Steven H. Looft
Chicago,IL
Summary
Senior property underwriter managing a $25 million property portfolio with expertise in underwriting complex risks and negotiating advantageous terms. Proven track record of fostering strong carrier relationships and advocating for successful claims, leading to profitable portfolio growth and improved client retention.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Underwriter – Large Property
The Hartford
Chicago, USA
09.2021 - Current
- Grew and currently maintain a $25 million property book of business, focusing on large and complex commercial risks.
- Underwrite high-value property accounts with emphasis on capacity deployment, pricing adequacy, risk selection, and reinsurance coordination.
- Analyzed and mitigated large loss exposures through detailed risk engineering reviews, property valuations, and Cat modeling, enhancing risk assessment accuracy.
- Negotiated policy terms, pricing, and coverage enhancements with brokers and insureds, driving profitable growth and ensuring strong retention.
- Collaborated with internal underwriting, actuarial, and claims teams to monitor portfolio performance and implement corrective actions, improving overall portfolio risk management.
- Maintain and expand relationships with key wholesale and retail brokers to generate high-quality new business submissions.
Property Broker / Underwriter
Burns & Wilcox
Chicago, USA
10.2012 - Current
- Granted full underwriting authority up to $15 million in property values via exclusive Lloyd’s pen; additionally hold authority on five binding contracts.
- Coordinated placement and underwriting of large middle-market commercial property accounts across multiple carriers and surplus lines markets to ensure optimal coverage.
- Built and maintained a $10 million annual book of property business through proactive marketing and underwriting.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with carrier underwriters, securing competitive terms and underwriting capacity.
- Conduct risk analysis, inspection reviews, and quality assurance on submissions to ensure profitable underwriting decisions.
- Managed claims advocacy for clients, collaborating with attorneys and TPA resources to facilitate effective resolutions.
- Regularly attend underwriting conferences and industry seminars to stay current on market trends and emerging risks.
Commercial Insurance Producer
Cottingham & Butler
Dubuque, USA
06.2011 - 10.2012
- Generated 2–3 new business appointments weekly with C-level executives, resulting in consistent pipeline growth.
- Conducted risk management assessments and insurance program evaluations for middle-market commercial clients to identify coverage needs and optimize insurance solutions.
- Created and implemented tailored property and casualty insurance programs, incorporating captive and alternative risk transfer solutions to address client-specific risks.
- Established and nurtured relationships with insurers and clients, ensuring effective account service and advocacy throughout the claims process.
Education
B.B.A. - Finance, Risk Management and Insurance
The University of Iowa – Tippie College of Business
Iowa City, IA05-2011
Skills
- Property underwriting
- Risk analysis
- Catastrophe modeling
- Reinsurance coordination
- Loss control
- Policy negotiation
- Risk Engineering
Professional Designations
- CPCU — Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter
- AAI — Accredited Adviser in Insurance
- ASLI — Associate in Surplus Lines Insurance
Timeline
Senior Underwriter – Large Property
The Hartford
09.2021 - Current
Property Broker / Underwriter
Burns & Wilcox
10.2012 - Current
Commercial Insurance Producer
Cottingham & Butler
06.2011 - 10.2012
B.B.A. - Finance, Risk Management and Insurance
The University of Iowa – Tippie College of Business