Commercial Lines Underwriter

Company Details

Berkley Southwest offers commercial property and casualty products and services through independent agents in Arizona, Arkansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. The company maintains a strong local presence in each of its markets, keeping underwriting and support close to the customer.Now more than ever, financial strength is critical to a successful, long-term insurance relationship. Union Standard is a member company of W. R. Berkley Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, whose insurance company subsidiaries are rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best.

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Responsibilities

The Commercial Lines Underwriter is responsible for evaluating and underwriting new and renewal property and casualty risks within delegated authority and company guidelines, supporting profitable growth through disciplined risk analysis and strong agency relationships.

Key functions include but are not limited to:

• Underwrite new business by evaluating applications, requesting supplemental information, and accepting or rejecting risks in accordance with company guidelines and reinsurance treaties.
• Underwrite renewal business by analyzing prior underwriting files, agency performance, loss history, risk control reports, motor vehicle records, and prior carrier experience.
• Maintain underwriting authority as delegated by underwriting leadership and ensure compliance with internal policies and treaty constraints.
• Support product, pricing, and coverage development efforts under the guidance of the Commercial Lines Vice President.
• Build and maintain effective agency relationships to support profitable growth and retention.
• Monitor assigned book of business to maintain target loss ratios and meet production goals.
• Deliver timely, accurate service and uphold underwriting standards and documentation requirements.Identify and contribute to process improvements that enhance underwriting efficiency and governance.
• Travel within assigned territory to conduct agency visits, prospect meetings, and market assessments to support business development.
• Pursue ongoing professional development through industry and company-sponsored education.
• Assist in training and mentoring of less tenured staff as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in insurance or related field and/or a minimum of 3 years commercial lines underwriting experience or equivalent industry experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to develop a profitable commercial lines book of business.Demonstrates advanced analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to assess complex risks, synthesize relevant data, and formulate sound, evidence-based underwriting decisions.
• Proficient in interpreting business publications, industry journals, technical documentation, and regulatory guidelines to inform underwriting strategy and compliance.
• Skilled in drafting clear, concise reports, business correspondence, and procedural documentation that support operational and strategic objectives.
• Communicates effectively in both individual and group settings, presenting information and responding to inquiries from internal stakeholders, agency partners, and external vendors.
• Consistently exhibits a professional, approachable demeanor that fosters trust and collaboration with colleagues, agency contacts, and business partners.
• Exemplifies WRBC Leadership Core Competencies and Innovation Behaviors, serving as a role model for excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Actively supports and promotes the company’s commitment to equal employment opportunity and a diverse, inclusive workplace culture.
• Performance evaluated based on achievement of established goals and standards, reliability in managing time and resources, consistent attendance and punctuality, and commitment to exceptional customer service.

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Additional Requirements

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