For decades, the most dependable resource for underwriters was their experience. Spending long years in the industry and using sharp judgment was enough to write good business. But not anymore; today’s market is testing something deeper. Advancing technology, unpredictable cycles, and unique expectations from brokers and clients mean underwriters need to have not just IQ and EQ but also AQ. Adaptability quotient is not just a buzzword. It is becoming a real differentiator between underwriters who can keep pace in 2026 and those who fall behind.
During Send’s latest INFUSE webinar titled ‘The Soft Skills Powering The Underwriter in 2026,’ the panellists explored why adaptability is emerging as the most important soft skill and is reshaping how underwriters will function. Caroline Bedford, CEO at EDII, said that soft skills turned into core skills long ago and have now evolved into discovery skills. Caroline affirms that underwriters must develop skills that question ambiguity and assumptions and analyze trends to thrive amidst technology and automation. Marie Biggas, CUO at SCOR, believes that AI will not replace insurers. But insurers using AI will replace those who do not. Marie feels that underwriters must learn to embrace digital tools but not forget to use their intuition, remain curious, and adapt to any curveball thrown at them.
What does adaptability look like in practice? How can underwriters cultivate the mindset and behaviours that will set them apart in a rapidly changing market? Read on.
Soft skills have now turned into core skills
Caroline Bedford doesn’t call it ‘soft skills’ anymore. She believes in a more evolved term called ‘Discovery Skills.’ Underwriters must pick up skills like questioning, experimenting, networking, and associating to separate good from exceptional. Hence, they must learn discovery skills like
Curiosity: Challenge legacy systems, be intuitive, and ask questions.
Collaboration: Embrace different disciplines and work with data and technology teams to get a broader picture.
Digital Literacy: Be open to testing new tools and keep pace with technology to improve efficiency.
Once undervalued, soft skills are now even added to the CII’s (Chartered Insurance Institute) professional map that indicates that the industry is now treating these skills as real, trainable capabilities.
Adaptability tops the skills list in 2026
Today, underwriters are balancing more responsibilities than ever. They are expected to interpret volumes of data, analyze AI-driven outputs, and communicate value to brokers.
Marie Biggas believes that this is one skill that will separate high performers from the rest. Underwriters with high AQ will not wait for the perfect information. They will make informed decisions, monitor progress, and take action accordingly. In fact, adaptability goes beyond decision-making. It redirects underwriters to collaborate with teams from data, technology brokers, and clients. This willingness to experiment creates stronger partnerships and better outcomes across the value chain. Marie explained how she is managing this shift at SCOR by pairing underwriters with data teams on real and achievable projects. She is clear that there is no hierarchy in the room. Underwriters must feel safe asking basic questions and reduce inhibitions to enable adaptability across the policy life cycle.
AI is the perfect storm to develop adaptability
AI may not be perfect for now. But it has introduced a sense of awareness that change is the only constant. It has forced underwriters to accelerate learning. AI has helped underwriters test assumptions, adjust thresholds, and improve insights on both the portfolio and risk level. This means decisions that were left untouched by underwriters are now being verified with AI. This forces underwriters to confront what they don’t know, ask better questions, and seek input beyond their immediate expertise. Over time, this habit strengthens adaptability far more effectively than any training program. AI isn’t just transforming underwriting processes. It’s actively developing the adaptability quotient.
Discovery skills don’t develop by accident; leaders need to be intentional
Soft skills matter, and they cannot be invisible anymore. Not everybody is born with them, and insurance leaders must name, invest in, measure, and reward those who excel in them. The best way forward is to view these skills with a commercial intent. Curiosity, collaboration, and digital confidence are going to translate into far better business output. Underwriters who question assumptions and interrogate data are more likely to spot emerging trends early, challenge model outputs, and avoid blind spots. Over time, this improves loss ratios and portfolio resilience. From there comes investment. From here on these skills can be strengthened through practice, feedback, and repetition. Hence, insurance leaders must set the tone and lead from the front in instilling these skills in their underwriters.
As the webinar closed, the panellists summed up their take on adaptability with the below advice.
-Caroline urged underwriters to ask one better question every day. “What am I not seeing? What hasn’t been refreshed? What could we do differently? It sounds simple, but it’s incredibly powerful.”
– Marie urged insurers to start small but start now. She said, “The value from AI will come from compounding learning, not perfect planning. Don’t wait. Pick something small you can succeed at and build from there.”
As we move into 2026, there is no question that underwriting will change. Are we ready for it? Can we pair experience with curiosity to change legacy assumptions? Underwriters who thrive will be those who can juggle data and judgment, technology and trust, and speed and discipline. This means underwriting is not going to be less human. It will be more demanding, dynamic, and interesting than ever. This is a call for underwriters to build their adaptability quotient and lead 2026 with confidence.
Keen to learn more? You can watch a recording of the webinar here.