Personal Lines Underwriter

Personal Lines Underwriter

To be responsible for assessing, evaluating, and managing risk across a range of short-term insurance products in the personal lines industry. Working closely with insurers and clients by balancing client needs, underwriting appetite, profitability, and compliance requirements.

This role plays a key part in delivering exceptional client service, securing competitive terms, and supporting business growth through sound underwriting decisions and effective insurer relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess and evaluate new business, renewals, and policy amendments in line with insurer underwriting guidelines.
• Obtain and negotiate quotations, terms, conditions, and premiums from insurer partners.
• Review underwriting information, claims history, risk surveys, and supporting documentation to determine insurability.
• Liaise with insurers and clients to facilitate underwriting decisions.
• Ensure policies are accurately quoted, underwritten, and issued within agreed service level standards.
• Identify potential coverage gaps and recommend risk management solutions.
• Monitor underwriting trends, insurer appetite changes, and market developments to provide informed recommendations.
• Support the retention and growth of the brokerage's client portfolio through effective underwriting and risk management practices.
• Maintain compliance with FAIS, FICA, POPIA, insurer mandates, and internal company procedures.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with insurer underwriting teams and business partners.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong understanding of short-term insurance products and underwriting principles.
• Strong negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Excellent communication and client service orientation.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Proficient in insurance administration and broker management systems

Qualifications and Experience

• Matric essential
• RE5

Relevant qualification in Insurance

• FAIS-compliant with the relevant short-term insurance regulatory requirements.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in personal lines short-term insurance underwriting within a brokerage, UMA, or insurer environment.
• Strong knowledge of insurer products, policy wordings, and underwriting guidelines.

Key Performance Areas (KPAs)

• Policy Accuracy and Compliance
• Turnaround Time Management
• Insurer Relationship Management
• Client Satisfaction and Retention
• Risk Assessment Quality
• Premium Growth and Profitability
• Regulatory Compliance and Audit Readiness

Purpose of the Role

To support the brokerage's growth and client retention objectives by providing underwriting, risk assessment, and insurer negotiation services, ensuring clients receive appropriate cover, competitive pricing, and exceptional service while maintaining sound underwriting and compliance standards

Work Location: In person