As we head into 2026, the insurance world is changing fast. New technology, shifting expectations, and local realities are reshaping what protection really looks like for New Brunswickers. While some of these changes feel high tech, the biggest trend might surprise you.
Here are three major trends that will shape what you need from your insurance in 2026 and why who you work with matters more than ever.
1. In a World of AI, Human Connection Matters More
Artificial intelligence is everywhere. Chatbots can answer basic questions. Algorithms can generate quotes in seconds. Automation can speed up paperwork.
Industry research confirms this transformation is not just hype. Deloitte reports that insurers are moving AI from pilot projects into real, practical use cases such as fraud detection, underwriting support, and customer engagement. However, Deloitte also notes that success depends on strong data quality, governance, and human oversight.
According to Deloitte’s 2026 Insurance Industry Outlook, insurance leaders are now focusing on practical AI use cases with clear return on investment and manageable risk.
Still, technology can only go so far. Insurance is fundamentally about people. It is about understanding risk, life changes, and what keeps you up at night.
When a claim happens, it is rarely simple. A house fire, a flooded basement, a serious accident, or a business interruption are deeply personal events. This is where human connection still matters most.
A local insurance broker knows how to listen, ask the right questions, and advocate for you when things go wrong. They understand the nuance behind policy wording and how it applies to real life, not just a line of data on a screen.
As technology continues to rise, the value of having a real person in your corner, someone you can call, meet, and trust, will only grow.
2. Local Knowledge Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage
Insurance is not one size fits all, especially in New Brunswick.
From coastal weather and rising storm severity to older housing stock and rural properties, the risks here are unique. A broker who lives and works in your community understands these realities firsthand.
Industry research shows that digital channels are expected to account for a significant portion of new insurance sales, reflecting how quickly the industry is becoming more automated. At the same time, this shift highlights an important gap. Technology can sell insurance, but it does not always explain it, tailor it, or help people fully understand their coverage.
Local brokers understand things like:
• Which neighbourhoods are more prone to water issues
• How local building styles impact coverage
• The realities of seasonal businesses and resource based industries
• The difference between urban, suburban, and rural risks
In 2026, this kind of local insight is becoming more important, not less. Policies are evolving. Coverage options are more detailed. Small gaps in understanding can turn into big surprises at claim time.
A community based broker helps tailor coverage to your actual life, not a generic profile generated somewhere else.
3. The New Brunswick Insurance Industry Is Evolving
The insurance industry is changing rapidly.
Globally, the insurance market continues to grow, driven by rising risk complexity, climate impacts, regulatory changes, and technological advancement. Deloitte notes that insurers are modernizing systems, integrating data more effectively, and reshaping how they serve customers in response to these pressures.
At the same time, customers are demanding more clarity, transparency, and service than ever before.
We are seeing:
• More consolidation across the industry
• Increased regulation and complexity
• Higher expectations for service and transparency
• A renewed focus on trust and customer experience
Local brokerages with deep roots in New Brunswick are uniquely positioned to bridge this gap. They combine modern tools with decades of regional experience, ensuring clients benefit from innovation without losing the personal service that has defined insurance in this province for generations.
What This Means for You in 2026
As insurance continues to evolve, the biggest shift is not just digital. It is relational.
The right broker does more than sell policies. They build long term relationships, understand your changing needs, and stand with you when it matters most.
In a future shaped by AI and automation, choosing an insurance broker who lives in your community, understands New Brunswick, and values human connection may be the smartest coverage decision you make.
Why Elliot Insurance
Elliot Insurance has proudly served New Brunswick communities since 1954. We believe insurance works best when it is personal, local, and built on trust.
Your time is valuable. Let us do the insurance shopping for you.