Nearly 75% of UK Underwriters Cite Poor Data as the Biggest Barrier to AI Transformation, According to CI&T & Reuters Report

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CI&T (NYSE: CINT), a global AI and tech acceleration partner, has released new research highlighting the AI opportunity in the UK. The report, created in collaboration with Reuters, exclusively reveals that poor data quality, rather than technology limitations, is the number one obstacle preventing UK underwriters from accelerating AI adoption.

The report, Strategising for the AI Insurance Revolution, draws on original UK survey data and real-world case studies. It aims to uncover how insurers are tackling the AI opportunity, and what’s holding them back. While much of the market discussion focuses on technology capabilities, the findings show that data fragmentation, unstructured formats, and siloed systems are the real roadblocks to delivering faster, more accurate underwriting and pricing.

Other key findings from the study include:

• Efficiency over personalisation: Just 15% of claims leaders believe greater personalisation will significantly improve customer satisfaction, compared with 41% prioritising streamlined internal processes and 39% favouring a blend of digital and human touchpoints.
• AI as a cost shield: 60% of claims leaders believe AI-led efficiency will be crucial to offset rising claim costs and premiums.
• Sandbox before scale: Insurers are adopting Generative AI cautiously, testing in sandbox environments to mitigate risks such as hallucinations, bias, and data privacy breaches.
• Proven ROI in action:
  • Working with CI&T, Mitsui Sumitomo (part of Asia’s largest insurance group) saved £800,000 annually and cut quotation times by 54% through strategic modernisation.
  • A leading Brazilian insurer cut SME onboarding time by 46% and achieved a 26% fraud denial rate, automating 2.2 million claims.

“AI’s success in insurance won’t be determined by how advanced the algorithms are, but by the quality and accessibility of the data that feeds them,” said Mike Young, VP Insurance Industry Growth at CI&T. “This research shows UK insurers are ready to innovate, but they need to get their data house in order first.”

With deep experience in the insurance sector, CI&T has helped insurers modernise legacy systems, improve customer journeys, and achieve measurable operational gains. Central to this is CI&T FLOW, CI&T’s enterprise-grade Generative AI platform, designed with rigorous governance and privacy safeguards so insurers can innovate without compromising sensitive data.

Download the full report here.

About CI&T

CI&T is an AI and tech acceleration partner. We help businesses navigate the complex, changing European technological landscape to unlock real, measurable impact with digital-first solutions. CI&T brings a 30-year track record of helping clients deliver accelerated impact through tech-integrated business solutions, with deep expertise across AI, strategy, customer experience, software development, cloud services, data and more. As one of the world's first digital native companies, innovation is in our DNA, helping us empower clients to win by embedding digital maturity into the heart of their operations. With over 7,400 employees across 10 countries, we combine the expertise of a global business with an entrepreneurial mindset to drive transformation at scale and turn strategy into action.

About Reuters Events

Reuters Events is one of the largest and fastest growing events companies anywhere in the world. Reuters Events serves a diverse range of industries and places a focus on the challenges and opportunities resulting from technological and strategic innovation. Our purpose is to provide senior level executives with the trusted insight and meaningful connections they need to confidently navigate change, unlock opportunity and inform their strategy. We curate world-class events and content that are high value to our customers. For more information, visit reutersevents.com. .