Ivans Shares Insurance AI Insights for Carriers

Everyone’s talking about artificial intelligence (AI) these days. It’s hard to ignore the buzz, and for good reason – it has the potential to reshape the insurance industry as we know it. AI has been the topic of conference panels, boardrooms, and intense coffee shop debates about where our industry is headed.

I spend a significant amount of my time thinking about how we can help carriers streamline their workflows, enhance connectivity, and unlock new growth opportunities. What excites me most about AI is its potential to serve as a “collaboration layer” rather than a replacement for human expertise. This technology isn’t about taking over jobs; it’s about enhancing the incredible work industry professionals are already doing – making processes faster, decisions sharper, and outcomes better for everyone.

At the beginning of 2025, Reid Holzworth represented Ivans and sat down with Gavin Souter, editor of Business Insurance, to discuss all things AI. We wanted to reflect on the progress since then. Where are we now? Where’s this all going? If you missed the chat, I would like to share some highlights and my own reflections on where we stand with AI today.

Where Are We Headed?

AI is poised to play a starring role in the next generation of insurance. And that starts with transforming a key pain point for carriers: underwriting. Submission onboarding isn’t always a smooth ride. That’s where solutions like those in our portfolio, combined with technologies like Cytora within the Applied family, come in. Imagine a world where submission onboarding is frictionless – fewer headaches, faster quoting, and better risk selection. It’s about reducing the time spent on manual processes, so you can focus on what really matters: serving your customers and growing your business.

The results? Shorter timelines that lead to improved customer experiences, enhanced profitability, and stronger premium growth. That’s the future we’re building toward, and we’re just scratching the surface.

Has AI Changed the Game in Insurance?

Artificial intelligence has sparked a significant amount of conversation over the last few years. There’s no shortage of AI-powered startups and tools making waves across industries. Some of the capabilities we’re seeing are truly remarkable. But when it comes to transformative change in the insurance space? Not yet.

And that’s okay. While AI has not revolutionized insurance in the way some have hyped, the writing is on the wall. It’s not a question of whether AI will reshape our industry – it is a question of when and where.

So, where do we see AI making its first impact? Commercial lines. The complexity of risks, the sheer volume of data carriers' processes, and the heavy reliance on manual workflows make it a prime target for AI-driven solutions. We’re talking about opportunities to dramatically improve efficiency and decision-making, saving significant time and resources — not just for carriers, but for agents, brokers, and everyone else in the insurance distribution pipeline.

What’s Holding AI Back?

If AI has such incredible potential, you might wonder, “Why aren’t we seeing it everywhere yet?” It’s a fair question, but it comes down to two realities: priorities and practicality.

Implementing AI isn’t a simple flip of a switch. It’s complex. Carriers already juggle competing demands while trying to deliver on their core mission. On top of that, AI has to integrate seamlessly across various systems – a level of technological alignment takes time and strategic effort.

Cost can also be a sticking point. Let’s face it: advanced AI solutions don’t come cheap. While we’re seeing costs for AI tools and models trending downward (which is promising), it still needs to be worth it. Adopting AI needs to deliver clear, measurable value—whether that’s in saved time, better risk evaluation, or improved customer experiences. It’s not about chasing novelty or adopting technology for its own sake. It’s ensuring that every investment fits into your broader ecosystem and delivers a strong ROI.

What Does the Future Look Like?

Over the next year, I believe AI will begin reshaping how commercial lines operate. But let’s clear up a common misconception: AI isn’t here to replace people. This isn’t about eliminating agents or underwriters – it’s about freeing up your team to focus on what truly matters.

Today, too much of our work involves tedious, repetitive tasks, such as moving data back and forth, sifting through fragmented information, and navigating inefficient processes. It slows everything down and raises unnecessary friction between carriers and agencies. AI can cut through a lot of that noise, creating cleaner, faster workflows where people can focus on creative problem-solving and relationship-building, rather than data wrangling.

Where Will AI Make the Biggest Impact?

Frankly, the most thrilling opportunities for AI sit in the messiest parts of our processes. Think of the heavy lifting around document intake, data extraction, and complex decision-making. Currently, these workflows can last for days, weeks, or even months. AI brings the possibility of whittling that down to mere minutes.

The transformative potential of AI lies in its ability to simplify processes. High-touch workflows can evolve into lower-touch ones, and low-touch workflows can progress to being entirely no-touch. This shift represents the true power of AI – streamlining operations and eliminating unnecessary manual effort to create a more efficient and seamless experience.

This is where artificial intelligence shines – not as a replacement for expertise, but as a “collaboration layer” that elevates what we already do. AI helps us make smarter calls, faster moves, and more accurate decisions. Together, we become better equipped to meet the demands of today and the challenges of tomorrow.

Where Do We Go from Here?

The next generation of insurance is here, and AI will play a starring role. At Ivans, we’re staying ahead of the curve, ensuring all our products, solutions, and workflows are ready for what’s next.

But this is just the beginning. We’re still figuring out what’s possible and how far we can take this. What I do know is this: by leaning into this next wave of innovation, we will see some incredible things happen in our industry.

Let's chat if you are wondering how to streamline your workflows or build the kind of connectivity that future-proofs your business. We would love to hear how you envision AI fitting into your world – and how we can help make it a reality.