AI Tools Expanded Insurance Access for Small Businesses
New technology allows retail insurance agents to reach more markets and secure quotes for small and mid-sized enterprises.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Insurance
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XPT Specialty has deployed a suite of modular AI tools designed to streamline the underwriting and brokerage process for small and mid-sized business insurance. This technology enables retail agents to access up to 20 insurance markets simultaneously without changing their current workflows.
Why it matters
Small and mid-sized enterprise accounts often face difficulty securing coverage because their lower premiums can limit the scope of market searches by brokers. By automating data analysis and comparative quoting, these tools help ensure these businesses receive broader visibility across a larger pool of potential insurers.
XPT Specialty reported a 19.5% month-over-month increase in bound business following the tool deployment. Retail agents now access up to 20 markets for small enterprise accounts, compared to the previously limited search capacity.
The players
XPT Specialty
A wholesale insurance intermediary that provides access to property and casualty coverage for retail insurance agents.
Gencise AI
A technology partner that co-developed the modular artificial intelligence tools for insurance underwriting and brokerage.
The details
The AI platform functions by performing comparative data analysis and multi-market submissions, allowing agents to assess opportunities across 100 different markets automatically. Because the tools integrate directly into existing retail workflows, agents do not need to re-key data or adopt new portals. While the system automates the search and quoting process, XPT Specialty maintains expert human review for all final insurance placement decisions.
Timeline
Q2 2026: XPT rolled out AI-powered comparative rating.
January 2026: The AI-powered workflow for bars and taverns began.
October 1, 2026: XPT formally announced the deployment of the AI tools.
Money Landscape
This deployment reflects an ongoing push to digitize the wholesale insurance market to improve efficiency for smaller accounts. It follows a historical trend where administrative hurdles and lower premiums often restricted the number of carriers willing to bid on small and mid-sized businesses.
If you are a business owner, this technology may lead to more competitive quotes by expanding the number of insurers reviewing your application. You should discuss with your agent whether your current policy was sourced through an automated market review to ensure you are receiving the most competitive options available.
The takeaway
Automated tools are increasingly being used to bridge the gap in insurance coverage for small businesses that were previously underserved. If you have been denied coverage or have not seen multiple quotes in the past, ask your agent if they have access to current multi-market comparative platforms.
Further reading
To better understand how market access impacts your policy premiums, visit the Insurance section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Insurance Journal.
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