Associate Underwriter (Commercial P&C)

Position Overview

Reporting to the Underwriting Manager and operating within guidelines established in the NIAC / ANI underwriting manual, the Associate Underwriter performs risk selection and pricing on renewals, new business, and endorsements. They review renewal and new business quotes prior to issuance and make marketing calls to members and brokers on an as-needed basis. This position requires a great deal of creativity and latitude. Prior experience working remotely from a home office is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess and price renewals, new business, and endorsements according to guidelines outlined in the underwriting manual and within authority level. Lines of business include general liability, auto liability and physical damage, improper sexual conduct, liquor liability, employee benefits liability, umbrella, property and crime, social service professional liability, directors’ & officers, employment practices liability, and accident.
• Prepare the underwriting and rating work-up on renewal policies and new business as assigned, including:
  • Select and/or verify class code, premium base, and rating exposure
  • Calculate final premium including specialty charges (special events and additional insureds)
  • Determine appropriate credits and/or debits to achieve a fair and sustained premium for risk
  • Determine coverage forms and necessary endorsements
  • Effectively communicate broker quote conditions
  • Provide accurate documentation in the file or electronic notes to explain the underwriting thought process
• Think outside of the box and develop solutions that address members’ specific insurance needs
• Demonstrate a personal commitment to providing Inspired Service in every client engagement
• Respond promptly and courteously to all requests for information
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation for issuance of policies
• Communicate company standards, mission, and underwriting guidelines to brokers and members
• Order or review inspection reports to assess risk quality and confirm exposure base accuracy
• Manage the assigned book of business to achieve renewal retention and profitability goals
• Process endorsements accurately and in a timely manner
• Refer accounts exceeding authority level appropriately
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with brokers, customers, and members
• Integrate relevant information from internal and external resources into the underwriting decision process
• Follow referral guidelines for all underwritten lines of business
• Provide training and mentoring to other members of the Insurance Operations team as required
• Perform miscellaneous tasks as assigned by the insurance operations department
• Travel as needed

Required Qualifications

• Moderate understanding of property and casualty insurance coverages; familiarity with ISO commercial class codes is required
• Sound knowledge of underwriting principles and processes
• Solid mathematical aptitude
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision and collaboratively as needed
• Basic to intermediate proficiency with Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task and manage a significant book of business
• Excellent customer service skills with a professional attitude
• Keen attention to detail in both written and verbal communication
• Willingness to assist with the training and development of less experienced staff
• Physical ability to sit, bend, or reach for extended periods (up to 3 hours at a time), lift or move objects between 10 and 20 pounds, and maintain adequate vision and hearing (with corrective aids if necessary)
• 2-4 years of related work experience as an Associate Underwriter or Commercial CSR, or 5 years as an Underwriting Assistant/Support Specialist (or equivalent) is preferred
• Experience in a multi-state and multi-line commercial insurance environment is preferred
• Prior experience working remotely from a home office 100% of the time is required
• A 4-year degree (or directly-related equivalent experience) is preferred
• CIC, AINS, or comparable designations are preferred

Compensation

The annual base salary range for this position is $53,000 - $112,000. The actual salary will be determined by factors including location, skills, education, training, credentials, and experience, as well as other conditions of employment. As part of our comprehensive compensation and benefits program, employees are eligible for additional incentive compensation upon achieving individual and company goals.

Benefits & Perks

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance