Underwriter, Commercial Lines

About the role

This Underwriter, Commercial Lines can work remotely and will support small market commercial lines business. Success on our team requires a blend of customer service skill and analytical prowess. Each account we work on is complex and interesting. Satisfaction comes from finding solutions that provide the best coverage and give our partner agents a way to differentiate themselves from the competition.

Key responsibilities

• Captures information from multiple sources according to company guidelines to perform underwriting analysis. May require gathering verbal information or data through reports or other electronic means.
• Reviews individual risks for acceptability, and handles those within authority, based on company underwriting guidelines and standards. Underwriting analysis may include review of total relationship using all available information relevant to the book of business.
• Manages workflow and intricacies of underwriting complex accounts utilizing company tools and systems. Ensures file handling quality and workflow efficiency.
• Underwrites new business, renewals and endorsements. May negotiate price and coverage as appropriate to book business.
• Plans completion of assignments to meet agreed upon timelines and service level agreements.
• Consults with agents and internal partners. Understands capabilities and opportunities and drives maximum value of relationships. Identifies and consults on business development opportunities.
• Communicates with agents and other internal and external business partners by requesting and providing requested information.
• Strengthens agency relationships through quality contact on underwriting matters, promoting profit and new business growth, renewal retention and service capabilities. Participates in the management of business performance.
• Responds to requests from agents and underwriting staff with resolution within established time and service standards to facilitate and expedite service needs. Routes calls and higher level issues to appropriate individuals. May handle advanced customer service issues.
• Educates internal and external partners on underwriting process, practice and tools. May help train less experienced underwriting staff.
• May perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Reporting relationships

Reports to Supervisor or Manager; no direct reports.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience preferred.
• License/Certification/Designation: Completion of INS, AU or similar designations is preferred.
• Experience: Typically, one year of underwriting or equivalent experience preferred. Will consider undergraduate degree in lieu of experience.
• Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:
  • Basic commercial underwriting policy, practices and procedures
  • Rating plans and plan concepts
  • State and federal insurance laws and regulations
  • Commercial insurance processing systems
  • Solid understanding of company operations and products
  • Verbal and written communication skills necessary to interact with all levels of internal and external contacts
  • Ability to evaluate and recommend solutions to work-related problems
  • Ability to analyze insurance risks to determine the degree of acceptability and pricing
  • Effective time management skills and competencies preferred
  • Ability to operate personal computer and related software
  • Ability to advise agents and agency staff on commercial contracts, procedures and business practices
• Other criteria, including leadership skills, competencies and experiences may take precedence.
• Staffing exceptions to the above must be approved by the hiring manager's leader and Human Resources Business Partner.
• Values: Regularly and consistently demonstrates the Nationwide Values.

Working conditions

• Overtime Eligibility: Not Eligible (Exempt)
• Normal office environment
• Occasional travel may be required to visit clients or attend meetings
• Extended or non-standard work hours as required to meet business need

Benefits

• Medical/dental/vision
• Life insurance
• Short and long term disability coverage
• Paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days paid time off each full calendar year pro-rated quarterly based on hire date
• Nine paid holidays
• 8 hours of Lifetime paid time off
• 8 hours of Unity Day paid time off
• 401(k) with company match
• Company-paid pension plan
• Business casual attire

Pay

The national salary range for Underwriter, Commercial Lines: $49,100.00–$91,300.00. The expected starting salary range: $49,100.00–$73,700.00. Nationwide pays on a geographic-specific salary structure and placement within the actual starting salary range will be determined by a number of factors including the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; the scope, complexity and location of the role as well as the cost of labor in the market; and other conditions of employment. If a Sales job, Sales Incentives based on performance goals are possible in addition to this range. For part-time roles, actual compensation may be prorated based on the number of hours worked relative to a full-time schedule.

Schedule

This position can work remotely and will support small market commercial lines business. This position could be filled within any of the lower 48 U.S. states.