Young Professionals Frustrated with Insurance’s Old-School Approach

Gen Z calls upon the insurance industry to accelerate AI adoption and meet the needs of their employees and customers, according to Young Risk Professionals Survey

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Young Risk Professionals partnered with Counterpart, the leading Agentic Insurance™ platform, to survey U.S. insurance professionals ages 21 to 35. Respondents cited stability and long-term growth as reasons for choosing insurance, but the majority think that the industry is stuck in the past. The findings reveal a clear clash between modern expectations and legacy capabilities.

The survey revealed a striking disconnect between Gen Z employees and their insurance employers on AI adoption: while 69% of Gen Z workers believe AI will improve their workflow, only 8.5% report being strongly encouraged to use it at work. Companies that fail to adapt risk losing the very professionals who can move the industry forward. This comes at a time when insurance cannot afford to lose young talent, given that an estimated 400,000 workers will retire from the insurance industry by 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“Our survey with Young Risk Professionals shows Gen Z is demanding access to new technology,” said Tanner Hackett, CEO of Counterpart. “Leaders in every field and at every level of insurance should be advocating for the adoption of new technologies. Companies that act now will attract tomorrow’s talent and clients. Those who hesitate will lose both.”

Nearly half of Gen Z respondents (45%) point to slow technology adoption as a serious industry issue. However, only 27 percent of young professionals are currently using AI tools each day, leaving a major runway for companies to accelerate emerging technology before it’s too late.

Gen Z professionals are drawn to insurance careers primarily for stability (64%) and advancement opportunities (45%). However, while the industry currently provides the security and mobility these young professionals seek, it faces unprecedented transformation ahead.

The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025 reveals the insurance sector is actively preparing for this shift: 91% of insurance and pension fund employers plan to hire people skilled in working alongside AI, compared to the 62% global average response rate, and 85% are planning to reskill and upskill their existing workforce, compared to the 77% global average.

"The Young Risk Professionals Survey reveals that Gen Z brings both AI optimism and career ambition to insurance, but they need employers who will meet them halfway," said Whitney Harris, the Young Risk Professionals National Chair. “Young Risk Professionals will continue to advocate for insurance companies to make these investments in both technology and their people."

To access the full results from the 2025 Survey, visit the website here.

Survey Method

Counterpart commissioned a survey of 138 young professionals across the United States in June 2025. Respondents include carriers (46%), retail agents (19%), and wholesale brokers (7.7%), with roles across claims, project management, and engineering/technology.

About Young Risk Professionals

Founded in 2013, the Young Risk Professionals' mission is to empower the next generation of leaders in the Risk & Insurance Industry. We cultivate meaningful connections, foster mentorship, and provide transformative educational experiences to help young professionals thrive and shape the future of our industry.

About Counterpart

Counterpart is the first Agentic Insurance™ platform, combining trusted insurance expertise with cutting-edge AI to deliver tailored management and professional liability solutions. By integrating Agentic Underwriting™, Agentic Broker Services™, Agentic Risk Mitigation™, and Agentic Claims Management™ into one powerful platform, Counterpart empowers brokers and the businesses they serve to do more with less risk®. Backed by A rated carriers including Aspen, Markel, and Westfield Specialty®, Counterpart has been recognized in 2024 by CB Insights as a “Top 50 Insurtech,” by Great Place to Work, and by Business Insurance as one of its “Best Places to Work.” To learn more, visit yourcounterpart.com.