Small Business Underwriter

As a Small Business Underwriter at Acadia Insurance, your primary responsibilities will include managing new and renewal accounts, underwriting and pricing policies in alignment with company standards, and developing strong relationships with producers and customers. You'll focus on driving premium growth while ensuring loss ratio results are favorable and will regularly monitor and evaluate agency performance to meet corporate goals.

To qualify for the Small Business Underwriter position at Acadia Insurance, candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree and have 1-2 years of relevant experience in underwriting. Strong communication and analytical skills are essential, along with proficiency in Windows programs like Word and Excel. Candidates with advanced insurance coursework such as CPCU or AU are preferred, as is experience with online underwriting tools.

A Small Business Underwriter can significantly impact the success of Acadia Insurance by effectively evaluating risks, pricing policies accurately, and fostering positive relationships with agencies. By ensuring high-quality service and maintaining favorable loss ratios, you will directly contribute to the company’s growth and reputation in the industry.

Success as a Small Business Underwriter at Acadia Insurance hinges on strong communication skills, analytical thinking, and relationship management abilities. A self-starter attitude, resilience, and a willingness to collaborate with others are also critical. The ability to influence and make sound decisions based on thorough evaluations will set you apart in this role.

Absolutely! Acadia Insurance promotes an inclusive culture that encourages continuous learning and professional development. As a Small Business Underwriter, you will have opportunities to enhance your skills through training and coursework, paving the way for career advancement within the organization.

My approach to the underwriting process begins with gathering essential information about the client and their business. I then assess risks by reviewing documentation, analyzing data, and using tools to evaluate coverage options. Once I identify any potential concerns, I develop a pricing strategy that reflects the risk level, while also ensuring it aligns with the underwriting guidelines of the company.

I manage relationships with agencies and producers by prioritizing open communication and regular interaction. I make it a point to visit them when possible and check in frequently to understand their needs and challenges. Building trust and offering support in their processes enhances our collaborative efforts towards achieving mutual goals.

In a previous role, I encountered a situation where a client’s risk profile was significantly higher due to recent claims. I had to evaluate whether to approve coverage or recommend denial. I consulted with my team to gather insights and ultimately decided to offer limited coverage while implementing conditions that mitigated risk. This approach allowed us to satisfy the client’s needs while protecting the company.

When evaluating agency performance, I focus on several key metrics such as production volume, hit ratios, renewal retention rates, and claims history. I believe looking at these indicators provides a clear picture of how effectively an agency is managing its business and align with our corporate goals. Adjustments and feedback can then be tailored based on these metrics.

Handling disputes requires diplomacy and a clear understanding of the guidelines. I approach such situations with an open mind, ready to listen to the agency’s perspective. By discussing the reasons behind the underwriting decision and finding common ground, I aim to resolve conflicts amicably while upholding company policies.

I am familiar with several underwriting software tools, including Silver Plume and Reference Connect, which I've used extensively to analyze data and streamline the underwriting process. I also have hands-on experience with Microsoft Office Suite, which I find essential for documentation and communication.

I stay current with industry trends and underwriting guidelines by subscribing to professional insurance journals, participating in webinars, and attending industry conferences. Networking with other professionals also provides valuable insights into evolving practices and emerging risks.

In my last position, I noticed delays in processing applications due to inefficient communication channels between departments. I proposed implementing a centralized communication platform tailored for underwriting workflows, resulting in a 30% reduction in processing time. This improvement led to better service for clients and eased stress within the team.

I prioritize compliance by familiarizing myself with the internal policies and regulatory requirements relevant to underwriting. I maintain detailed documentation of all decisions made and always verify that my recommendations comply with the guidelines. Regular training sessions also keep me updated on any changes in regulations.

I am drawn to Acadia Insurance because of its outstanding reputation within the industry and commitment to employee development. I admire your focus on building strong relationships with agents and customers, along with your results-driven approach. I’m eager to contribute my skills in working collaboratively towards achieving common goals.