Travelers Risk Index Revealed Cyber Insurance Surge

A new survey shows U.S. businesses are increasingly adopting cyber insurance amid rising AI security concerns.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Cybersecurity

Isometric editorial illustration of a heavy vault door slightly ajar in a wall, glowing with digital light, representing cyber security. — Seventy percent of U.S. businesses now carry cyber insurance, as rising concerns over AI-driven threats accelerate the demand for corporate security governance. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you trust that most businesses have adequate security measures for their use of AI?

The 2026 Travelers Risk Index indicates that 70% of companies now carry cyber insurance, representing a seven percentage point increase from 2025. This rise comes as 58% of business leaders identify cyber threats as their top organizational concern.

Why it matters

Businesses are racing to secure their systems because attackers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to exploit vulnerabilities. This trend forces firms to balance widespread daily AI integration with the need for formal security governance.

While 89% of participants report daily AI usage, only 59% have formal governance policies in place. Coverage rates vary significantly by firm size, reaching 82% among large businesses compared to 50% for small businesses.

The players

Travelers

Travelers is a leading provider of property and casualty insurance products for businesses and individuals.

Hart Research

Hart Research is a professional polling and market research firm that analyzes consumer and business trends.

The details

Hart Research conducted the survey of 1,202 decision-makers, highlighting how AI facilitates phishing, deepfakes, and social engineering. Companies are responding by formalizing their cyber controls and prioritizing insurance policies to mitigate potential system exploits.

The Risk Index first adopted its cyber-focused scope in 2018.
The survey used 2025 as the primary benchmark year for growth comparisons.
Travelers published the final 2026 Risk Index results on September 22, 2026.

The Tech Race

This data marks a significant evolution in the corporate arms race against AI-driven threats. It reflects how legacy risk management frameworks are being replaced by digital-first protection strategies in the modern cybersecurity landscape.

Employees may notice stricter workplace AI policies and more frequent security training sessions as companies attempt to govern their digital tools. These shifts could limit access to certain software or require additional authentication steps during daily workflows.

The takeaway

Businesses should prioritize implementing formal AI governance policies alongside their insurance investments to address the specific risks posed by deepfakes and social engineering. Protecting digital assets requires a combination of robust technological controls and comprehensive risk coverage.