Modernising insurance underwriting has become a critical priority for carriers and MGAs in 2026. As risk landscapes grow more complex, volumes increase, and customer expectations rise, relying on manual processes or outdated systems can no longer sustain profitable growth.
Inefficient workflows, slow quote turnaround and fragmented data not only frustrate underwriters and brokers but also create a competitive disadvantage for insurers that fail to evolve.
With this in mind, IntellectAI, an InsurTech company, has published what it calls the definitive guide to choosing insurance underwriting software in 2026, aimed at helping carriers and MGAs make informed decisions that maximise ROI and streamline operations.
The guide highlights common pitfalls in traditional underwriting processes and offers a framework for adopting platforms that truly empower underwriters while automating repetitive tasks.
Why “good enough” underwriting is no longer enough
According to IntellectAI, many underwriting teams still operate out of inboxes, PDFs, spreadsheets and legacy platforms that do not communicate effectively.
This patchwork approach introduces errors, delays decision-making, and forces underwriters to spend time chasing information rather than evaluating risk. Brokers and agents often experience delays or inconsistent answers, impacting satisfaction and retention.
The cost of inefficiency extends beyond operations. Insurers that rely on fragmented workflows are slower to respond to market changes and lose out to competitors adopting modern software designed to support straight-through processing and faster, more accurate decision-making.
Defining an underwriting “north star” before investing
Before selecting a platform, insurers need a clear understanding of the challenges they want to solve. This starts with identifying bottlenecks—whether chaotic submission intake, lengthy data validation, or delayed approvals. From there, measurable objectives such as improving straight-through processing rates, reducing quote turnaround time, or increasing underwriter productivity should be defined.
Equally important is involving underwriting, IT, and operations teams early in the process. IntellectAI emphasises that adoption often fails when stakeholders are not aligned, resulting in workflows that do not reflect how underwriters actually work.
What modern underwriting platforms must deliver
Looking to 2026, IntellectAI identifies seven essential capabilities for underwriting software. These include intelligent workflow automation with low-code/no-code rules engines, AI-driven analytics for real-time risk scoring, robust integration via open APIs, automated submission intake, a unified underwriting workbench, comprehensive analytics and portfolio reporting, and strong security, compliance and audit capabilities. Together, these features reduce manual work, minimise errors, and allow underwriters to focus on complex, high-value risks.
From vendor selection to long-term value
The guide recommends a structured approach to selecting vendors, considering build vs. buy vs. tailor options, scoring live demos against real use cases, and validating technical and cultural fit.
Total cost of ownership should include integration, training, maintenance, and ongoing enhancements, compared with the potential gains from faster quotes, increased efficiency, and improved customer experience.
Empowering underwriters, not replacing them
Ultimately, technology should enhance human expertise rather than replace it. Modern platforms give underwriters the tools and information they need to make better decisions more quickly.
IntellectAI’s Xponent platform is cited as an example of AI-driven underwriting software that supports commercial and specialty lines, helping insurers handle more business with less friction while maintaining accuracy and compliance.
Copyright © 2026 FinTech Global
