AI Isn’t the Future—It’s Your Next Move.

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the future of insurance agencies at lightning speed. Catalyit’s Casey Nelson sat down with agency owner Landry Fields to discuss how independent agencies can navigate the AI revolution—starting right now.

The Big Picture: Where We Are, Where We’re Headed

Landry laid out three core questions every agency should be asking:

1. Where are we now with AI?
2. Where should I begin if I’m just getting started?
3. Where is this headed in the next few years?

His message was clear: AI is a game-changer that will revolutionize agency operations at every level—but you’re not behind. “We’re still in the sunrise days,” Landry emphasized.

Understanding Generative vs. Agentic AI

Generative AI (such as ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini) helps create content, including emails, documents, and images. Most agencies have dabbled in these tools. However, we’re quickly entering a new phase: Agentic AI, which can make decisions, solve complex tasks, and behave more like a human assistant. Think: Jarvis from Iron Man.

Instead of scripting every step (as in traditional automations or RPA), agentic AI determines what to do based on your goal and then executes it.

The First Step: Use What You Already Have

You don’t need to buy new software to get started. Most agencies are already sitting on powerful AI tools through Microsoft 365 (Copilot) or Google Workspace (Gemini).

Landry’s advice? Start by exploring how those tools can:

• Answer questions using shared folders
• Build documents, presentations, and spreadsheets
• Analyze PDFs (like policy dec pages)
• Act as a virtual teammate for your staff

Policy First: Create Internal Guidelines

Before diving deeper, agencies must create an AI Acceptable Use Policy. Without clear direction, staff may already be using AI tools—possibly even free versions that compromise data privacy.

Casey shared a cautionary tale of an agent who unknowingly uploaded client data into a free version of ChatGPT. “If it’s free, you’re the product,” he warned.

Embracing Change Without Fear

AI isn’t replacing agencies, but agencies that use AI will replace those that don’t. That goes for employees, too. The “do-it-my-way” mindset won’t cut it in this new environment. Teams need to flex their adaptability muscles and view AI as an opportunity to do more, better, rather than a threat.

Landry painted a compelling future:

• AI will soon handle tasks such as creating service tickets and implementing policy changes through natural language conversations.
• Zapier’s new AI agents can now build automations with just a few sentences.
• Google’s tools will soon include voice-controlled assistants that read, research, and act in real-time.

Practical Ways to Start Today

• Explore Copilot or Gemini in your current ecosystem.
• Practice prompting—ask AI to write prompts for you.
• Create custom GPTs or “Gems” to handle recurring tasks.
• Build a shared drive of key documents AI can reference.
• Test tools like HeyGen or Synthesia to build AI-powered training.

Final Thoughts

We’re living through a moment of transformation, on par with the invention of electricity or the dawn of the internet. Agencies that lean in now will be best positioned to thrive.

As Landry put it, “If you see this as an opportunity, it is.”

Watch - From Now to Next: The AI Revolution in Insurance Agencies