Service Underwriter II

UFG is currently hiring for a Service Underwriter II who will be able to provide quality customer service to internal & external clients, underwrite new & existing business, and provide superior end-to-end service in the Service Center. A Service Underwriter II will have general expertise in underwriting profitability, production, agency relations, and customer service and leadership skills. The ideal candidate is someone who is self-motivated with strong multi-tasking ability.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Underwriting Profitability, Production, Agency Relations & Customer Service

- Make educated decisions on claims and risk controls

- After issuance of new policies, assist with onboarding insureds

- General to working knowledge of new business risk analysis

- Assist policyholders with policy changes, renewal instructions, drivers lists, certificates of insurance, cancellations, reinstatements, first loss reports, billing/claims/policy inquiries, replacement auto ID cards,
coverage questions, etc. both over the phone and through written correspondence.

- Enter accurate information onto the various computer systems from policyholder phone calls and written correspondence

- Review policy change requests, renewal instructions, MVRs, Experience Mods, loss experience, Loss Control reports and product brochures for risk acceptability. May consult management, other underwriters, websites, and Best Underwriting Guide

- Ask pertinent questions when a policyholder requests a policy change – midterm and renewal. Select critical information needed

- Utilizing negotiation and sales tactics knowledgably

- Utilize underwriting resources

- Work to de-escalate issues that are derived/perceived from our internal/external customers

- Use analytical tools provided to track customer interactions and provide agencys with detailed information of these interactions

- Work towards developing agency partnerships by having consistent communication and potential in-person visits

- Building communication with agency expectations

- Uses attributes including planning, persuasion, strategy and other tactics efficiently

Leadership Responsibilities

- Able to incorporate feedback and take direction well

- Communicates successes & opportunities for improvement

- Raises vital questions, issues, and recommends solutions where applicable

- Gathers appropriate resources to problem solve

- Plan & prioritizes daily activities

- Reviews team schedule to support business need

- Demonstrates solid judgment, competence, and knowledge critical to this role

- Demonstrates the ability to recognize the need for changes and positively support change efforts

- Promotes shared knowledge

- Work to de-escalate issues that are derived/perceived from internal/external customers by taking accountability and ownership

- Understands complex issues and initiates potential solutions

Job Specifications:

Education:

- Bachelors Degree preferred or equivalent work experience

- Preferred to have insurance coursework and/or designations

- Examples may include AINS, AU, CPCU

- Property & Casualty License required

Experience:

- 3+ years of relevant experience

- 3+ years of customer service experience

- Independent agency experience is a plus

Knowledge, skills & abilities:

- Solid expertise in MS Suite

- Working knowledge of:

Underwriting concepts

- Contract knowledge

- Negotiation skills

- Mentoring

- Professionally presented ideas, thoughts, explanations, and written communication

- Solid use of professional etiquette

- Analytical and detail oriented

- General knowledge of United Fire Group systems, rating & underwriting

- Be approachable and build a trusting environment to encourage team collaboration

- Deals effectively with others in both favorable and unfavorable situations regardless of status of position

- Accepts interpersonal and cultural diversity

Working Conditions:

- General office work environment not typically subject to adverse environmental factors. Requires extended computer usage,
extended periods of sitting and an expectation for phone coverage.