Underwriter Review

I am a commercial Underwriter, I work withing Agricultural insurance specialising in motor fleet. I am currently on the New Business team, this means that I look at new risks sent in to us by brokers and decide if they are risks we would like to put on our book and decide a premium for them.

Since doing my apprenticeship I have more confidence in making decisions in my day to day role. The knowledge i have learnt during my course has enabled me to have facts to back up my decisions and be able to justify them. It has also helped me get a promotion.

I wasnt a fan of my tutor during the programme she didnt offer support and would take a long time to come back to me and then would want work back the next day. I feel this made me not enjoy my programme as i was constantly stressed at last minute.

The programme was laid out well and i knew exactly what i would move on to next. Due to covid-19 my programme was delayed by 6 months, this meant as i was over the expected time and felt very rushed at some points over the course of the last few months

My employer help alot during my programme, if i need time off the phones to study or complete work they were very flexible and would allow me to do so. They were also supportive when it came to booking my exams and would let me take the time needed for the exam.

I did not get as much support I would of liked and my trainer was hard to get hold of and took along time to come back to emails or texts. Sometimes up to two weeks she would then need work back from me within 24 hours which wasn't always feasible

I found more confidence in my role and was able to justify decisions based on industry regulations and principles. I was able to have discussions with broker and colleagues and discuss the insurance principles as to why we may or may not do things, this helped show brokers i knew what i was talking about

Due to covid we are not able to meet up at work and are currently all working from home. We have an engagement team which I am part of but as of yet we are not able to organise any social events but as lockdown eases we will look to engage,

Yes

my managers have always supported me and have always pushed my development, they listen to what i want to achieve and do what they can to make it happen. They also always help you look to the future so you can set career goals

When applying to Direct Line, I would show any eagerness to learn, and progress. To always e yourself and be honest with the interview questions, if you do not know the answer highlight it as an area of development. Be open to any opportunities given to you and always showing willingness to learn