Commercial Lines Underwriter

Position Characteristics and Competencies

• Customer Focused
• Detailed Oriented
• Technical Knowledge and Skills
• Planning and Organizing
• Communication Skills (verbal and written)
• Analytical and Decision-making skills
• Interpersonal Skills
• Math skills

Job Summary

Review individual applications for insurance to evaluate the degree of risk involved, determine acceptance of applications, coverage amounts and premium for personal or commercial lines business.

Responsible for retention of new and existing business in accordance with company underwriting philosophy and individual level of authority.

This individual also maintains positive and professional relationships with broker partners, third party administrators or financial institutions.

This job description does not represent an inclusive list of all duties encompassed in this position.

Job Responsibilities

• Examines insurance applications, conduct research, collects background information, and make risk assessments.
• Negotiates with the customer regarding premium, coverage limits, coverages, and the terms and conditions of the proposed insurance policy.
• Underwrites various types of insurance policies for individuals, businesses, or equity pool members.
• Calculates premiums and establish payment method. Appropriately prices all new and renewal applications.
• Makes final determination, within company guidelines, on risk acceptability for new and renewal applications.
• Interacts with policyholders to deliver and explain policy.
• Ensures policy requirements are met, including any necessary completion of appropriate forms.
• Evaluates property, examining its general condition, type of construction, age, and other characteristics, to decide if it is a good insurance risk.
• Creates endorsements and coverage documents for clients.
• Performs administrative tasks, such as answering phones, maintaining records and handling policy renewals.
• Renders decisions based on consultations with Senior Underwriters, managers, and upper management.
• Participates in cross-functional team training.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervision of Others

N / A

High School Diploma or GED required.

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, related field, or equivalent experience.
• A minimum of 5-7 years of underwriting experience.
• Insurance Professional Designations (CIC, AU and / or AINS) preferred.
• Valid driver's license.
• No felony, theft, or fraud convictions.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background investigation.

Additional Eligibility Requirements

• New employees must complete the Associate in Insurance (AINS) designation within six months from the end of the 90-day evaluation period to be eligible for advancement and incentive compensation.
• For continued employment, employees must complete an elective course and six hours of professional development within 12 months after the end of the 90-day evaluation period.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong ability to multi-task assisting in multiple duties or projects.
• Advanced presentation skills.
• Advanced knowledge of underwriting practices and underwriting techniques.
• Knowledge of department organization, functions, objectives, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of commercial / residential construction codes and techniques.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
• Ability to work independently and meet timelines.
• Ability to collect and analyze data and prepare and present accurate reports and recommendations.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer services.
• Skill in providing excellent customer service.
• Ability to work as a team member in a structured working environment and encourage team collaboration.
• Ability to work with timeliness and thoroughness.
• Skill in operating business computers and office machines, in a Windows environment, specifically Word, Excel and presentation software (such as PowerPoint).

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

• Travel required 25% of time; COVID-19 vaccination preferred.
• Typical business office setting with moderate noise level and outdoor settings with a high noise level.
• Non-office environment may be encountered for offsite presentations and support of company activities.
• Exposure to natural weather conditions and temperatures, various dusts, smoke and mists, and normal debris and hazards may occur while performing outdoor duties.
• Must be able to sit for work at a computer for more than 6 hours per day.
• Must be able to stand and walk for more than 4 hours per day when on client site.
• Must be able to use hands for dexterity of motion and reach with hands and arms.
• Extensive use of computer keyboards.
• Frequently required to talk and hear.
• Must have ability to occasionally lift 10+ lbs.

Physical Exam

Not required for this position.

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