Underwriter

Texas Windstorm Insurance Association • Austin, TX

1d • Remote

About The Position

POSITION SUMMARY: The Underwriter is responsible for demonstrating a broad understanding of insurance principles and the underwriting process. They evaluate information/data to make decisions to accept, reject, or modify coverage within their authority level. The underwriter creates a positive customer experience by providing a high level of customer service, educating agents and policyholders on the programs and coverages offered, provide information regarding underwriting requirements, and contribute to the overall effectiveness of TWIA/TFPA by balancing stakeholder needs with the goals of the Associations. 

This role is remote and open to candidates residing in the United States.

Essential FUNCTIONS: The following are the usual, basic and essential functions of the position. However, this job description does not preclude the performance of other duties by the incumbent. These functions are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required:

Review and process new applications, renewals, endorsements, cancellations and inspections to determine eligibility and insurability of applicant and property. Communicate underwriting actions to the agents. (Scheduled time approximately 65%)
Serve as contact for agents (via phone/email) and assist with coverage, rating, eligibility inquires, and process policy transactions as appropriate. Explain coverage decisions and policy information to agents and policyholders/stakeholders. (Scheduled time approximately 25%)
Assist Enterprise with additional duties as needed, training and project work (Approximately 10%)

Requirements

• Skilled communicator: Demonstrates ability to consistently deliver accurate, clear, and concise messages orally and/or in writing to effectively inform an audience; able to be an effective active listener, to get to the root of stakeholder needs without requiring lengthy explanations
• Customer focus: Identifies customer requirements correctly, determines specific customer needs and acts proactively to ensure value-added solutions that exceed customer expectations
• Interpersonal skills: Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of others with respect, fairness, and consistency allowing for effective interactions with all stakeholders
• Adaptability and flexibility: Adapts to change, is open to new ideas, takes on new responsibilities, handles pressure, and adjusts plans to meet changing needs
• Job knowledge: Strong knowledge of insurance rules and regulations and basic underwriting principles for acceptability or rejection of risk; knowledge of building and construction terminology and techniques, and construction rating classifications to determine property and liability exposures on inspection issues
• Initiative: Effectively work independently. Completes tasks and assignments independently with minimal direction and assumes responsibilities when specific directions are lacking
• Critical thinking and analytical abilities: Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue; determining its significance; collecting data; making inferences about the meaning of the data; and using logic and intuition to arrive at conclusions or decisions; evaluates and applies information provided on applications to underwriting guidelines and coverages
• Problem solving: Gathers relevant data from several sources, arrives at effective solutions to issues and foresees problems before they arise
• Time management: Prioritization skills to ensure timely responses to stakeholders.
• Computer skills: Proficiency with operating systems, email, word processing and similar computer applications
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
• Three (3) years of underwriting experience in the insurance industry
• This position requires the ability to sit, hear, converse over the telephone, and key frequently on a computer for long periods of time
• This position may require some limited overnight travel to complete training programs, activities, and meetings

Nice To Haves

• Associate in General Insurance (AINS) designation
• Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter designation (CPCU), or demonstrated progress toward achieving the designation
• Bilingual abilities; English, and Spanish or Asian languages (such as Mandarin or Vietnamese)

Responsibilities

• Review and process new applications, renewals, endorsements, cancellations and inspections to determine eligibility and insurability of applicant and property. Communicate underwriting actions to the agents.
• Serve as contact for agents (via phone/email) and assist with coverage, rating, eligibility inquires, and process policy transactions as appropriate. Explain coverage decisions and policy information to agents and policyholders/stakeholders.
• Assist Enterprise with additional duties as needed, training and project work

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level