HDI Seguros, Zuru Use AI to Tap Cargo Insurance Growth

HDI Seguros projects that cargo transport insurance premiums in Mexico will reach MX$82 billion (US$4.75 billion) in 2025, a 20% increase from MX$68.3 billion in 2024. This growth outlook is driven by rising demand for insured logistics—particularly from the e-commerce sector—and the company’s new strategic alliance with insurtech Zuru.

“Trends in e-commerce and market shifts, along with rising crime, are prompting companies to seek protection through insurance,” said Salvador Chávez, Director of Commercial Alliances and New Business, HDI Seguros.

To capitalize on this momentum, HDI signed a collaboration agreement with Zuru to offer risk-based cargo insurance using artificial intelligence (AI). Under the agreement, HDI will underwrite Zuru’s operations in Mexico, enabling the insurtech to expand in the logistics and freight market.

“The doors HDI is opening allow us to serve a niche that other insurers are pulling away from. HDI is committed to staying in the transport sector—but through innovation,” said Gianmarco Scarsi, CEO and Founder, Zuru.

According to Scarsi, the alliance is expected to triple HDI’s premium volume in the short to medium term. “That is the commitment I made to HDI’s team: to deliver at least 3x growth in premiums,” he added.

Ignacio González, General Director, HDI Seguros, highlighted how the partnership redefines traditional insurance models. “We are evolving the insurance concept. Traditionally, insurance compensates after an event. But what transporters really want is for the goods to arrive safely and for their clients to be satisfied,” he said.

Zuru’s model emphasizes preventive tools to reduce risk. “Our focus is to help transporters stay alert and proactively manage threats. This includes more precise tracking in high-risk areas and increasing the chances of recovering goods if an incident occurs,” Scarsi explained.

“We are not just about compensation,” he added. “We support the entire journey—helping avoid risks, increasing reliability, and standing by clients during incidents.” Zuru’s platform collaborates closely with the Mexican National Guard for crime prevention and response.

The system uses predictive analytics and AI to monitor cargo routes and detect threats. If a vehicle deviates from its route in a high-risk zone, an alert is automatically triggered. “We only engage when a real risk is detected,” said Scarsi.

“The bot collects data and, if the response is not adequate, a human takes over. This reduces unnecessary communication and ensures focus where it matters most,” he explained.

Data security is another key pillar. “All information is encrypted and fully digital. In the past, physical escorts meant people knew what cargo was in transit. Now, everything is confidential and tracked in real time,” Scarsi noted.

“We do not interfere with routing decisions—we adapt to the client’s route. If it is high-risk, we prepare accordingly. That also influences the premium,” he added.

By integrating technology, automation, and risk prevention, HDI and Zuru aim to gain a larger share of Mexico’s cargo insurance market. Together, they report that more than MX$600 million in goods have already been insured in 2024 and 2025—with zero claims filed to date.