Insurance is a form of risk management used to hedge against uncertain losses by spreading risk among many. In India, the first life insurance company started in 1818 and the Insurance Act of 1938 first regulated the industry. The industry was nationalized in 1956 with the formation of LIC. Common insurance services include fire, marine, and other policies. Marketing involves product mixes, pricing based on risk, sales through agents and digital means, and promotions using various media. Emerging services include online payments, call centers, partnerships with banks, and customer relationship management.