AI becomes embedded in cyber placements for Canadian brokers

Artificial intelligence has become an essential tool for Canadian insurance brokers placing cyber and technology coverage, with all surveyed brokers now using AI multiple times a day, according to new research from BOXX Insurance.

The cyber insurance and protection company surveyed Ontario-based brokers in November 2025 to examine how AI is being integrated into daily operations. The findings point to a sector in transition, where technology is enhancing rather than replacing human expertise.

All brokers surveyed reported using AI in their day-to-day work, with ChatGPT emerging as the dominant platform at 60%, well ahead of Google Gemini at 12% and Perplexity at 7%.

The research showed that brokers are using AI for a wide range of tasks: 52% to explore trends, 50% to draft content, and 47% to compare information. Another 39% use AI to simplify complex material through summaries or explanations.

Brokers continue to rely on traditional information sources alongside AI tools. Cybersecurity company reports remain the most accessed resource at 63%, followed by industry publications and trade media at 53%, and cyber incident databases at 45%.

The research found 62% of brokers believe AI will have a transformational or significant impact on the cyber insurance industry, with its strongest value expected in technical decision-making and risk evaluation.

“Brokers are thoughtfully engaging with AI, not as a shortcut that is replacing the human touch, but as an analytical partner that enhances decision-making, efficiency, and clarity in an increasingly complex risk environment,” said Jonathan Weekes, BOXX Insurance’s president for Canada.

Enhancing underwriting and risk assessment emerged as AI’s highest-value application at 33%, followed by threat intelligence and real-time monitoring at 15%, and broker decision support at 13%.

Neal Jardine, chief cyber intelligence and claims officer at BOXX Insurance, said the company’s technology investments help brokers understand cyber risks without relying solely on AI tools during imminent threats. This approach is supported by BOXX’s 24/7 Hackbusters team of cybersecurity experts.

The research indicated brokers are engaging with AI in increasingly sophisticated ways, frequently refining prompts, testing outputs, and delegating complex analytical tasks while maintaining access to authoritative industry sources.