It may be tempting think that technologies like 3D printing, driverless vehicles, artificial intelligence and advanced robotics won't impact the insurance industry for a long time, but think again. Your peers believe that many of these technologies deserve attention right now and that they have the potential to transform the P&C insurance industry as soon as three years from now.

In response to a survey of 147 insurance professionals in North America, Strategy Meets Action (SMA), an insurance strategic advisory firm, has released a research report by Mark Breading, titled, "Emerging Technologies in P&C." The report identifies the top 12 technologies with the potential to transform the P&C insurance industry in the near-term, as well as in 3, 5 and 10 years. 

Study participants were asked which technologies carry the most risk for the industry. Autonomous/driverless vehicles are seen as posing the greatest risk by a wide margin. Driverless vehicles elicit the most fear as many recognize the potential to upend the entire market for auto/vehicle insurance. The survey results indicate that driverless vehicles will have limited impact in the near term, but the impact 10 years out will be enormous.