Associate Underwriter I

Company Details:
W. R. Berkley Corporation, founded in 1967, is one of the nation’s premier commercial lines property casualty insurance providers. Founded in 2004, Berkley Environmental has underwriting and account executive units in seven regions. Berkley Environmental offers an array of coverages for virtually all classes traditionally known to have environmental liability exposures on both an admitted and non-admitted basis. We provide a comprehensive portfolio of commercial property casualty insurance, automobile liability and workers’ compensation, along with claim services, providing expertise to meet the unique business needs of our customers. Responsibilities:

• We are hiring 5 -7 candidates to participate in our Associate Underwriter training program, anticipated to begin in June 2022.
• The associate program is a 12-month program.
• The expectation upon successful completion of the program is to be assigned as an entry level underwriter or entry level claims adjuster.
• Open to all office locations for underwriting (Boston, Jersey City, Philadelphia, Dallas, Chicago, Walnut Creek & Los Angles) and NJ or Texas for claims
• Candidates will be pre-selected for either a Claims Associate position or an Underwriting Associate position
• Each Associate will complete a rotation in our Underwriting and Claims Department with exposure to our other teams including Finance, Premium Audit, Sales and Marketing, among others.
• Associates works under direct supervision. As an associate, you will participate in a training program that will combine coursework and on-the- job training.
• Associates will actively learn about property, casualty and environmental products, underwriting and claims philosophies, strategies, processes and procedures
• Associates will establish relationships within the Company and industry and develop entry level sales and marketing skills.

All trainees will:

• Obtain a thorough understanding of the insurance industry
• Learn the property, casualty and environmental products underwritten by Berkley Environmental
• Learn the workflows, guidelines and processing steps within the business units
• Learn to interact and collaborate with colleagues within the business units
• Gain an understanding of key business unit strategies and how the strategies are incorporated in the overall corporate strategies
• Develop relationships with Home Office employees and leadership within the organization
• Learn insurance, medical, construction, environmental, and legal terminologies and concepts.
• Develop strong customer service skills

Our Underwriting Associates will:

• Learn to underwrite Berkley Environmental products (risk assessment, regulatory compliance, financial analysis and develop decision making skills)
• Assist in underwriting and pricing accounts in accordance with business strategies. Formulate and communicate recommendations based on learned underwriting skills
• Learn how to perform a financial analysis on the audited/reviewed financials or other financial information of insures using appropriate tools
• Create and solicit renewal applications from the broker after reviewing the expiring policy and loss information. Communicate with the broker what is needed for the renewal and any changes to the terms and conditions of the policy
• Underwrite endorsement requests from brokers and forward to the underwriting assistant to issue
• Develop marketing skills with our agents, brokers and clients
• Complete INS21, INS 22, & INS 23 courses

Our Claim Associates will:

• Develop claims handling skills including customer service and interpersonal business skills
• Develop claim negotiation strategies and reserving techniques
• Learn to conduct accurate and timely loss and coverage investigations on claims involving worker’s compensation, business auto, commercial liability and pollution/ professional liability policies
• Recognize and properly address coverage issues, potential fraud, and subrogation
• Attend mediations
• Obtain Texas adjuster license

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher (Prefer in Risk Management, Business, Finance or Environmental Sciences)
• Work for Berkley Environmental in their current position for a minimum of 6 months
• College degree or equivalent
• Demonstrated an interest in either claims and/or underwriting in their prior position
• If selected during the interview process, the current manager will be consulted prior to program acceptance
• Exhibit strong oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated an ability to learn on multiple technology platforms
• Be Detail oriented
• Demonstrate excellence in Customer Service
• Capable of working in a “paperless” work environment
• Proficient in Excel, Word, Spreadsheets, PowerPoint and email systems.
• Exhibit an ability to work independently & collaboratively, while handling multiple tasks in a dynamic fast paced environment
• Be self-reliant & motivated

Additional Company Details: The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. Additional Requirements: Must be fully vaccinated and remain fully vaccinated against COVID-19*, unless prohibited by law.