Position Objective
The Personal Lines Underwriter III serves as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) and primary resource for underwriting-related inquiries and escalations within the department. This role is proficient in all personal lines underwriting functions, exercises the highest level of underwriting authority, and acts as a go-to expert for team members, leadership, agents, and internal partners. The Underwriter III is responsible for handling inbound calls, chats, and task assignments, assisting agents and team members with complex policy questions, bind requests, endorsements, and risk evaluations. This role also provides mentorship and guidance to junior and mid-level underwriters, supports leadership with high-value or complex risks, and contributes to process improvements and departmental excellence. By combining advanced underwriting expertise with direct communication and workflow support, the Underwriter III ensures accuracy, compliance, and superior service for both agents and internal teams.
Position Summary
Advanced Policy Underwriting & Risk40%
- Independently review, analyze, and underwrite complex personal lines applications, inspections, and endorsements.
- Make high-level risk selection, pricing, and coverage decisions on complex, high-value, or unusual policies.
- Evaluate borderline or high-risk exposures and provide recommendations to leadership when appropriate.
- Ensure compliance with company, carrier, and regulatory underwriting standards.
- Maintain proficiency in all personal lines underwriting functions and continuously expand knowledge of advanced underwriting practices.
Agent/Client Support via Phones, Chats, and Tasks30%
- Serve as the department SME for personal lines policies and underwriting practices.
- Respond to agent and client inquiries via phone, chat, and task systems regarding policy forms, coverage, bind requests, endorsements, cancellations, and other transactions.
- Handle escalated or complex inquiries professionally and efficiently.
- Maintain strong agent relationships and provide guidance on policy submissions.
Process Improvement & Compliance15%
- Identify opportunities to enhance underwriting processes, systems, and workflows.
- Participate in audits, compliance reviews, and quality improvement initiatives.
- Ensure departmental adherence to internal policies, carrier guidelines, and regulatory requirements.
Professional Development & Leadership15%
- Mentor and coach junior and mid-level underwriters, promoting knowledge transfer and best practices.
- Stay current with industry trends, regulatory changes, and advanced underwriting practices.
- Contribute to departmental training, policy updates, and cross-functional projects.
- Serve as a role model for underwriting excellence, collaboration, and customer service.
Education
- Bachelors degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management, Insurance, or related field preferred.
Work Experience
- Seven (7) or more years of personal lines underwriting experience, including homeowners and other lines; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- In-depth knowledge of insurance statutes, regulations, and policies.
Knowledge, Skill and Abilities
- Advanced knowledge of Property/Casualty insurance underwriting principles and personal lines policies.
- Strong analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills for complex or high-value risks.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to mentor, coach, and guide junior underwriters effectively.
- Exceptional organizational and time management skills; ability to manage multiple complex tasks.
- Strong customer service and conflict-resolution skills, including handling escalated agent or client inquiries professionally.
- Self-motivated, disciplined, and able to maintain productivity without direct supervision
- Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams) for documentation, reporting, and team collaboration
- Active 2-20 or 4-40 license or industry designation such as CPCU or CIC preferred.
Organizational Structure
Reports to: Supv, Client Experience
Working Conditions
- Position is fully remote; employee is expected to maintain a dedicated, distraction-free workspace.
- Employee is responsible for providing a reliable internet connection that meets minimum speed requirements.
- Use of a company-provided computer, headset, and other necessary equipment is required.
- Work schedule may include standard business hours; flexibility may be required to meet peak call/chat volumes.
- Ability to manage multiple communication channels (calls, chats, task systems) efficiently from home.
- Must adhere to data security and confidentiality standards while handling sensitive client and policy information.
- Occasional participation in virtual team meetings, training sessions, and performance reviews.
- Must be self-motivated, organized, and able to maintain productivity without direct supervision.
The FOCUS Difference:
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Pet; Flexible Spending Account
Competitive Salaries
401K Match
Work-Life Balance: Personal Days, PTO Days, 12 Paid Holidays, Two Paid Days for Volunteer Service, Paid Parental Leave
Short and Long-Term Disability
Employee Support Programs, Including Mental Health
Tuition Reimbursement
Matching Charitable Gift Program
Lucrative Referral Program
Commuter Benefits
Flexibility: Remote and Hybrid Opportunities Available
This position is not able to be performed in California, Colorado, New York or Washington.
