AXA & Shift Technology Deepen AI Claims Pact
Shift Technology and AXA have renewed their strategic AI partnership for five years, expanding it across 15 countries. The deal signals a major shift from AI pilots to enterprise-scale deployment for claims automation and fraud detection among top-tier global insurers.
The collaboration between AXA and Shift Technology dates back to 2016, initially focusing on deploying AI-driven systems for claims processing, fraud detection, and underwriting. This long-term relationship was solidified by a further five-year pact, making it a cornerstone of AXA's "Unlock the Future" strategic plan for 2024-2026. The plan, championed by executives like Chief Transformation Officer Claudio Gienal, prioritizes digital transformation and scaling innovation through trusted partners. Shift's impact is quantified by early adopters of its new "Shift Claims" platform, who report a 30% improvement in claims handling speed and a 60% automation rate. Moreover, the platform has demonstrated over 99% accuracy in claims assessment and a 3% reduction in overall claims losses. AXA Switzerland, an early adopter, has been a notable success, stopping over €12 million in fraudulent claims by leveraging Shift's real-time detection capabilities. The technology's core function is to assist claims handlers and Special Investigation Units (SIUs). AI algorithms analyze vast datasets to flag suspicious activities, identify complex fraud networks, and even detect inconsistencies in documents or images. This allows SIU investigators to move beyond manual "red flag" reviews and focus on higher-value, more complex cases. For underwriting departments, AI offers a significant shift from reactive filtering to proactive risk selection. By combining internal data with external sources, AI models can generate real-time risk scores that align with current underwriting guidelines. This leads to more accurate pricing, improved portfolio performance, and can reduce underwriting costs by up to 30%, according to research from McKinsey. The partnership is seen as a key enabler for AXA to enhance operational efficiency across the entire value chain, from underwriting to claims management. Jeremy Jawish, CEO and co-founder of Shift Technology, noted that AXA was one of the first global insurers to adopt AI as a core capability rather than a side initiative. In 2025, AXA recognized Shift with its "Delivering @ Scale" Supplier Award for consistently delivering business results across multiple markets. AXA's broader strategy involves a massive investment in AI to improve risk pricing and customer experience. The company aims to increase productivity by 10% over the next three years using AI. This focus on technology is part of a larger effort to move from a "Payer-to-Partner" model, creating more value for customers beyond traditional insurance coverage.
