Personal Lines Underwriter

Personal Lines Underwriter

We are seeking a Personal Lines Underwriter who is responsible for making decisions on the acceptability of insurance risks through the application of various underwriting and risk selection techniques. This position also assists in the management of assigned agents.

This is a hybrid role reporting to the Harrisburg, PA office.

Position Competencies

• Business Acumen
• Negotiation
• Results Oriented
• Time & Priority Management
• Decision Making

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Communicate underwriting decisions, techniques, and interpretation of policy forms and coverages with agents.
• Document the underwriting file for all referred risks, including the actions taken, reasons for exception made, and any follow-up diary needed.
• Communicate to the Underwriting Manager and Territory Manager any underwriting quality or integrity concerns with individual agents.
• Provide input to the Branch Management team about individual agency underwriting performance. (i.e., Agency Review meeting, Quarterly Results Management meeting, etc.).
• Provides underwriting and marketing philosophy or practices, to agents and assist with training issues within agency, making periodic physical visits.
• Maintains documentation on risk exceptions and large losses based on certain agency-specific or policy specific information.
• Identify product risks and recommend solutions to mitigate those risks. Advise Underwriting Manager on recommended risk reduction actions and solutions.
• Exercise underwriting flexibility within the scope of authority in making appropriate exceptions, as warranted, based on agency relationships, results and Company strategies.
• Leverage exceptions to achieve additional business opportunities from agencies.
• Apply underwriting and risk selection techniques to determine the acceptability of new and renewal insurance risk referrals.
• Conduct re-underwriting programs for selected agencies to improve the profitability of their books of business.
• Complete Claim referrals.
• Communicate underwriting and marketing philosophy or practices, to agents and assist with training issues within agency, making periodic physical visits.
• Conduct special re-underwriting programs in conjunction with Branch and/or Home Office Management team[s] for selected agencies to improve the profitability of their books of business.
• Provide support for prospective book transfers, including the gathering of policy, product, and underwriting information about a book transfer opportunity.
• Ensure the proper risk placement and/or classification for referrals, to obtain adequate premium for the exposure.
• Visits agents as necessary independently or jointly with other PNAT staff members.

Additional Responsibilities

• Applies data to solve common business problems.
• Compiles, manipulates and analyses data of varying complexity.
• Knowledgeable and proficient about what tools are available for data analysis and when they are appropriate to use.
• Contribute to the training/mentoring of the Underwriter Trainee.
• Contribute to the development of company underwriting policy, procedures and guidelines to assure they reflect current market conditions and contribute to the attainment of Division goals.
• Work independently within established standards.
• Respond to Insurance Department complaints and attend periodic hearings.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned by the Personal Lines Underwriting Manager.

Special Relationships

• Daily contact with agents and periodic physical visits to agency. Develop and maintain ongoing strong positive relationships with agents.
• Maintain a strong communication with Territory Manager to keep them abreast of agency interactions. Contributes to the development of unit and agency plans, enforcement of the objectives and monitoring of results to assure they reflect attainment of goals and current market conditions.
• Interacts with internal customers, external customers and insurance related entities, ie., Department of Insurance.

Qualifications

Education/Credentials

• 4 - year degree preferred.
• Continuing education in specialized insurance courses such as IIA & AU preferred

Experience

• Completion of Underwriter Trainee curriculum; or a minimum of 1 year experience in a property/casualty underwriting position such as a Personal Lines Assistant Underwriter.

Technical/Professional Knowledge

• Good working knowledge of underwriting and pricing risks
• Good working knowledge of company underwriting standards and philosophy
• Good working knowledge of all insurance coverages
• Good math aptitude
• Excellent research, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Good PC skills, with an emphasis on Microsoft Office Suite; along with demonstrated proficiency in all supplied desktop tools, including the automated underwriting and email systems

The compensation has been carefully determined by considering a variety of important factors, including skill sets, experience, training, and certifications. With these considerations in mind, the estimated hiring range is $60,000 - $83,000. Additionally, you may be able to participate in our annual incentive program, depending on eligibility under the plan.

Job Requirements (as required by ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act)

• This position is primarily a sedentary position that requires occasional standing and walking throughout the office environment.
• Must be able to perform computer-based tasks and access digital information necessary for job duties, including through the use of assistive technologies.
• Must be able to complete computer-based tasks and utilize office equipment as needed to perform essential job functions.
• Must be able to access and enter information accurately using automated systems.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with internal and external clients using telephone, electronic, or other communication systems.
• Must be able to present information to individuals and groups.
• Must be able to interpret and apply concepts that may or may not be based upon established guidelines.
• Must be able to maintain acceptable attendance and adhere to scheduled work hours.
• Must have a valid driver's license and be able to operate a motor vehicle.
• Must be able to travel, with overnight stays required.