LightGuard connect Qorus Innovation in Insurance Awards 2019 - Winner

Why is an eCall mandatory for new cars but not available for cyclists although there are more cyclists than car drivers in Germany? AXA Germany’s internal startup and innovation incubator set up a unique partnership with a manufacturer of bicycle lights to introduce the first eCall for cyclists to the German market. The solution “LightGuard connect” offers an end-to-end value proposition by combining: 1. A smart rear-light with a certified crash sensor recognizing bicycle accidents 2. AXA’s safety app WayGuard managing emergencies detected by the rear-light and sending rescue services to the exact GPS-location of cyclists in case of serious accidents 3. A micro casualty insurance product providing an extra layer of protection to cyclists - free of charge for one year WayGuard was launched in 2015 to provide “a personal guardian angel” for women feeling scared when walking home alone at night. The app counts 250.000+ users, managed 1000+ emergency calls and saved at least one life. It delivers perfectly on AXA’s payer-to-partner strategy and even generates new customers for AXA. With “LightGuard connect” AXA builds on this success and turns WayGuard into an ecosystem by capitalizing on the power of partnerships. Every light sold will generate revenues for AXA - every activated insurance will generate a new customer for AXA. With LightGuard connect AXA moves beyond the traditional boundaries of insurance and provides “safety on the go” by connecting smart technology with a traditional insurance product for cyclists. After a successful proof of concept and the certification by one of Germany’s leading audit firms, “LightGuard connect” will be launched in June 2019.