What’s Next — and How the Industry Needs to Adapt.
Technology in insurance is moving fast—but adoption is uneven, and pressure is real. ACT Tech Trends 2026 brings together insights from independent agents, carriers, and technology providers to examine how AI, data, cybersecurity, and workflow complexity are reshaping the industry—and what must change to move forward responsibly.
The data is clear:
68% of agencies plan to increase AI use in the next 12 months
Only 8.29% are using AI regularly & strategically
56% have no written AI policy or guidance
44% rely on informal, peer-to-peer tech training
Agents cite vendor overlap & tool sprawl as major barriers
The gap isn’t technology—it’s readiness, governance, & workflow alignment.
“The real opportunity ahead isn’t about adopting more technology—it’s about using it with intention.”
Why This Report Matters Now.
The insurance industry has entered a new phase of technology adoption—driven less by experimentation and more by economic reality. Margin pressure, staffing challenges, rising E&O and cyber exposure, and growing operational complexity are forcing organizations to rethink how work gets done.
In 2025, technology moved from a back-office concern to a leadership-level business conversation. AI adoption accelerated, data volumes expanded, and customer expectations shifted—creating both opportunity and risk. ACT Tech Trends 2026 examines what’s working, what’s stalling, and what must change for the industry to move forward together.
Built for Agents, Carriers & Technology Providers.
ACT Tech Trends 2026 is designed for the full insurance ecosystem—because progress cannot happen in silos.
Agents gain clarity on where to focus & how to adopt AI responsibly
Carriers gain insight into agency readiness & operational realities
Technology providers gain alignment between innovation & real-world workflows
What Independent Agents Should Do Now.
AI is here—but adoption is lagging. ACT research confirms that the biggest blockers are not tools, but process, governance, and training. The following actions help agencies reduce friction, protect margins, and scale expertise responsibly.
Six Actions Agents Should Prioritize in 2026.
Start with workflows, not tools
Put AI governance in writing
Automate low-risk, high-volume work first
Treat AI like a junior team member
Reduce tool sprawl
Invest in structured, role-based training
ACT Resources to Support Agents.
Sample AI policy language
Responsible AI guidance & checklists
Agent Tech & AI Trends Survey insights
Webinars, podcasts & workgroup resources
What This Means for Carriers & Technology Providers.
Innovation is accelerating—but alignment is lagging. Agents want to adopt new technology, yet many lack the workflows, governance, and training needed to do so safely and effectively.
Key Signals for 2026.
Align innovation with agent readiness
Simplify workflows—don’t add steps
Treat data governance as shared responsibility
Get the Full ACT Tech Trends 2026 Report.
ACT Tech Trends 2026 goes deeper into AI, data, cybersecurity, workflow orchestration, digital relevance, and the human impact of technology.
Understand what’s changing. Focus on what matters. Move forward—together.