Underwriting Associate

UFG is looking for an Underwriting Associate to join the Midwest Region!  In this role you will assist with underwriting insurance risks in accordance with the business plan and delegated authority to meet business objectives, ensuring compliance with internal and external regulations and guidelines. This role is responsible for providing technical underwriting and administrative support to the underwriting staff to ensure timely and streamlined processes to best serve agents and insureds. This role works to gather information, prepare file documentation, collaborate with internal partners, and assist underwriters with agent interactions.

While this is a fully remote opportunity, the ideal candidate should reside within one of the states making up the Midwest Region which includes: Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, or North Dakota

Responsibilities: 

• Analyze underwriting information to triage, prepare and respond to quotes, renewals and policy endorsements or inquiries as granted within assigned underwriting authority.
• Apply underwriting guidelines as published and ensure compliance with all company filings, rules, and regulations.
• Underwrite and process all endorsement requests within assigned letter of authority statement.
• Independently executes pricing strategy and documents pricing decisions to meet regulatory requirements on assigned accounts.
• Proactively identifies and executes opportunities to upsell and cross sell UFG coverages and products.
• Documents assigned files with quality underwriting information as aligned with our business strategy.
• Screen new business submissions for assigned underwriter(s) and create file documentation in all appropriate systems for new accounts using information provided in applications.
• Provides a comprehensive analysis and underwriting recommendation to the Underwriter when decisions are beyond assigned authority.
• Provides clear direction to Support Staff for policy changes, renewals and quote entry.
• Works as a liaison between partner departments to resolve issues that may arise at a policy level (billing, collections, premium audit, risk control etc.).
• Independently seeks agency engagement to obtain missing information or clarify policy needs.
• Fosters a collaborative working relationship with assigned underwriters to partner in achieving KPI metrics.
• Identifies risks that require reinsurance and risk control services.
• Actively assists with the review and analysis of the portfolio to ensure progress toward key business objectives.

Qualifications: 

Education: 

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred but not required

Certifications/Designations: 

• Completion of or working towards CIC or AU.

Experience: 

• 3 years of commercial property and casualty insurance experience preferred.

Knowledge, skills & abilities: 

• Knowledge of coverage forms & endorsement used in policy construction.
• Efficiently utilize internal tools, resources, and administrative systems (Risk Selection & Line of Business Manual, Reference Connect, Guidewire, LC360, etc.) for effective decision making.
• Stay current on underwriting strategy, regulations & trends for assigned territory to make effective underwriting decisions. 
• Be solution oriented. Take ownership of successful outcomes. 
• Strong commitment to quality.  
• Strong time management skills with the ability to meet deadlines and effective dates.
• Display adaptability & flexibility to meet customer needs.
• Ability to establish a high degree of trust for internal and external customers.
• Demonstrate ability to apply knowledge to solve issues proactively and think analytically.

Disclaimer: 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Additional tasks and requirements may be assigned, as necessitated by business need. UFG retains the right to modify the description of this job at any time.