentially taken what was a staid warranty product and turned it into a tech-forward service that customers actually value,” says Soni Hegde. “This isn’t the old extended warranty that you forget until something breaks; with Protega’s approach, the protection plan actively engages and reassures the customer throughout their ownership journey.” By outshining competitors on these fronts, Protega is poised to become a market leader in post-purchase insurtech. However, Protega’s ambition goes beyond any single market – it aims to create a holistic ecosystem for all things after-sales, which few others can claim.

Covering Every Segment – From Cameras to Kitchens

While the spotlight now is on gadgets like cameras, drones and wearables through the IZI Care program, Protega’s broader strategy encompasses virtually any product segment where after-sales service matters. The company has already rolled out successful programs in segments like home interiors (e.g., a partnership for modular kitchen protection), demonstrating the flexibility of its platform. Protega’s actuarial engine tailors coverage based on product category and usage patterns, ensuring that each plan is properly priced and scoped. This means whether it’s a ₹50,000 camera or a ₹5 lakh kitchen installation, the protection plan is backed by data-driven risk models and a reliable service network.

For instance, in furniture retail, Protega’s protection plans cover accidental damage to sofas or wardrobes, and even include periodic maintenance visits – a concept similar to ADP but applied to home goods. In luxury watches, Protega’s offerings might cover expensive timepieces against damage and extend service beyond the manufacturer’s warranty, with white-glove handling. These diverse use cases underscore a key point: Protega is building a vertically integrated insurtech platform that can service multiple industries under one roof. By internalizing capabilities (claims handling, repairs, logistics) and leveraging technology, Protega is creating high barriers to entry for would-be competitors and delivering exceptional value at scale.

Mayank Arora highlights this multi-segment coverage as a strategic advantage. “Whether it’s a smartwatch or a sofa, customers expect quick and competent service when something goes wrong. Protega’s platform is flexible enough to cater to any product with minimal tweaks – our machine learning models learn the specifics of each category, and our operational network adapts accordingly. This gives us a huge scope in terms of market reach,” he says. Indeed, India’s post-purchase protection market across home, electronics, and lifestyle is massive – over ₹70,000 crores annually – and largely untapped in terms of organized, tech-enabled solutions. By covering all these bases, Protega is positioning itself as a one-stop solution for retailers in any sector to boost their post-purchase offerings.

A Narrative-Driven, Tech-Savvy Approach

The story of IZI Care powered by Protega is ultimately a story of innovation meeting customer needs. Picture this scenario: A photography enthusiast buys a new mirrorless camera from IZI, along with a gimbal stabilizer and a smartwatch. At checkout, she opts for IZI Care’s protection plans, enticed by the reasonable add-on cost and the promise of “no worries” ownership. Six months later, while filming outdoors, the camera slips off the tripod – the lens shatters and the gimbal’s motor is misaligned from the fall. It’s a gut-wrenching moment for any gadget lover. But instead of panic, she remembers she has IZI Care. Within minutes of the accident, she opens the IZI Care portal on her phone and initiates a claim. The AI chat assistant greets her, already knowing which camera and gimbal she has under coverage. It asks a few questions and prompts her to snap photos of the damage. She takes a picture of the shattered lens and the error message on the gimbal’s app. The AI instantly recognizes this as accidental physical damage (covered under ADP) and approves the claim on the spot for a free repair. A service pickup is scheduled for the next day. The entire interaction, from filing to confirmation, takes maybe 10 minutes – far less time than she would have spent finding a repair shop or calling an insurance agent. A few days later, the camera and gimbal are returned to her, good as new, and she didn’t pay a rupee thanks to the plan.

Now consider her drone: a year in, its battery starts draining abnormally – a possible hardware failure. Normally, the manufacturer’s warranty would have just expired. But she has IZI Care’s extended warranty on the drone. Through the same portal, she requests service, and Protega’s system arranges a replacement drone (since it’s a verified internal failure and has been detected as beyond repair) within a week. These narratives highlight how Protega’s solution is proactive, responsive, and tailored to real-life incidents that consumers face. It’s not just about selling a plan; it’s about delivering a promise that when something goes wrong, the technology and support will be there to make it right, fast. In a world where customers demand instant gratification and smooth service, such tech-savvy fulfillment creates a powerful differentiator for retailers like IZI.

The Road Ahead

With IZI Care, Protega is demonstrating its capability in the consumer electronics and gadget domain, but it’s clear that this is part of a larger roadmap. The company’s vision seems to be one of ubiquitous post-purchase care – a future where every product sold, regardless of category, comes with an intelligent protection option baked in. As Protega scales, we can expect to see hundreds of partnerships similar to IZI across various retail verticals, and perhaps even deeper integration of emerging technologies. For example, leveraging IoT (Internet of Things) data from smart devices to predict failures and prompt preventive service, or using AI not just for claims but for personalized offers (suggesting a protection plan upgrade if data shows a customer is at higher risk). Protega’s emphasis on AI and a narrative-driven approach to service is well-aligned with these trends.

“Our goal is to revolutionize post-purchase care through AI-powered protection and service excellence,” Soni Hegde reiterates, echoing the company’s tagline. “It’s about building trust. When customers trust that their purchase is protected and any issue will be handled without headache, they are more likely to buy, more likely to stay loyal, and more likely to recommend the brand. Protega is the enabler of that trust.” As of FY2026, Protega is targeting rapid growth, with a goal to become a market-leading insurtech platform with sustainable competitive advantages. The early success of programs like IZI Care suggests it is on the right track.

In an era where customer experience is king, Protega’s IZI Care program exemplifies how innovation in warranties can drive experience to new heights. It transforms an often-neglected aspect of retail into a selling point. For shoppers on IZI, the message is clear: enjoy your new camera or drone worry-free, because if life happens, IZI Care (powered by Protega) has got you covered.