Marc Rubinstein uses Instinct to switch car insurance

AI agents capable of automating financial switches may disrupt banks and insurers by eliminating consumer inattention, which drives significant profit margins. Drawing on historical data from British insurance markets and academic studies on deposit pricing, the author argues that while agents will find initial savings, regulatory changes and market responses like gatekeeping gateways could limit these discounts. Consequently, firms relying on customer inertia will face pressure, while comparison intermediaries and active consumers stand to benefit. Open article →