Assistant Underwriter
Description
Company Details
2025 Business Insurance Best Places to Work winner, Berkley Southwest offers commercial property and casualty products and services through independent agents in Arizona, Arkansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. We maintain a strong local presence in each of our markets, keeping underwriting and support close to the customer.
Now more than ever, financial strength is critical to a successful, long term insurance relationship. Berkley Southwest is a member company of W. R. Berkley Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, whose insurance company subsidiaries are rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best. #LI-LD1 #LI-HYBRID
The company is an equal opportunity employer.
Responsibilities
Contributes to Company financial objectives in partnership with their Underwriting and Sales account teams. Responsibilities include monitoring renewal pipeline, underwriting renewal business, and processing endorsements within established authority and in consideration of risk, appetite, and pricing guidelines.
Key Functions/Duties of Position: Describe the overall job responsibilities (including any decision-making authority) for this position.
- Performs underwriting analysis on low complexity renewal accounts and endorsements within assigned authority by evaluating exposures, financial stability, historical loss data, and potential hazards. Refers renewals outside of authority to the Underwriter or Manager.
- Applies recommended pricing to underwritten accounts and discusses significant rate changes with the Underwriter and Regional Sales Director to determine the best approach for agent communication.
- Completes cursory review of new business submissions for acceptability when requested. Gathers key underwriting reports and required information to support risk evaluation.
- Serves as the account team’s first point of contact with agents regarding missing information, service issues, billing questions, and general inquiries.
- Orders and reviews loss control reports based on underwriting guidelines or Underwriter request. Follows up on open recommendations.
- Completes required regulatory and internal filings accurately and timely.
- Reviews premium audit changes and requests updates to exposures as directed.
- Evaluates incoming account correspondence and determines appropriate action—autonomously within authority or by referral to Underwriter or leadership.
- Establishes and maintains regular communication channels with underwriting, sales, and support teams. Stays informed on relevant account developments and industry trends.
- Participates in process improvement initiatives, including automation and data integration efforts, to enhance underwriting efficiency and accuracy.
- Assists in onboarding and training of new team members.
- Communicates and interacts with agents in a professional and responsive manner.
- Other duties and projects as assigned.
Education Requirement
- Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
- Commercial rating experience or experience in underwriting role preferred.
- Advanced insurance education is desired, such as Associate in General Insurance, Kaplan Insurance courses, CPCU etc.
Qualifications
- Verbal and written communication skills are necessary to interact professionally with all internal and external contacts. Ability to articulate clearly, concisely, and deliver difficult messages thoughtfully.
- Solid organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities.
- Strong computer skills with knowledge of MS Excel and Word.
- Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
- Learning agility – willing and able to learn from experiences and new situations.
- Ability to project a warm and friendly manner in all business contacts and maintain a professional relationship with co-workers, agency contacts, and the general public.
- Aligns and practices our C.A.R.I.N.G. Values (Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, Integrity, Nurturing Growth, Generosity)