The Personal Lines Underwriter 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.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PERSONAL LINES UNDERWRITER
Business Acumen
Communicates underwriting decisions, techniques, and interpretation of policy forms and coverages with agents.
Documents the underwriting file for all referred risks, including the actions taken, reasons for exception made, and any follow-up diary needed.
Communicates to the Underwriting Manager and Territory Manager any underwriting quality or integrity concerns with individual agents.
Provides 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.
Embraces Data Analytics
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.
Negotiation
Identifies product risks and recommend solutions to mitigate those risks. Advise Underwriting Manager on recommended risk reduction actions and solutions.
Exercises underwriting flexibility within the scope of authority in making appropriate exceptions, as warranted, based on agency relationships, results and Company strategies.
Leverages exceptions to achieve additional business opportunities from agencies.
Results Oriented
Applies underwriting and risk selection techniques to determine the acceptability of new and renewal insurance risk referrals.
Contributes to the training/mentoring of the Underwriter Trainee.
Contributes 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.
Time & Priority Management
Completes Claim referrals.
Communicates underwriting and marketing philosophy or practices, to agents and assist with training issues within agency, making periodic physical visits.
Works independently within established standards.
Conducts 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.
Provides support for prospective book transfers, including the gathering of policy, product, and underwriting information about a book transfer opportunity.
Decision Making
Ensures the proper risk placement and/or classification for referrals, to obtain adequate premium for the exposure.
Responds to Insurance Department complaints and attends periodic hearings.
Performs various projects requested or assigned by the Personal Lines Underwriting Manager.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.
Why Penn National Insurance
A career with Penn National Insurance/Inservco offers a total rewards package that makes us a regional employer of choice. When you are part of the Penn National Insurance/Inservco family, we want you to feel secure in:
Your Career: We offer a comprehensive benefit and compensation package including a generous 401k match, graded profit sharing, recognition programs, and incentive compensation. Additionally, Penn National Insurance/Inservco company policy provides for remote access, flex-scheduling, and a dress-for-your-day dress code.
Your Employer: Penn National Insurance celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2019. With the $1 billion direct written premium threshold in sight, the company is utilizing innovation solutions and analytic insights to grow its share of the small commercial and middle market business, as well as personal lines. Our proud tradition of adhering to a relationship-driven business model, and our ability to adapt to changes over time reinforce our reliability and strength.
Your Community: The Company and our employees donate more than half a million dollars annually to fund enrichment programing throughout the communities we serve. Our United Way campaign raised an additional three hundred fifty thousand dollars last year. We are also taking real steps to decrease our environmental impact. We have added bicycle accommodations, enhanced energy efficiency, introduced water conservation measures, and implemented cool-roof technology.
Your Future: We create a rewarding career path and enable long-term retention by offering enhanced benefits around continuing education and professional development. The average employee tenure at Penn National Insurance is 14 years!
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE PERSONAL LINES UNDERWRITER
Education/Credentials: 4 - year degree or equivalent work experience or continuing education in specialized insurance courses such as IIA & AU preferred
Experience: Successful completion of Underwriter Trainee curriculum; or 1 to 3 years in a relevant property/casualty underwriting position, preferred
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
JOB REQUIREMENTS (as required by ADA)
This position is primarily a sedentary position that requires occasional standing and walking throughout the office environment.
Must be able to see and effectively use a computer monitor.
Must be able to operate a computer, keyboard and applicable printers and other general office equipment.
Must be able to access and enter information accurately using automated systems.
Must be able to hear and communicate via the telephone and/or monitoring devices to both internal and external clients.
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.
