Sapiens Introduces a New AI Maturity Index for Insurance Sector as Autonomy Averages Projected Within Two Years

Sapiens Launches Insurance AI Maturity Index

Sapiens International Corporation N.V. has made a significant leap in the insurance sector by introducing the Sapiens Insurance AI Maturity Index. This groundbreaking international study examines the current state of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption among insurance companies and projects the future trajectory of AI utilization in this vital industry. The findings emphasize a crucial trend: 67% of insurance professionals anticipate reaching full autonomy in AI operations within the next two to three years.

The Sapiens Insurance AI Maturity Index is especially timely. As the insurance landscape faces increasing pressure to adopt advanced technologies, this study aims to chart the journey of insurers from basic automation towards full-scale AI integration. Conducted in collaboration with Research in Finance and launched during the Sapiens Ignite 2026 conference, the Index categorizes participating insurers into four maturity levels: Reactive, Enabled, Operational, and Autonomous. This framework gives insurers a roadmap to understand their current positioning and what strategies they need to implement to ascend to higher stages of AI maturity.

Findings from the Index

Among the survey participants, 25% are classified as Autonomous Leaders, indicating that they have adopted cloud-based solutions, robust master data strategies, and implement comprehensive AI governance policies. Operational insurers comprise 28%, while 23% are Enabled, and the remaining 24% fall into the Reactive category, indicating varying levels of cloud adoption and strategic foresight in innovation.

Paul Wheeler, the CEO of Sapiens, emphasized the urgency of the findings by stating, "The Sapiens Insurance AI Maturity Index highlights a clear, industry-wide imperative for AI and agentic AI adoption, though insurers must accelerate their timelines or risk being left behind." This urgent call to action reflects the pressing need for insurers to leverage AI not just as a technological upgrade but as a business essential that enhances customer trust, accelerates product launches, and improves user experiences.

Geographical Insights

The data reveals notable geographical trends in AI maturity. Countries in the Benelux region and the Nordics are leading in the number of Autonomous Leaders, with 33% and 28% respectively. Conversely, regions such as the UK, US, and South Africa lag behind, with only 25%, 23%, and 18% in the Autonomous Leader category. Additionally, it appears that property and casualty insurers are more advanced in AI adoption compared to life insurers.

The Rise of Agentic AI

While AI has gained traction among insurers, the study indicates a slower acceptance of agentic AI—a form of AI that operates independently across multiple decision-making processes. Presently, only 16% of insurers in the Reactive category are implementing agentic AI technology. Interestingly, 61% of survey respondents believe that AI is integral to their future strategies, and 51% feel it will confer a competitive edge in the market. Though the Nordics show a strong readiness for agentic AI adoption, the UK remains the lowest-ranked region in this regard.

Confidence and Oversight in AI Decisions

The survey also indicates that confidence in AI technology is substantial among users; 86% are comfortable with AI decision-making processes. However, a cautionary note is struck as it reveals that, on average, 53% of the work performed by agentic AI is verified by human overseers. This suggests a dual reality: while the potential of AI is recognized, a human touch remains vital in ensuring accuracy and accountability.

Confronting Barriers to AI Integration

The report further highlights that non-users of AI pinpoint governance, skills development, and improved data strategies as the primary areas needing enhancement. Leading insurers that are classified as Autonomous Leaders emphasize training and upskilling their teams significantly more than their Reactive counterparts. The study also notes that firms in the Nordics are advancing quickly by ensuring that all employees are mandated to engage with AI technologies, with 49% doing so compared to just 25% in the UK and 17% in North America.

Research Methodology

The Sapiens Insurance AI Maturity Index derives its conclusions from a robust survey of 475 senior insurance professionals across key regions, including the UK, Ireland, the Nordics, Benelux, and North America. This rigorous analysis aims to benchmark the adoption of AI innovations among insurers operating in both life and property and casualty sectors. The results offer a clear outline of the maturity levels across various corporations from small specialist firms to large global leaders, underscoring a rapidly evolving landscape.

In conclusion, the launch of the Sapiens Insurance AI Maturity Index heralds a transformative shift in how insurance companies engage with technology. By prioritizing AI adoption and understanding their maturity levels, insurers can enhance their competitiveness and ultimately pave the way for a more autonomous future in the insurance market.