Small Business Underwriter

Come see why people love working here! We have an excellent opportunity for a Small Business Commercial Lines Underwriter to join our Nashville team. This is a hybrid position, reporting to our Nashville office 2-3 days per week.

The Small Business Commercial Lines Underwriter analyzes information, developments, and trends on new and renewal accounts with premiums up to $25,000 to determine the risks associated with insuring the accounts. Within this segment of business, automated underwriting edits enable the routine/low-risk accounts to be processed without underwriter involvement – leaving only the accounts with conditions requiring extra scrutiny for the Small Business Commercial Lines Underwriter to review and determine risk acceptability while ensuring compliance with established underwriting strategies and regulatory requirements. The Small Business Commercial Lines Underwriter exercises authority to decide whether to offer, continue, modify, or reject insurance, finalize the amounts and types of coverage, and determine appropriate premiums. This position builds relationships with assigned agents to generate quoting activity.

COMPETENCIES AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE SMALL BUSINESS COMMERCIAL LINES UNDERWRITER

Business Acumen

• Reviews new business, renewals, endorsements, and quote requests to determine acceptability using established underwriting authority and company guidelines.
• Communicates underwriting decisions, techniques, and interpretation of policy forms and coverages with agents and company personnel regarding risk acceptability, incomplete information, etc.
• Provides feedback to the Underwriting Manager and designated Territory Manager on the quality of submissions and interactions with agency personnel.
• Communicates underwriting and marketing philosophy or practices to agents and assists with education/training issues within the agency.
• Documents underwriting files where required, including actions taken, reasons for decisions, and any follow-up diary needed.
• Provides input to the Branch Management team about individual agency underwriting performance (e.g., Agency Review meetings, Quarterly Results Management meetings).

Embraces Data Analytics

• Applies data to solve common business problems.
• Compiles, manipulates, and analyzes data of varying complexity.
• Utilizes available tools for data analysis effectively and appropriately.

Negotiation

• Visits agencies with the designated Territory Manager to discuss underwriting matters, assist in the development of new business, and strengthen agency relations.
• Responds to Insurance Department complaints and attends periodic hearings.

Results-Oriented

• Provides additional scrutiny to complex risks that fall outside of Straight Through Processing, ensuring exposure and coverage analysis to determine acceptability.
• Travels independently to visit agencies as necessary.
• Drives profitable new business growth.

Time & Priority Management

• Provides ongoing support to Senior Territory Managers and/or middle market underwriters on non-risk selection and pricing decisions.
• Supports special underwriting projects and initiatives, including loss prevention, targeted re-underwriting programs, and book rollovers.

Decision-Making

• Establishes appropriate account pricing in accordance with established underwriting authority and company guidelines.
• Orders and/or analyzes loss control reports, financial reports, MVRs, and other underwriting reports.
• Evaluates the need for and secures appropriate facultative reinsurance in accordance with company guidelines.
• Contributes to developing underwriting policies, procedures, and guidelines to reflect market conditions and achieve division goals.

Performs other projects as requested or assigned by the Underwriting Manager.

CORPORATE CORE COMPETENCIES

Effectively Communicates and Connects

• Communicates and negotiates effectively with peers regarding work outcomes.
• Influences others by presenting strong cases and fostering understanding.
• Actively listens, asks clarifying questions, and provides feedback.
• Builds and nurtures positive workplace relationships.

Customer Focused

• Identifies and responds to customer needs effectively.
• Develops positive relationships with customers and incorporates feedback.
• Delivers timely, high-quality solutions that enhance the customer experience.

Talent Development Mindset

• Discusses technical and professional development with peers.
• Recognizes and acts on learning opportunities.
• Acknowledges and supports high performance in others.

Demonstrates Adaptability

• Suggests new approaches to tasks and challenges.
• Actively supports and adapts to change initiatives.
• Proposes creative solutions and manages ambiguity effectively.

Demonstrates Accountability

• Takes responsibility for actions and learning from feedback.
• Demonstrates reliability by consistently meeting commitments.
• Applies judgment in decision-making and contributes to organizational success.

SPECIAL RELATIONSHIPS

• Reports to the Underwriting Manager.
• Direct contact with underwriting, loss control, premium audit, and claims personnel.
• Regular interaction with agents and insureds.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Credentials

• 4-year degree or equivalent work experience.
• Continuing education in specialized insurance courses (e.g., IIA, AU) preferred.

Experience

• Completion of a Commercial Lines Underwriter Trainee curriculum or 1-3 years of experience in a relevant property/casualty underwriting role preferred.

Technical/Professional Knowledge

• Strong understanding of underwriting principles and pricing risks.
• Knowledge of various insurance coverages.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and underwriting systems.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Primarily sedentary with occasional standing and walking.
• Proficiency in computer systems and communication tools.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel, including overnight stays, as required.