Personal Lines Underwriter

Who are we?

Western National Insurance Group is a private mutual insurance company with over 120 years of experience serving customers' property-and-casualty insurance needs in the Midwestern, Northwestern, and Southwestern United States. Known as “The Relationship Company®,” we define success as a measure of the relationships we’ve built over time. In everything that we do, we know that delivering a friendly and helpful interaction makes for a better experience for everyone involved. That’s the power of “nice”. At Western National, nice is something we work to bring to every person and organization with whom we partner and serve.

Does this opportunity interest you?

Western National is seeking a Personal Lines Underwriter to join our team!   The individual in this role will have the opportunity to evaluate and analyze new and renewal personal lines accounts, make decisions that adhere to the company’s underwriting criteria, and support organizational growth and profit objectives. The Personal Lines Underwriter will contribute to the achievement of personal lines objectives by building strong agency relationships, making timely and appropriate decisions, and providing excellent service to all customers. We are seeking a remote candidate ideally located in Mountain Standard Time or Alaskan Standard Time zones.

What are the responsibilities and opportunities for this role?

• Develops a personal lines book of business within assigned territory to meet organizational objectives for growth, retention, and profitability.
• Uses established practices, procedures, and authority level to modify, renew, and write new personal lines policies.
• Uses research and analysis to develop practical underwriting solutions that are consistent with organizational objectives.
• Evaluates risk characteristics and analyzes historic and potential account performance to make sound decisions.
• Understands personal lines products, coverages, and rating methodology.
• Builds and maintains strong agency relationships.
• Regularly communicates with the Personal Lines Department, other internal teams, and external parties through in-person meetings, phone calls, and emails.
• Identifies and analyzes accounts and makes sound underwriting decisions.
• Typically makes decisions independently.
• Makes decisions with efficiency, speed, and accuracy to meet department service standards.
• Executes policies and procedures within assigned authority level.
• Applies reasoned knowledge and judgment to help solve problems of various scope and complexity.
• Recommends solutions to Portfolio Underwriter or Underwriting Manager for risks that fall outside of their authority level.
• Consults with Underwriting Assistant on unfamiliar tasks, processes, and changes.
• Consistently acts according to our customer experience standards, including responding quickly, maintaining a positive attitude, building rapport, demonstrating empathy, managing the customer’s expectations, using the proper communication channel for the situation, and taking ownership to ensure the customer’s issue is resolved. 
• Performs special projects and other duties as assigned.

What are the must-have qualifications for a candidate?

• Strong understanding of industry practices, standards, and underwriting concepts.
• Ability to multitask and solve problems.
• Proficient oral and written communication skills.
• Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Analytical with the ability to exercise sound business judgment.
• Time management skills.

What will our ideal candidate have?

• They would be located in Mountain Standard Time or Alaskan Standard Time zones.
• Working toward CPCU, AU, or CIC certification.
• Intermediate knowledge of Word and Excel.
• Proficient use of various core systems, office and computer equipment, and software packages.
• Bachelor’s degree in insurance or related field; experience in lieu of degree acceptable.

Compensation overview

The full hiring range for this role is $56,800 - $85,200 annually. However, the base pay offered may vary depending on the job-related knowledge, skills, credentials, and experience of each candidate as well as other factors such as the scope and location of the role. Candidates looking for compensation outside of the posted range are encouraged to apply and will be considered based on their individual qualifications and / or may be considered for other positions.

Culture and Total Rewards

Western National has long been known as “The Relationship Company®” and caring for our employees is part of that relationship commitment. We value connectiveness, empowerment, and accountability, and we believe that our employees are our biggest asset. 

Currently ranked as the 41st largest private company by revenue in Minnesota (Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal), Western National has earned accolades year-over-year as an employer of choice and garnered multiple awards for wellness in the workplace. Western National has also been named a Top Workplace by the Star Tribune for the past four consecutive years. In addition, the Group is consistently recognized as a Ward’s 50 property-and-casualty insurance company for its outstanding financial results.

Western National offers full-time employees a significant Total Rewards Package, including:

· Medical insurance plan options and other standard employee benefits, including dental insurance, vision benefits, life insurance, disability insurance, and more!

• Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(k) Plan (participants are eligible for 100% matching on the first 6% of their contributions)
• Wellbeing Program, including onsite fitness studio
• Paid Time Off – including holiday, vacation, and volunteer
• 100% company-paid tuition reimbursement for approved job-relevant coursework and access to The Institutes (Risk and insurance education)
• Paid parental leave
• Bonus opportunities

Western National believes in supporting balance between work and life by providing a flexible work environment, which includes a variety of hybrid and remote work arrangements designed to balance individual, job, department, and company needs. 

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Western National provides employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.