Personal Lines Underwriter

Penn National Insurance•Harrisburg, PA

4d•$60,000 - $83,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Personal Lines Underwriter determines the acceptability of insurance risks by applying underwriting and risk-selection techniques and helps manage assigned agents. This is a hybrid position reporting to the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania office. The role works closely with agents, territory and branch management, internal and external customers, and insurance-related entities. It applies underwriting judgment to new and renewal referrals, supports agency performance and profitability, and contributes to underwriting policies and procedures. The position requires agent communication and relationship management, documentation of referred risks and exceptions, analysis of underwriting and agency results, and participation in re-underwriting programs and book-transfer opportunities. The role also supports training, responds to Insurance Department complaints, attends periodic hearings, and may travel, including overnight stays. The position is primarily sedentary, with occasional standing and walking in the office, and requires use of computers and office equipment and the ability to operate a motor vehicle. The estimated hiring range is $60,000–$83,000. Eligible employees may participate in an annual incentive program. The company describes a total rewards package that includes a 401(k) match, graded profit sharing, incentive compensation, benefits, flexible scheduling, remote and hybrid work options, recognition programs, continuing education support, tuition reimbursement, and professional development opportunities.

Requirements

Completion of the Underwriter Trainee curriculum, or at least 1 year of experience in a property/casualty underwriting position such as Personal Lines Assistant Underwriter.
Good working knowledge of underwriting and pricing risks.
Good working knowledge of company underwriting standards and philosophy.
Good working knowledge of insurance coverages.
Good math aptitude.
Excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Good PC skills, especially Microsoft Office Suite, and demonstrated proficiency with supplied desktop tools, including automated underwriting and email systems.
Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a motor vehicle.
Ability to travel, with overnight stays required.
Ability to perform computer-based work, access and accurately enter digital information using automated systems, and use office equipment as needed.
Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external clients through telephone, electronic, or other communication systems and present information to individuals and groups.
Ability to interpret and apply concepts that may or may not be based on established guidelines.
Ability to maintain acceptable attendance and adhere to scheduled work hours.

Nice To Haves

Four-year degree preferred.
Continuing education in specialized insurance courses such as IIA and AU preferred.

Responsibilities

Communicate underwriting decisions, techniques, and interpretations of policy forms and coverages to agents.
Document referred risks, actions taken, reasons for exceptions, and required follow-up in underwriting files.
Report underwriting quality or integrity concerns about agents to the Underwriting Manager and Territory Manager.
Provide input to Branch Management about agency underwriting performance, including agency reviews and quarterly results meetings.
Communicate underwriting and marketing philosophy and practices to agents, assist with agency training, and make periodic physical visits.
Maintain documentation on risk exceptions and large losses based on agency-specific or policy-specific information.
Identify product risks and recommend risk-mitigation solutions to the Underwriting Manager.
Exercise underwriting flexibility within the scope of authority, considering agency relationships, results, and company strategies.
Use exceptions to pursue additional business opportunities from agencies.
Apply underwriting and risk-selection techniques to determine the acceptability of new and renewal insurance referrals.
Conduct re-underwriting programs for selected agencies to improve book profitability, including programs conducted with Branch or Home Office Management.
Complete claim referrals.
Support prospective book transfers by gathering policy, product, and underwriting information.
Ensure proper risk placement and classification for referrals to obtain adequate premium for the exposure.
Visit agents independently or jointly with other PNAT staff as needed.
Apply and analyze data to solve business problems, using appropriate data-analysis tools.
Contribute to training and mentoring the Underwriter Trainee.
Contribute to company underwriting policies, procedures, and guidelines so they reflect market conditions and support Division goals.
Work independently within established standards.
Respond to Insurance Department complaints and attend periodic hearings.
Maintain strong relationships and daily communication with agents, and keep the Territory Manager informed about agency interactions.
Contribute to unit and agency plans, enforcement of objectives, and monitoring of results.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Personal Lines Underwriting Manager.

Benefits

401(k) match
Graded profit sharing
Incentive compensation and possible participation in an annual incentive program, subject to plan eligibility
A wide range of benefits supporting financial health, physical well-being, and career development
Remote and hybrid work options
Flexible scheduling
Dress-for-your-day culture
Employee recognition programs
Continuing education support
100% tuition reimbursement for academic studies
Professional development and designation programs, including CPCU, AINS, CPA, and CISSP
Employee volunteering opportunities and company matching for employee contributions to the annual United Way campaign