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Karen Montana
Thomaston
Summary
Commercial Lines Underwriter with over 25 years in insurance, specializing in underwriting complex accounts with delegated authority. Expertise in risk assessment, claims analysis, and managing high-volume renewal portfolios ensures alignment with profitability and carrier guidelines.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Commercial Underwriter (Delegated Carrier Authority)
Paragon Insurance Holdings
Avon
01.2023 - Current
- Underwrite commercial insurance accounts under delegated carrier underwriting authority for multiple insurance carriers.
- Evaluate, price, quote, and bind new and renewal business within delegated authority.
- Managed high-volume renewal portfolio, independently underwriting larger and more complex commercial accounts to ensure alignment with risk appetite.
- Analyzed applications, operational exposures, inspections, financial information, claims history, and supporting documentation to inform underwriting decisions.
- Perform claims analysis by evaluating claim frequency, severity, loss trends, and loss ratios to assess profitability and renewal eligibility.
- Communicate underwriting decisions, pricing, and coverage recommendations with retail agents and brokers.
- Determined level of acceptable risk by reviewing applications for coverage and loss control reports.
- Oversaw operations of managing general agency to ensure efficient insurance underwriting processes.
Senior Assistant Underwriter
Paragon Insurance Holdings
Avon
07.2021 - 01.2023
- Reviewed submissions for completeness and compliance, ensuring alignment with underwriting guidelines.
- Supported commercial underwriters with new business and renewal underwriting.
- Collaborated with agents to gather necessary documentation for underwriting decisions.
- Assisted in developing new underwriting processes, enhancing accuracy and streamlining workflows.
- Coordinated policy issuance, endorsements, and account servicing, facilitating timely delivery to clients.
- Maintained accurate records of underwriting files and documentation.
- Provided guidance and support to junior team members on complex cases or difficult scenarios encountered during the underwriting process.
- Conducted training sessions for new team members on processes and responsibilities.
- Facilitated training sessions on changes in existing programs or services to ensure staff awareness.
UA Operations Team Lead/Assistant Underwriter
Paragon Insurance Holdings
Avon
06.2016 - 07.2021
- Led daily operations for efficient policy processing and customer service.
- Facilitated underwriters' work by providing necessary documentation and insights. in reviewing and analyzing insurance applications for accuracy and completeness.
- Collaborated with underwriters to gather necessary documentation for policy issuance.
- Supported commercial underwriting operations, endorsements, renewals, and policy servicing.
- Trained team members on compliance with industry regulations and best practices.
- Conducted training sessions for new hires on operational processes and for current employees on updates.
- Scheduled resources to enhance team efficiency and meet operational demands.
- Led regular meetings to assess project progress and address team concerns.
- Managed a portfolio of projects from conception through completion ensuring timely delivery within budget constraints.
- Developed strong relationships with both internal customers as well as external customers.
Underwriter
Middle Oak Insurance Company
Middletown
01.2005 - 02.2016
- Underwrite Personal Auto, Homeowners, Umbrella, High-Value Homes, and Historic Homes.
- Evaluated insurance applications for risk and coverage suitability.
- Evaluated new and renewal business for eligibility, pricing, and profitability, ensuring alignment with underwriting standards.
- Reviewed claims for compliance with underwriting guidelines.
- Reviewed inspections and implemented loss control recommendations to mitigate potential risks.
- Collaborated with agents to clarify policy details and requirements, enhancing communication and understanding.
- Approved endorsements and led policy conversion and book transfer initiatives.
- Developed risk assessment reports for management review.
New Business Specialist
Middle Oak Insurance Company
Middletown
01.2001 - 01.2005
- Reviewed new business applications and underwritten documentation to ensure compliance and accuracy.
- Utilized various software and tools to streamline processes and optimize performance.
- Processed endorsements, billing changes, cancellations, and inspections to facilitate timely service delivery.
- Trained staff and improved workflow efficiency.
- Supported and guided colleagues to foster a collaborative work environment.
Education
General Studies -
Central CT State University
New Britain, CTAINS and API Designations -
The Institutes
Skills
- Underwriting Guidelines
- Policy Management Software
- Risk Assessment Tools
- Risk Evaluation
- Risk Assessment Metrics
- Property Risk Analysis
- Geospatial Risk Analysis
- Claims Processing
- Data Analytics
- Property Valuation Models
- Underwriting Guidelines
Timeline
Commercial Underwriter (Delegated Carrier Authority)
Paragon Insurance Holdings
01.2023 - Current
Senior Assistant Underwriter
Paragon Insurance Holdings
07.2021 - 01.2023
UA Operations Team Lead/Assistant Underwriter
Paragon Insurance Holdings
06.2016 - 07.2021
Underwriter
Middle Oak Insurance Company
01.2005 - 02.2016
New Business Specialist
Middle Oak Insurance Company
01.2001 - 01.2005
General Studies -
Central CT State University
AINS and API Designations -
The Institutes