AI shift threatens major job cuts at Allianz, reports suggest

German insurer Allianz is reportedly preparing to eliminate up to 1,800 positions within its travel insurance subsidiary Allianz Partners over the coming 12 to 18 months. Most of the cuts are expected to hit call centre operations, as the company increasingly automates tasks using artificial intelligence (AI) tools.

According to a source familiar with the matter, the reduction will amount to between 1,500 and 1,800 jobs – a significant change for a unit that currently counts around 22,600 employees worldwide, of whom roughly 14,000 respond to customer calls and manage claims.

The initial leak came from industry outlet Versicherungsmonitor before being picked up by major media. In response, Allianz Partners has so far declined to confirm a fixed headcount reduction – instead indicating that it is assessing how technological advances may affect roles that “rely heavily on manual processes”.

A company spokesperson also noted that confidential discussions were underway with the relevant works councils.

Observers suggest this move is part of a broader industry shift: insurers and other customer-service-heavy businesses are increasingly deploying AI to handle routine queries and claims, which could reshape – and shrink – traditional call centre workforces globally.