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.

 

This role will be based in one of our three offices:

• Irving, TX 
• San Antonio, TX
• Little Rock, AR

We offer a hybrid work schedule with 4 days in the office; and 1 day remote where it makes sense to do so.

 

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.   

 

As an Assistant Underwriter, you will contribute to Company financial objectives in partnership with their Underwriting and Sales account teams. In this role, you will be responsible for monitoring renewal pipeline, underwriting renewal business, and processing endorsements within established authority and in consideration of risk, appetite, and pricing guidelines.

 

What you can expect:

• Culture of innovation, teamwork, supportive colleagues and leaders willing to invest in talent
• Internal mobility opportunities 
• Visibility to senior leaders and partnership with cross functional teams
• Opportunity to impact change
• Benefits – competitive compensation, paid time off, comprehensive wellness benefits and programs, employer funded health savings account, profit sharing, 401k, paid parental leave, employee stock purchase plan, tuition assistance and professional continuing education

We'll count on you to:

• Perform underwriting analysis on low complexity renewal  accounts within authority by analyzing exposures, financial stability, historical loss data, and potential hazards. Refer renewals outside of assigned authority to Manager or Underwriter. Apply recommended pricing to underwritten accounts and discusses significant rate changes with the Underwriter and Regional Sales Director to determine the best approach for communication with the agent.  
• Complete cursory of new business for acceptability, gather key underwriting reports and required information.
• Serve as account team first point of contact with agent concerning missing information, service issues, billing questions, etc.
• Review incoming account endorsement requests for acceptability. Approve endorsements for processing within assigned authority levels. Refer endorsements outside of authority or those with unique exposures to appropriate authority level.
• Order loss control reports as required based upon underwriting guidelines or upon the request of the Underwriter. Review and advise the Underwriter of any discrepancies so that appropriate endorsements can be applied. Review loss control reports for risks and follows up on open recommendations. 
• Approve or reject new business rules, as provided by assigned authority.
• Complete required filings.
• Review premium audit changes and request updates to exposures, as directed.
• Evaluate incoming account correspondence.  Based on the data presented, the AU will work autonomously to decide within assigned authority level, refer to underwriter or leadership when needed. 
• Communicate and interact with agents in a professional manner, be the first point of contact on missing information, service issues, billing questions, etc.
• Establish and maintain regular communication channels with all teams, stay updated on relevant account developments and industry trends. 
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent combination of education and 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.
• Verbal and written communication skills 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)

We do not accept any unsolicited resumes from external recruiting agencies or firms.

The company offers a competitive compensation plan and robust benefits package for full time regular employees.

The actual salary for this position will be determined by a number of factors, including the scope, complexity and location of the role; the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; and other conditions of employment.

Sponsorship not Offered for this Role