Commercial Lines Underwriter

Accountabilities/Responsibilities:Within delegated authority levels and company guidelines, accepts, rejects or modifies new and renewal business for all commercial lines with little or no guidance to ensure a profitable commercial book of business. Prices business according to company underwriting and pricing guidelines and ensures standards for timeliness are met.Markets company products through agent contacts to achieve company growth and profitability targets. Develops on-going relationships with agents, meets service standards established for new and renewal business, and keeps agent up-to-date with underwriting and/or product changes.Is assigned to handle, and manages complex books of business to maximize profitability and growth. Reviews loss activity (frequency, severity) for each agent in assigned territory. Considers mix of business, loss ratios by line, and fit of business with company guidelines. Identifies problems or potential problems, follows up with agent. Works with agent to correct problems. May change policy deductibles, increase premium, non-renew policies. May recommend constraints on business an agent may submit or recommend that an agent be suspended.Acquires reinsurance as needed. Contacts facultative reinsurers and negotiates according to company standards for larger risks by contacting reinsurers with the best price and coverage within delegated authority limits.May train agency staff in company products, services and underwriting philosophy.Promotes the company's public image by speaking to insurance-related groups and by networking within the insurance community to keep abreast of changes in the industry.May perform rating and other support functions as needed.
REQUIREMENTS
Education/Experience/Competencies:BA/BS degree or equivalent experience in a directly related insurance position. 2+ years of direct commercial underwriting experience.Special Skills or Competencies:Demonstrated ability to successfully perform all entry-level duties. Demonstrated progress in the development of job family required competencies. Ability to take on more complex and more difficult duties with higher levels of authority.Thorough understanding of Regional Office organization and processes. Proficient in all company underwriting policies, guidelines and coverages.Thorough knowledge of commercial lines products. Proficiency in underwriting all commercial lines exposures. Able to handle more complex, higher hazard accounts with some guidance and direction from more experienced underwriters or the team leader. Thorough knowledge of regulatory and policy differences among states in which business is transacted. Actively working toward professional designation(s).Teamwork. Project management.Manages a book of business independently, with minimal guidance and direction. Good verbal and written communication skills. Actively working toward professional designation.We recognize that talented people are attracted to companies that provide competitive pay, comprehensive benefits packages and outstanding advancement opportunities. For this reason we offer a Comprehensive Benefits Plan that includes the following: 401K and retirement plan, Accidental death & dismemberment insurance, Credit Union membership, Dental coverage, Dependent life insurance, Disability insurance, Discounts on automobile and homeowner?s insurance, Employee life insurance, Long-term care insurance, Medical coverage, Paid time-off, Pay-for-Performance, Reimbursement accounts, Tuition reimbursement, Vision care coverage, and Work/Life resources.America First Insurance is part of the Agency Markets (AM) business unit of the Liberty Mutual Group. Focused in the Southwest region of the U.S., America First Insurance is a company committed to providing superior commercial property and liability products and professional loss control services for small to medium-sized businesses. In addition, it offers a broad range of insurance products and services for individuals and families.