As the UK insurance sector looks ahead to 2026, firms are preparing for a year of softening rates, increased competition, and continued regulatory pressures. Technology and data are expected to remain key drivers of differentiation as brokers, underwriters, and networks adapt to evolving customer expectations.
nCino has outlined five key predictions for the insurance industry next year, highlighting how companies can leverage data, technology, and compliance to gain a competitive edge.
1. Turning data intelligence into a competitive edge
nCino highlights that insurers who embed comprehensive intelligence into workflows will gain a significant advantage. Moving beyond basic CRM data to include real-time insights such as financial performance, regulatory filings, and risk signals can help brokers and underwriters make faster, more accurate decisions.
For brokers, this can transform conversations from basic quotes to proactive coverage discussions. For underwriters, granular data supports improved risk assessments, enabling more informed decision-making and faster response times.
2. Differentiation on service and value, not price
The company warns that competing on price alone risks eroding profitability. Instead, nCino suggests focusing on service, agility, and client insight. A 360-degree view of clients, including coverage gaps, claims history, and emerging risks, allows firms to anticipate needs and act as trusted advisers rather than vendors.
End-to-end client lifecycle intelligence—from onboarding to renewal—also enables proactive identification of cross-sell and upsell opportunities, ensuring value-based differentiation.
3. Maintaining underwriting discipline to sustain growth
nCino stresses that loosening underwriting standards in softening markets can undermine long-term profitability. Technology can provide portfolio-level visibility, helping insurers anticipate risks, make informed decisions, and apply nuanced pricing strategies.
Networks overseeing multiple brokers benefit from integrated platforms that guide collective underwriting appetite while allowing flexibility at the broker level. Maintaining disciplined, data-driven decision-making is seen as critical to sustaining growth in 2026.
4. Intelligent targeting for organic growth
According to nCino, organic growth remains achievable, but insurers need to adopt a more targeted, data-led approach. Segmenting the total addressable market and prioritising high-potential opportunities using financial and sector indicators allows firms to focus resources efficiently.
Proactive identification of the right clients, aligned with expertise and risk appetite, is predicted to be a key differentiator for growth in the coming year.
5. Embedding compliance to future-proof operations
nCino also highlights regulatory compliance as a potential competitive advantage. Platforms that automate monitoring of customer outcomes, track fair value, and maintain audit trails can turn compliance into a strength while reducing costs.
By fully integrating regulations such as the Consumer Duty into operations, insurers can improve both client experience and commercial performance in 2026.
Read the full blog from nCino here.
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