Insurers pivot AI strategy toward core risk underwriting

AI investments by insurers are now expected to generate tangible business value beyond mere efficiency.

According to findings in the 2026 Evident AI Index, insurers are now embedding AI technologies into workflows that directly influence underwriting discipline and capital allocation.

Christian Preece, Insurance Director at Evident, says: “For years, insurers have competed on AI ambition, but now the focus is shifting from what insurers are building to the value they’re creating. In itself, it’s a sign of AI maturity to have the internal capability to measure these figures and be confident enough to disclose them.

“As the first industry leaders disclose hard return on investment data, they’re providing the kind of evidence that shareholders and boards have been looking for in light of increasing concerns around the costs of AI, and we can expect to see more insurers going public in the coming year.”

While the broader insurance workforce experienced a contraction of 2.2 percent over the past year, the AI-specialist headcount expanded by 32 percent across the 30...