Allianz, a leading insurance company, embarked on a transformative journey with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into its operations. The goals were to achieve a fully digital business model, gain a competitive market position, and instill an agile corporate culture. Allianz Direct, a branch focused on direct insurance, targeted “smart shoppers” and “price seekers,” offering them competitive pricing and a broad online presence, marking a significant shift in their operational approach.
Allianz’s approach to integrating AI was multifaceted. It included a strong focus on technical excellence, sophisticated IT infrastructure, advanced digital marketing, and a robust execution strategy. The company prioritized market analysis, retail marketing strategies, pricing optimization, efficient damage management, and streamlined operations to reinforce its competitiveness.
Allianz has leveraged AI to enhance customer-centric services. AI algorithms personalize products and services to align with individual customer needs, thereby ensuring that the most appropriate products are recommended. The company has utilized AI to refine its underwriting and pricing processes, enabling rapid and precise offer calculations. AI has been deeply embedded into the claims handling processes, improving speed and effectiveness, which is central to customer satisfaction and retention. This strategic use of AI underpins the company’s commitment to providing tailored, efficient customer service.
Allianz has also established a framework for the responsible usage of AI, focusing on data ethics and stakeholder interests, including customers, employees, and business units. Recognizing the increased public and regulatory scrutiny over AI’s unintended consequences, Allianz emphasizes compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, adopting a human-centric approach. Cross-functional teams from business, data science, IT, security, and privacy work in unison to ensure that Privacy and Ethics by Design principles are embedded in the AI implementation process.
A key aspect of Allianz’s AI implementation is respecting customer autonomy and maintaining human oversight. The company asserts the importance of human agency and control in the use of AI systems, ensuring that AI complements rather than supplants human decision-making. Accountability is another pillar, with the company monitoring AI systems to ensure outcomes align with intentions and maintaining auditable records to document compliance with laws and regulations.
To support its AI initiatives, Allianz has established a Data Advisory Board (DAB) to guide data ethics and other data-related decisions. Furthermore, the company has issued the Allianz Practical Guidance for AI, which articulates principles for responsible AI usage, accompanied by state-of-the-art analytics and techniques. This guidance has been rolled out across major European entities within the group, with employees receiving targeted workshops and training to align with the company’s AI objectives.
The tangible outcomes of AI adoption at Allianz were impressive, including a 15% increase in year-over-year revenue growth in selected countries and a significant reduction in operational costs by 30-50%, alongside a substantial boost in customer satisfaction ratings.
While AI brought about efficiency and growth, it also increased vulnerability to cyber-attacks and technical failures, leading to potential large-scale disruptions. Liability challenges emerged as the responsibility shifted from humans to machines and manufacturers. Allianz recognized the need for a new framework to manage AI-generated damages and emphasized the importance of risk management to maximize AI’s net benefits.