Insurance M&A deals declined in volume and value in the first half of 2026, with 191 disclosed transactions worth nearly $30 billion, down from 207 deals at $32 billion in the prior six months, according to PwC's US Deals 2026 midyear outlook. Investor uncertainty over how artificial intelligence will reshape the sector is cooling dealmaking, even as underlying fundamentals remain strong.
Deal activity dips but fundamentals hold
The drop was modest, and PwC analysts said strategic and financial deal drivers are still healthy. Premium rate increases, loss cost inflation, and improved underwriting are pushing profitability higher across insurance lines, keeping the sector attractive to investors.
AI uncertainty weighs on broker valuations
The report highlights a debate in private and public markets over whether AI will enable new competitors to undercut commissions or allow brokerages to operate at lower costs and improve margins. That uncertainty has led to greater scrutiny of deals and declines in publicly traded broker valuations.
"After several active deals years, 2026 has seen uncertainty over how AI may disrupt the sector, resulting in greater deals scrutiny and declines in publicly traded broker valuations," said Mark Friedman, insurance deals leader at PwC and co-author of the report.
AI investment could fuel future M&A
Many insurance and reinsurance companies are actively investing in or planning AI-enabled underwriting, claims, and workflow automations. Those investments may improve valuations and contribute to an increase in M&A activity down the line, according to PwC.
Why this matters for insurance professionals
The pause in M&A activity reflects a sector grappling with AI's long-term impact on business models. For underwriters, claims managers, and brokers, the technology's influence on valuations and competitive dynamics will shape career paths and employer stability. Building expertise in AI applications through AI for Insurance Courses can help professionals navigate the shift and stay relevant as carriers and brokerages adapt their strategies.
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