Insurers Leading AI Adoption with Focus on Trust and Transparency

CARY, N.C., Oct. 13, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- SAS, a global leader in data and AI, has released the second annual Data and AI Impact Report, revealing that insurers are leading the way in strategic commitment to artificial intelligence (AI). The report, which surveyed 2,699 decision-makers across 28 countries and five regions, highlights the importance of trust and transparency in realizing the full potential of AI.

According to the report, over half of insurers (54%) have AI operational across several functions or scaled companywide. Among these insurers, 59% of AI leaders expect strong or high return on investment (ROI), compared to 0% of laggards. This stark contrast underscores the significant gap between organizations that prioritize trust and governance in AI and those that focus primarily on cost reduction.

Insurers are also the first industry to bridge the trust gap, with 78% of leaders communicating a responsible AI policy to every employee. In comparison, only 3% of laggards have done the same. This highlights the critical role of transparency in building trust in AI systems.

The report also reveals that 76% of insurers expect to increase their AI investment in the next year, with a large majority (84%) anticipating a positive return. Over 60% of insurers anticipate that this ROI will be 50% or more. These expectations are driven by the belief that AI can deliver customer-facing outcomes, rather than just cost reduction.

However, the report notes significant concerns over the accuracy, fairness, and safety of AI. Nearly 80% of respondents say their organizations override more than 10% of AI decisions, with 30% doing so more than 30% of the time. The most frequent reason for overriding AI decisions is the lack of explanation for its decision-making process (34.5%). Additionally, 40% of respondents cited either bias/unfairness, factual incorrectness, or perceived unsafe decisions as reasons for overriding AI.

Franklin Manchester, Global Strategic Insurance Advisor at SAS, emphasized the importance of trust and governance in AI.

The report, titled "The New Economics of Trust," was based on a survey conducted in April 2026. It is part of a live webinar series that will explore the real-world value of AI in the insurance industry, with experts from SAS, KPMG, and Clal Insurance. The webinar, scheduled for 9 a.m. ET on October 15, will delve into the technology's impact and identify the obstacles to wider AI adoption.

In conclusion, the report underscores that insurers are leading the way in strategic AI adoption, with those who prioritize trust and transparency reaping the greatest benefits. The webinar will provide further insights into the challenges and opportunities in this evolving landscape.