GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Responsible for reviewing, maintaining, and implementing underwriting philosophy, strategy and guidelines for personal lines of business for all states. Use training, experience and judgment to underwrite assigned risk reviews, including making and implementing judgment based underwriting decisions on new business, renewals, endorsements and inspections. As an Underwriting team member, the underwriter participates and collaborates in underwriting profitability as well as work with the marketing department on agency management and profitability as the opportunity arises.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

This job description has been prepared to indicate the general nature and level of the work that the employees perform within their classification. This description is not to be interpreted as an inventory of all the duties, tasks, responsibilities and qualifications required for the employees assigned to this job.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience and a minimum of three (3) years of prior industry experience to include advanced knowledge and understanding of personal lines products (Homeowners and Umbrella) processes and fundamental underwriting principals.
Previous agency or company underwriting experience and appropriate insurance coursework is preferred.
Demonstrate ability to complete complex underwriting assignments.
Must possess and exhibit strong and articulate verbal and written communication skills.
Must possess strong analytical skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft office applications including Outlook, Word and Excel is required.
Experience with MS Access and MS PowerPoint is preferred, but not required.
Experience and knowledge of risk segmentation, financial analysis, insurance pricing, internet business channels, business planning and strategy.
Must be able to work under tight deadlines efficiently and with high quality.
Must have the ability to keyboard enter at a speed of not less than 45 WPM.
Must be willing to work flexible schedules to support multiple time zones.
Must possess a positive attitude and strong work ethic.
Consistently meet service standards.
Demonstrate technical expertise and product specific knowledge with experience in handling homeowner’s coverage.
Ability to effectively interact with all levels of internal and external business partners.
Ability to be creative and adaptable in a changing business environment.
Sound, balanced, and timely decision-making skills.

Review and evaluate electronic and hard copy documents and associated information sources related to personal lines insurance; past claims, inspection reports, losses suffered, value and condition of the property, among others, use experience and training to apply personal judgment to determine the degree of risk to which the Company will be exposed and make appropriate judgment-based decisions to accept or decline business. Exceptions to guidelines can be made based on underwriter judgment where appropriate and with detailed thought process to support the decision without risking the Company’s profitability.
Use judgment to approve, modify, or reject a risk based on the individual’s letter of authority and the underwriting guidelines of the Company.
Participate in agency management activities, including building, maintaining, and managing producer and customer relationships Use judgment to assist in training of agents and agency staff by providing information, feedback and suggestions on how to improve submissions and front-line underwriting.
Refer cases that are judged by the underwriter to be outside of authority level to a Senior Underwriter.
Use training, experience and judgment to collaborate with fellow underwriters, operations, claims, sales and makes recommendations regarding products and performance as appropriate.
Create, analyze, and distribute reports as needed, including evidence of insurance.
Communicate with agents and other company personnel with regards to insureds, policies, coverages, etc. either by phone or written correspondence.
Use judgment to complete underwriting work items, referrals or other assigned risk reviews including making and implementing underwriting decisions on new business, renewals, and endorsements.
Provide phone coverage support as deemed necessary to meet client service levels.
Follow all standard operating procedures (SOP) where available and good judgment when SOP is not available and ensures that all steps are fulfilled as deemed necessary.
Some travel may be required.
Perform other related duties as required.