If you asked a dozen insurance agents and brokers what they see on the horizon for 2026, you’re likely to get a dozen different answers. However, several topics are likely to come up repeatedly, like the introduction of AI into everyday workflows, evolving cyber risks for agencies and how to attract, train and retain the brightest prospects in the newest generation of insurance talent.
Below, we offer insights from experts across the industry on the trends and shifts agents and brokers can expect to see in 2026.
AI and insurtech
“AI is undoubtedly the leading technology trend in the insurance industry at present. The emergence of agentic AI throughout 2025 has only increased the buzz around the technology and its capabilities. Its impact can be felt throughout the value chain, and agentic AI’s ability to react to live information and make human-like decisions will accelerate the impact AI has on insurance in 2026 and beyond.” — Ben Carey-Evans, senior insurance analyst, GlobalData
Helping new talent succeed with tech
“With a major workforce transition underway, insurers can’t afford to lose institutional knowledge. Modern, AI-ready knowledge hubs preserve expertise, equip new talent, and ensure AI is built on trusted information.” — Joseph D’Souza, senior director, ProNavigator sales, Guidewire
Independent agents
“The independent agent is crucial heading into 2026. Our modern consumer seeks a turnkey online relationship and insurance contracts are growing more complex and nuanced. Clients need a trusted professional to review contracts and make recommendations. Making a coverage mistake could cost a family thousands of dollars at the time of a claim.” — Meg Herman, Goosehead insurance agent, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Cyber risks for insurers
“Insurance carriers face a dual challenge: meeting cyber policy demand while securing their own vulnerable infrastructure against AI-enabled attacks and ransomware. Legacy systems, regulatory gaps, and lagging cybersecurity maturity create dangerous exposure. Reputation risk rivals financial loss—breaches erode client trust and competitive position in a crowded market.”—West Monroe, “The Future of Insurance 2026 Outlook”
Embedded insurance
“Insurance will be directly embedded into the homebuying journey through mortgage servicers, creating a new multi-million-client opportunity. AI-driven insurance shopping platforms will be adopted by mortgage lenders, expanding the embedded insurance market and making the renewal shopping experience frictionless for homeowners.” — Justin Ricketts, EVP, chief technology officer at Goosehead Insurance
Personal lines stabilize
“The personal insurance market is expected to soften in 2026. More carriers are competing, but rates won’t necessarily fall. Pressures will remain uneven as homeowners in high-risk regions continue to face steep increases, while auto and specialty lines navigate tightening regulations and localized risk.” — VIU by HUB “Outlook 2026: Personal Insurance Marketplace”
Specialty continues to expand
“In states like California, E&S will continue to expand. Even some admitted carriers are still entertaining the possibility of offering E&S products in the future. However, I think for admitted carriers those may be deprioritized if weather-related losses remain low in CAT prone states. Instead, I think carriers can manage exposure and losses by limiting roof deductible and coverage options.” — Lauren Menuey, managing director at Goosehead Insurance
(Photo credit: Sergey Nivens/Shutterstock.com)
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