Underwriter Specialist, Small Business

01460 Continental Casualty Company; Littleton (CO); On-site; USD 54,000 - 103,000; Full time

Job summary

CNA is seeking an experienced underwriter in the United States for complex risk assessment and pricing. The role involves reviewing applications, determining acceptability, and preparing quotes while ensuring compliance and strong relationships with agencies and policyholders.

The candidate should have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and 3–5 years of underwriting experience, with advanced knowledge of insurance principles and MS Office.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant field or professional designations preferred.
• Typically 3–5 years underwriting experience.

Responsibilities

• Reviews applications and financial requirements for complex risks.
• Determines acceptability of risk per guidelines and standards.
• Prices based on financial/comparative analysis and compliance.
• Prepares quotes and responds to agencies, policyholders, and external contacts.

Skills

Underwriting fundamentals

Risk assessment

Negotiation skills

Analytical thinking

Communication

Independent judgment

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Performs a combination of duties in accordance with departmental guidelines: Reviews applications and financial requirements for risks requiring complex underwriting skills.
• Determines acceptability of risk in accordance with company guidelines and standards.
• Also, determines the need for additional evidence of insurability and appropriate strategy.
• Determines appropriate pricing based on financial and competitive analysis in line with compliance requirements.
• Prepares quotes and answers questions from agencies, policyholders or other external contacts and escalates issues to management along with proposed solutions as necessary.
• Negotiates with agents to reach positive and profitable outcomes.
• Notifies agencies of adverse underwriting decisions, rate appeals, underwriting requirements, status and declinations.
• Analyzes quality, quantity, and profitability of risks underwritten and prepares reports for management review.
• Markets products and services through agencies or through the brokerage community and makes field visits.
• Develops and maintains agency and/or broker relationships.
• May provide guidance and assistance to other underwriters and to other functional areas, particularly when related to cross-sell opportunities.
• Keeps current on state/territory issues and regulations, industry activity and trends and freely shares information with others.
• Utilizes advanced functionality in relevant CNA systems to perform day-to-day activities.
• Works with more senior underwriters or management on risks exceeding authority level or requiring special handling.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

1. Advanced knowledge of underwriting and insurance industry theories and practices.
2. Demonstrated high level of technical expertise and product specific knowledge.
3. Strong interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills. Ability to effectively interact with all levels of CNA's internal and external business partners.
4. Ability to work independently.
5. Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
6. Ability to exercise independent judgment and to make critical business decisions effectively.
7. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite as well as other business-related software.
8. Demonstrated leadership skills.

Education & Experience

1. Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Professional designations preferred.
2. Typically a minimum three to five years underwriting experience.

In certain jurisdictions, CNA is legally required to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. In District of Columbia, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Washington, the national base pay range for this job level is $54,000 to $103,000 annually. Salary determinations are based on various factors, including but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and location. CNA offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to help our employees – and their family members – achieve their physical, financial, emotional and social wellbeing goals. For a detailed look at CNA’s benefits, please visit cnabenefits.com.

CNA utilizes AI-enabled technology during the recruiting process. For more information, please visit our careers page. CNA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact [e-mail]

At CNA, we are focused on success, individually and collectively. We pride ourselves on promoting a culture that challenges and engages people. We strive to connect people, departments and business areas, to function as a team, and to serve our customers and communities with professionalism and respect. Our dedication to employee engagement, continuous learning and the open exchange of ideas is the cornerstone of our business. These ideals, combined with our focus on the customer, enable us to explore new market opportunities and build on our success. Our values, culture and financial strength are what differentiates us from other employers and make CNA the place you want to work. At CNA, we are committed to advancing a culture of inclusion – one that attracts talent from all walks of life, fosters respect and collaboration, and enables all of our colleagues to do their best work. At CNA, we have a long standing commitment to the diverse communities in which we live and work. We actively make a difference for the greater good through partnerships, sustainability, initiatives, and working together for a better tomorrow. Corporate Social Responsibility is not one person, or one department, it's the entire enterprise coming together to make the world a better place.