Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
OperationsManager
Valerie Mahar

Valerie Mahar

Baytown,TX

Summary

Dynamic underwriting professional with a strong background in improving underwriting processes and documentation. Recognized for streamlining workflows and enhancing accuracy in client files, significantly boosting team efficiency and overall success. Possesses exceptional collaboration skills, adaptability, and reliability, complemented by strong proficiency in data analysis and risk assessment. Committed to delivering high-quality results that support organizational objectives and drive growth.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience
2
2

Certifications

Work History

Customer Experience Specialist/Underwriting Support Specialist

Swyfft
04.2024 - Current
  • Processing of various customer support and underwriting endorsements, cancellations and/or reinstatements.
  • Communicate effectively with brokers & insured's via email, chat and phone in a high volume, fast-paced environment
  • Coordinate with other departments, as needed to form resolutions to ensure client satisfaction and compliance
  • Mentored junior team members on best practices in underwriting support and documentation management.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on industry trends and best practices for underwriting.
  • Organized relevant documentation for efficient access by the underwriting team during decision-making processes.
  • Ensured timely completion of underwriting tasks by effectively managing workload and meeting strict deadlines.
  • Analyzed underwriting submissions to ensure compliance with company guidelines and regulatory requirements.
  • Assisted underwriters in preparing documentation for risk assessments and policy evaluations.

Personal Lines Retention Specialist

TWFG Insurance Services - Brian Johnson
09.2022 - 12.2023
  • Analyze policy to enhance retention and better meet the needs of the consumer. Counsel the policyholder concerning appropriate coverage, policy limits, payment options and state laws that will best meet their needs for sufficient protection against risks covered by Property and Casualty insurance.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline communication processes.
  • Analyzed customer feedback to identify trends and implement improvements.
  • Developed retention strategies to enhance customer loyalty and satisfaction.
  • Conducted regular follow-ups with clients to ensure ongoing satisfaction and support.
  • Facilitated culture of continuous improvement by regularly reviewing retention strategies and metrics with team.

Personal Lines Account Manager

TWFG Insurance Services - Chris Jenkins
01.2021 - 08.2022
  • Responsible for servicing and maintaining an existing book of business - involving significant phone work and excellent phone etiquette as well as solid interpersonal skills.
  • Developed comprehensive insurance solutions tailored to clients' needs and risk profiles.
  • Conducted regular policy reviews to identify coverage gaps and recommend enhancements.
  • Collaborated with underwriters to assess risk factors and determine appropriate coverage options.
  • Process policy changes, renewals, and other requests.
  • Quote & bind policy renewals as well as new business.
  • Maintain exceptional customer relationships clients and agents.
  • Stay current on carrier appetites and product availability.
  • Managed personal lines accounts, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and company policies.
  • Provided exceptional customer service by addressing inquiries and resolving issues promptly.

Personal Lines Customer Care Specialist

Patra Corp
06.2020 - 01.2021
  • Provide accurate and timely quoting and issuance of insurance policies for customers
  • Inform, educate, and make suggestions to customer / prospects about policy coverage, changes, exclusions, and insurance coverage needs
  • Solve problems quickly and effectively and implement solutions to meet the needs of customer / prospect
  • Forge relationships & build rapport with customer and/or prospects
  • Proactively research and have detailed knowledge of current market conditions
  • Maintain knowledge and understanding of technology-based tools and solutions in support of personal lines business
  • Use analytical and critical thinking in work processes and communication skills
  • Maintain a paperless workflow
  • Maintain knowledge of various states insurance guidelines.
  • Identify and communicate to team leads any areas where efficiencies can be improved as well as various other elements of the department such as increasing revenue.

Office Manager

BROCK INSURANCE GROUP, LLC
12.2016 - 01.2020
  • Streamlined office operations by implementing efficient scheduling and resource allocation strategies.
  • Coordinated staff training programs, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.
  • Ensured compliance with organizational policies and industry regulations through regular audits and assessments.
  • Management of staff personnel and daily operations of a retail insurance agency including but not limited to all agency licensing and contracts
  • Custody of payroll duties for office employees; management of daily work schedules
  • Manage insurance carrier accounts for the agency - policy activity, billing, and payment of accounts
  • Oversee agency monthly sales records and goals
  • Write insurance policies for customers; account management of policies
  • In-depth knowledge of multiline insurance prospecting and sales

Licensed Insurance Agent

State Farm
04.2014 - 11.2015
  • Conducted comprehensive needs assessments to recommend appropriate insurance products tailored to client requirements.
  • Streamlined application processes, improving efficiency in documentation submission and approval timelines.
  • Mentored junior agents on sales techniques and compliance protocols, fostering a knowledgeable team environment.
  • Analyzed market trends to identify opportunities for new insurance products or enhancements to existing offerings.
  • Collaborated with underwriters to negotiate terms and secure favorable policy conditions for clients.
  • Implemented strategic outreach initiatives to expand client base, resulting in increased sales opportunities and growth.
  • Developed and maintained strong client relationships to ensure ongoing policy renewals and satisfaction.

Licensed Insurance Agent

Ball Insurance Agency
01.2013 - 01.2014
  • Sales and service of insurance policies represented in 31 states. Vehicle polices written through companies such as Foremost, Progressive, Assurant (American Reliable), Dairyland, Pacific Specialties, American Modern, Safeco, and Infiniti.
  • Advise and communicate with customers regarding purchasing and maintaining their policies
  • General policy sales and service
  • Office administrative duties as required

Licensed Insurance Agent

State Farm
06.2011 - 01.2013
  • Interaction with prospective and current customers regarding all aspects of their insurance needs.
  • Obtained licenses to write Property & Casualty and Life & Health insurance policies
  • Provide customized fit-for-purpose insurance programs for clients
  • Policy sales and service
  • Developed marketing strategy for effective competitive strategy in the local industry
  • Accounting and administrative duties
  • Resolved customer inquiries through effective communication and problem-solving techniques.
  • Streamlined claims processing by implementing efficient workflows and utilizing insurance software systems.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Food, Nutrition And Dietetics

Stephen F. Austin State University
Nacogdoches, TX
01.2007

Associate of Baccalaureate Studies -

Angelina College
Lufkin, TX
01-2005

Skills

  • Industry trend tracking
  • Experience with CRM applications
  • Client engagement
  • Data organization
  • Collaborative teamwork
  • Call center management
  • Quality assurance
  • Conflict resolution
  • In-depth product knowledge
  • Client account management
  • Employee training development
  • Regulatory adherence

Certification

  • AINS designation, The Institutes - (In Progress)
  • General Lines Agent : Property & Casualty; Life & Health, Texas Department of Insurance - (12/2011)

Timeline

Customer Experience Specialist/Underwriting Support Specialist

Swyfft
04.2024 - Current

Personal Lines Retention Specialist

TWFG Insurance Services - Brian Johnson
09.2022 - 12.2023

Personal Lines Account Manager

TWFG Insurance Services - Chris Jenkins
01.2021 - 08.2022

Personal Lines Customer Care Specialist

Patra Corp
06.2020 - 01.2021

Office Manager

BROCK INSURANCE GROUP, LLC
12.2016 - 01.2020

Licensed Insurance Agent

State Farm
04.2014 - 11.2015

Licensed Insurance Agent

Ball Insurance Agency
01.2013 - 01.2014

Licensed Insurance Agent

State Farm
06.2011 - 01.2013

Bachelor of Science - Food, Nutrition And Dietetics

Stephen F. Austin State University

Associate of Baccalaureate Studies -

Angelina College