Commercial Lines Underwriter

Columbia Insurance; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental & Vision coverage

401(k) with company match

PTO and holidays

Parental leave

Job summary

Columbia Insurance in Austin seeks a Commercial Lines Underwriter to determine acceptability of new applications, renewals, and endorsements based on risk, profit potential, and underwriting standards.

The role requires knowledge of commercial lines products, strong communication, and customer service skills. A Bachelor’s degree is preferred, with opportunities for professional development within a family-like culture.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years’ commercial lines underwriting experience.
• Thorough knowledge of commercial lines products and coverages.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• Review new applications, renewals and changes to determine acceptability for commercial lines.
• Evaluate risks and determine insurability based on property/location specifics and statements.
• Select appropriate policies and determine pricing using risk and experience factors.
• Secure facultative reinsurance when appropriate and monitor premium bases.
• Maintain knowledge of commercial underwriting rules and state laws.
• Educate agents by presenting technical and corporate information.

Skills

Underwriting expertise

Communication

Customer service

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Insurance designations

Independent agency distribution knowledge

Agency relationships knowledge

Job description

Pay Philosophy

The typical starting salary for this position is determined by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, acquired skills, experience, education, and certifications/designations. This position may be eligible for annual merit increases and participation in our bonus program.

What are we looking for?

Join our team as a Commercial Lines Underwriter. In this position you will determine acceptability of new applications, renewals and endorsements based upon risk characteristics, profit potential and company underwriting standards.

Who we are and what we do?

At Columbia Insurance, we believe our people are the heart of our success and our greatest strength. With robust benefits, a fun, family-like atmosphere, and a culture that thrives on real connections, Columbia truly is the place to be. Our vision is to lead the industry in people-first partnerships. The best way to achieve that is by bringing together a team of skilled, passionate, and talented individuals.

Why us?

- Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage

- 401(k) and company match

- Generous paid time off (PTO), paid company holidays, paid maternity/paternity leave, and supplemental sick leave

- Family-like culture

- Year-round wellness initiatives

- Company sponsored events

- Opportunities for professional development with conferences, events, and continued education

Company History

Our legacy has roots back to 1889 when we first became part of the mutual insurance movement in the Midwest. Today, our extensive heritage resonates nationwide, as we proudly serve customers in 14 states across the country.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

- Review new applications, renewals and requests for changes to determine acceptability of all commercial lines of insurance written by the company on either a mono-line or package policy basis (i.e. commercial fire, commercial general liability, workers’ compensation, commercial and fleet auto, business owners’, etc.).

- Evaluate risks and make decisions regarding insurability in light of nature and location of property and/or operations, including physical and moral hazards involved utilizing information secured from producers, engineering reports and financial statements within described limits of authority, specific filings, statutes and laws. Recommend risk improvements if warranted.

- Select proper policy or policies to be utilized and determine appropriate pricing using individual risk and experience premium modification factors; evaluate and monitor premium basis for auditable policies on both a new and renewal basis and provide assistance to the audit collection processor.

- Secure facultative reinsurance on risks where appropriate based on nature and type of risk and insured amounts consistent with company guidelines.

- Maintain current knowledge of technical aspects of commercial insurance underwriting and applicable state and local statutes and laws.

- Participate in education and training of agents by presenting technical and corporate information regarding commercial insurance issues.

- Review assigned agencies’ experience on periodic basis with marketing and claim personnel; make periodic visits to agents to improve quality of submissions, stimulate growth and achieve improved agency/company relationships and more profitable results.

- Communicate with internal and external parties including state regulators, other insurance companies, reinsurers, co-workers and agents.

- Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

- At least 3 years’ commercial lines underwriting experience

- A thorough knowledge of commercial lines products and coverages

- Excellent communication and customer service skills

EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

- Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Supplemental insurance education/designations

- Independent agency distribution experience and knowledge

- Knowledge of and relationships with agency force in the servicing area

EOE

Columbia Insurance prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.