Half of insurers deploy homegrown AI to detect deepfakes and altered claims
Fifty percent of insurance companies are building their own AI detection tools to fight manipulated media, according to a Verisk study released this week. An additional 65% use third-party vendor solutions, with many insurers combining both approaches.
The dual strategy reflects the scale of the problem. Nearly all insurers-98%-say AI-powered editing tools are increasing fraud. Ninety-nine percent have encountered altered documentation in claims, and 76% report that manipulated submissions have grown more sophisticated over the past year.
Verisk surveyed 300 insurance claims managers and above between December 2025 and January 2026.
Detection gaps remain wide
Despite the tools in place, insurers express limited confidence in their ability to catch sophisticated fraud. Fifty-eight percent say they are very confident they can detect edits to real photos. Only 32% express high confidence in identifying deepfakes.
Shane Riedman, president of anti-fraud analytics at Verisk, said detection systems that aren't integrated into claims workflows create blind spots. "As deepfakes and other AI-driven manipulation become more common, carriers will need more connected systems and shared intelligence to keep pace," he said.
Consumer behavior shifts by age
Younger people are more likely to view photo alterations as acceptable. Fifty-five percent of Generation Z respondents said they would consider strengthening a claim through digital edits, compared to 49% of Millennials, 28% of Generation X, and 12% of Baby Boomers.
Insurers estimate that half of policyholders who alter claim photos don't realize the changes may constitute fraud.
Industry response focuses on training
All insurers surveyed said they have taken action in response to rising fraud. The most common step: increased training and new guidance for adjusters handling claims.
For more on AI for Insurance, see our coverage of industry applications.
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