Personal Lines Underwriter

H.W. Kaufman Group•Charlotte, NC

About The Position

The Personal Insurance Underwriter is responsible for evaluating, analyzing, and making decisions on personal lines renewal business, including homeowners, personal umbrella, and other specialty personal property products. This role assesses evolving risk characteristics, determines appropriate pricing and coverage terms, and ensures all decisions align with underwriting guidelines and profitability goals. The underwriter also identifies and manages cross‑sell opportunities to enhance account retention and broaden customer protection.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Insurance, or related discipline; or equivalent experience.
Typically 2–5+ years of personal lines underwriting or related experience.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess and interpret personal risk characteristics.
Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities when working with agents and internal partners.
Sound judgment and decision‑making skills within underwriting authority.
Proficiency with underwriting and rating systems; strong Microsoft Office skills.
Strong organization, troubleshooting, and time‑management skills.

Nice To Haves

Progress toward or completion of professional designations (AINS, API, CPCU) preferred.

Responsibilities

Renewal Underwriting & Risk Evaluation Underwrite and assess personal lines renewal accounts, reviewing risk factors such as property inspections, claims history, credit‑based insurance scores (where permitted), and exposure changes.
Determine appropriate pricing, coverage, deductibles, and conditions based on risk quality and underwriting authority.
Utilize underwriting platforms, rating tools, and internal guidelines to support accurate and timely decision‑making.
Identify risks requiring additional review, inspections, or escalation to senior underwriters.
Portfolio Management Manage a renewal book of business to achieve retention, rate adequacy, and profitability targets.
Monitor trends within the portfolio and recommend underwriting actions when needed to maintain performance.
Ensure timely handling of renewals, documentation, and policy issuance.
Agent Relationship & Communication Collaborate with agents to clarify risk information, obtain missing details, and negotiate renewal terms.
Provide underwriting insight and support to help agents understand risk decisions and product options.
Build strong, effective working relationships to enhance submission quality and renewals.
Cross‑Sell Opportunity Management Evaluate renewal accounts to identify opportunities to cross-sell additional personal lines products such as umbrella, inland marine, or personal articles.
Collaborate with product specialists and internal teams to confirm eligibility, pricing, and product fit.
Discuss cross-sell opportunities with agents and support them in presenting solutions to customers.
Track cross-sell activity and outcomes as part of portfolio development.
Compliance, Documentation & Systems Ensure underwriting practices comply with regulatory requirements and internal policies.
Maintain detailed, accurate documentation of underwriting decisions and communication notes.
Keep underwriting and policy systems updated with current data and decisions.
Collaboration & Professional Development Partner with claims, actuarial, product, and customer service teams to support informed underwriting outcomes.
Participate in ongoing training to enhance expertise in personal insurance products, trends, and risk factors.
Stay current on emerging risks and market conditions within the personal lines space.