Underwriting Assistant - Primary Casualty

POSITION SUMMARY

The Underwriting Assistant – Primary Casualty ("PUA") provides crucial operational support for underwriting teams in their evaluation and completion of primary casualty account underwriting. The PUA assists underwriters in gathering underwriting information, preparing policy issuance documentation and ensuring compliance with IFG Companies' guidelines and regulatory requirements. The role requires proficient analytical skills and the ability to work in a demanding environment while ensuring accuracy, attention to detail and thoroughness.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDING

• Assisting with general underwriting activities by obtaining appropriate information (e.g., loss runs, subjectivities, supplemental applications) from producers (i.e., agents and brokers) and other sources to support rapid and efficient underwriting decisions.
• Binding, booking and issuing new and renewal policies and endorsements in a timely and complete manner under the direction of underwriters.
• Confirming the pricing and terms of binder and policy documents are consistent with quoted terms and conditions.
• Ensuring appropriate endorsements are applied to policies, as directed by underwriters and consistent with IFG Companies' guidelines.
• Completing the following renewal preparation tasks to assist underwriters with efficient decision-making:

• Reviewing lists of upcoming renewals at least 120 days in advance of policy expiration.
• Working with underwriters in soliciting renewal submissions from producers and issuing appropriate types of conditional/non-renewal notices.
• Updating renewal files to include information from prior-period policies including prior-period endorsements, subjectivities, underwriting referrals and approvals.
• Verifying draft coverage forms to be consistent with expiring coverage forms.
• Updating renewal underwriting files for links and other pertinent information from an insured's website including its description of operations and other information relevant to insured risk assessment.
• Including updated exposures in renewal files for underwriting review.
• Proactively following up with the producers for missing information.

• Achieving or exceeding service standards for endorsement and cancellation requests, while achieving quality standards associated with PUA tasks and processes.
• Responding to internal and producer inquiries in a timely manner.
• Obtaining and entering loss history information and making inquiries for clarification.
• Organizing and maintaining policy files in accordance with IFG Companies' guidelines.
• Reviewing files, records and other documents to identify potential discrepancies and/or missing information to be brought to the attention of underwriters.
• Developing and maintaining good working relationships with counterparts at producer offices.
• Performing research and analyzing data.
• Continuing to increase knowledge of insurance and underwriting through formal education and on-the-job learning opportunities.
• Other duties, as required.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Basic knowledge of the underwriting process, casualty coverage and required forms/endorsements.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, together with solid written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent computer skills (e.g., Excel, Word, SharePoint) and the ability and the willingness to learn new skills/systems and demonstrate high accuracy output.
• Strong problem solving, reasoning and decision-making skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• The ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks while meeting established deadlines and quality standards.
• Sound planning and organizational skills.
• Proven team player, with an enthusiastic and positive personality.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/CERTIFICATIONS

• Required: Bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college/university or equivalent work experience in the casualty insurance industry.
• Preferred: Minimum of 2-5 years' experience in a U.S. commercial casualty insurance company or equivalent experience.
• Preferred: Previous experience in primary casualty coverages.
• A plus: Insurance Certification: INS 21, 22, 23 or relevant insurance coursework and/or insurance related designations such as CPCU.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Physical demands are considered to be that of a climate-controlled office environment, with minimal physical exertion.
• Position is hybrid and requires the ability and the willingness to work in an IFG Companies' Office at least three (3) days per week.
• Position requires prolonged sitting, extensive utilization of computers and interactions with others in person and via phone.

BENEFITS

• IFG Companies offers competitive compensation and benefits, including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), flexible spending, short-term and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, long-term care, paid parental leave, vacation and other paid time off.