The 2025 Strategic Initiatives report from ReSource Pro Insights provides a comprehensive view of how commercial lines carriers are prioritizing investments, modernizing processes, and adopting new technologies. Drawing on survey data and executive perspectives, this research highlights where insurers are focusing to optimize operations, enhance customer experience, and deploy transformational solutions like AI, advanced analytics, and cybersecurity
Challenge
Commercial lines carriers face a rapidly evolving environment shaped by:
Rising catastrophic weather events and emerging risks.
Pressure to balance traditional initiatives (core modernization, underwriting, claims) with transformational projects (AI, data, insurtech partnerships).
Talent shortages due to retirements and the need for new skills in analytics, digital, and leadership.
Growing cybersecurity threats, with the average cost of a breach reaching $4.88M in 2024.
Increasing competition requiring sharper customer experience strategies and more innovative products
Solution
Carriers are addressing these challenges through a balanced portfolio of initiatives:
Traditional Focus: Core system modernization, underwriting transformation, distribution expansion, and claims digitization.
Transformational Focus: AI-driven underwriting copilots, agentic AI in claims triage, advanced analytics, quantum-resistant cybersecurity planning, and embedded/parametric insurance solutions.
Talent Development: Upskilling in AI, data literacy, and leadership to prepare the next generation of insurance professionals.
Innovation & Partnerships: Selective collaboration with insurtechs, exploration of connected world technologies, and cautious moves toward new business models or digital brands.
Measurable Outcomes
92% of mid/large carriers report active underwriting transformation, with 34% in broad deployment.
96% of carriers in mid/large segments are implementing AI initiatives, up from 86% in 2024.
47% of mid/large carriers have reached production rollout for core modernization, up from 29% in 2024.
81% of small commercial and 73% of mid/large carriers report planned activity in claims transformation, with AI copilots guiding adjusters and fraud detection
Strategic Benefits:
Operational Efficiency: Intelligent document processing reduces manual underwriting tasks, while AI copilots drive smarter decision-making.
Customer Value: CX improvements help agents, brokers, and policyholders alike, with usage-based and parametric insurance offering new value propositions.
Resilience: Cybersecurity preparedness and quantum-resistant encryption strategies strengthen carriers against growing threats.
Growth & Differentiation: Expansion into new products, embedded offerings, and digital distribution channels creates competitive advantage.
Talent Advantage: To execute on these strategic priorities, insurers must invest deeply in their people. Building multi-disciplinary teams combining expertise in actuarial science, data analytics, technology, and human-centered design will be critical to sustaining innovation and agility. Leadership development programs, upskilling initiatives, and cross-functional collaboration help cultivate a workforce ready to navigate change. A strong talent strategy not only enhances day-to-day performance but also secures the organization’s long-term capability in analytics, leadership, and innovation.
Audience
This report is designed for:
Retail agencies & brokers seeking alignment with carrier transformation strategies.
Carriers balancing modernization and innovation to stay competitive.
MGAs & wholesalers evaluating distribution and product opportunities.
Industry leaders & strategists responsible for digital transformation and risk management.
Final Thought
Commercial lines insurers stand at a critical juncture. By strengthening foundational systems, strategically deploying AI and analytics, and investing in talent and cybersecurity, carriers can build resilience while unlocking growth. Ultimately, success in 2025 will depend on each carrier’s ability to balance traditional optimization improving efficiency, cost control, and risk selection with transformational innovation that redefines how value is delivered. Those that achieve this balance will not only ensure profitability and competitiveness today but also establish long-term leadership within the evolving property and casualty (P&C) insurance ecosystem.
