Underwriter, Commercial Lines (Small Commercial)

If you’re passionate about helping people protect what matters most to them, as well as innovating and simplifying processes and operations to provide the best customer value, then Nationwide’s Property and Casualty team could be the place for you! At Nationwide®, “on your side” goes beyond just words. Our customers are at the center of everything we do and we’re looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care.

Compensation Grade: D3 Payband

Job Description Summary

Success on our team requires a blend of customer service skill and analytical prowess. There’s no shying away from challenges here. Each account we work on is complex and interesting. Satisfaction comes from finding solutions that provide the best coverage and give our partner agents a way to differentiate themselves from the competition. If you are adaptable, responsive, love customers and really want to make a difference, we want to hear from you!

As an Underwriter, you'll accept, retain and prices low to moderate exposure new, renewal and endorsement commercial business policies based on granted authority. We'll count on you to provides other underwriting technical support as requested and proactively partner with agencies and field sales to consult on and develop business opportunities.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Captures information from multiple sources according to company guidelines to perform underwriting analysis. May require gathering verbal information or data through reports or other electronic means.

• Reviews individual risks for acceptability, and handles those within authority, based on company underwriting guidelines and standards. Underwriting analysis may include review of total relationship using all available information relevant to the book of business.

• Manages workflow and intricacies of underwriting complex accounts utilizing company tools and systems. Ensures file handling quality and workflow efficiency.

• Underwrites new business, renewals and endorsements. May negotiate price and coverage as appropriate to book business.

• Plans completion of assignments to meet agreed upon timelines and service level agreements.

• Consults with agents and internal partners. Understands capabilities and opportunities and drives maximum value of relationships. Identifies and consults on business development opportunities.

• Communicates with agents and other internal and external business partners by requesting and providing requested information.

• Strengthens agency relationships through quality contact on underwriting matters, promoting profit and new business growth, renewal retention and service capabilities. Participates in the management of business performance.

• Responds to requests from agents and underwriting staff with resolution within established time and service standards to facilitate and expedite service needs. Routes calls and higher level issues to appropriate individuals. May handle advanced customer service issues.

• Educates internal and external partners on underwriting process, practice and tools. May help train less experienced underwriting staff. 

May perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Reporting Relationships: Reports to Supervisor or Manager; no direct reports.

Typical Skills and Experiences: 

Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience preferred.

License/Certification/Designation: Completion of INS, AU or similar designations is preferred.

Experience: Typically, one year of underwriting or equivalent experience preferred. Will consider undergraduate degree in lieu of experience.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills: Basic commercial underwriting policy, practices and procedures. Rating plans and plan concepts. State and federal insurance laws and regulations. Commercial insurance processing systems. Solid understanding of company operations and products. Verbal and written communication skills necessary to interact with all levels of internal and external contacts. Ability to evaluate and recommend solutions to work-related problems. Ability to analyze insurance risks to determine the degree of acceptability and pricing. Effective time management skills and competencies preferred. Ability to operate personal computer and related software. Ability to advise agents and agency staff on commercial contracts, procedures and business practices. 

Other criteria, including leadership skills, competencies and experiences may take precedence.

Staffing Exceptions to the above must be approved by the hiring manager’s leader and Human Resources Business Partner.

Values: Regularly and consistently demonstrates the Nationwide Values.

Job Conditions: 

Overtime Eligibility: Not Eligible (Exempt)

Working Conditions: Normal office environment. Occasional travel may be required to visit clients or attend meetings. Extended or non-standard work hours as required to meet business need.

ADA: The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some people assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties. 

We currently anticipate accepting applications until 04/13/2025. However, we encourage early submissions, as the posting may close sooner if a strong candidate slate is identified before the deadline.

Benefits

We have an array of benefits to fit your needs, including: medical/dental/vision, life insurance, short and long term disability coverage, paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days paid time off each full calendar year pro-rated quarterly based on hire date, nine paid holidays, 8 hours of Lifetime paid time off, 8 hours of Unity Day paid time off, 401(k) with company match, company-paid pension plan, business casual attire, and more. To learn more about the benefits we offer, click here.

Nationwide is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels challenged, appreciated, respected and engaged. Nationwide prohibits discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any characteristic (or classification) protected by applicable law.

This position could be filled within any of the lower 48 U.S. states.

Smoke-Free Iowa Statement: Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, its affiliates and subsidiaries comply with the Iowa Smokefree Air Act. Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed areas on or around company premises as well as company issued vehicles. The company offers designated smoking areas in which smoking is permitted at each individual location. The Act prohibits retaliation for reporting complaints or violations. For more information on the Iowa Smokefree Air Act, individuals may contact the Smokefree Air Act Helpline at 888-944-2247.

For NY residents please review the following state law information: Notice of Employee Rights, Protections, and Obligations LS740 (ny.gov) https://dol.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2022/02/ls740_1.pdf

Nationwide pays on a geographic-specific salary structure and placement within the actual starting salary range for this position will be determined by a number of factors including the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; the scope, complexity and location of the role as well as the cost of labor in the market; and other conditions of employment. If a Sales job, Sales Incentives, based on performance goals are possible in addition to this range.

The national salary range for Underwriter, Commercial Lines : $43,400.00-$89,400.00

The expected starting salary range for Underwriter, Commercial Lines : $48,200.00 - $72,200.00