PL - IA 01/01/2013 Rates and Manuals - Western National Insurance ...
PL - IA 01/01/2013 Rates and Manuals - Western National Insurance ...
PL - IA 01/01/2013 Rates and Manuals - Western National Insurance ...
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<strong>Western</strong> <strong>National</strong> <strong>Insurance</strong> GroupPersonal Lines UnderwritingUnderwriting, as the general definition goes, is the function of securing <strong>and</strong> evaluating information<strong>and</strong> making the decision to accept or reject the submitted risk. It requires knowledge, experience,<strong>and</strong> the ability to be creative. Underwriting is more art than science. It is extremely difficult topinpoint the precise rules which will determine the acceptability of a particular risk. The underwriterwill approach each risk with curiosity, skepticism, thoroughness, perception, discernment, judgment<strong>and</strong> diplomacy.<strong>Western</strong> <strong>National</strong> utilizes the team underwriting approach. Each underwriting team will deal with ablock of agents in an effort to provide more personalized service <strong>and</strong> develop strong workingrelationships. It is our hope that the underwriting team will be able to get out <strong>and</strong> visit with each <strong>and</strong>every one of the agencies that they deal with on a scheduled basis. If the agent desires a visit bytheir team, all reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate the request.One procedure that may be of interest to the agency force is how the underwriters h<strong>and</strong>le anapplication that is unacceptable to <strong>Western</strong> <strong>National</strong>. We are continually striving to improve theturn-around time on an application. Should an application be unacceptable or not fit into <strong>Western</strong><strong>National</strong>'s programs, the underwriter making the decision will place a phone call to the agency <strong>and</strong>will go over the reasons for the declination. The conversation will be confirmed via a memo whereeither a cancellation will result or a change is made other than that which was requested on theapplication. A notice of cancellation or the issuance of the policy with the changes will follow thememo.This booklet is in addition to the rules incorporated in the various Personal Lines manuals <strong>and</strong>includes some general underwriting information regarding areas of concern that have come up withthe submission of risks to <strong>Western</strong> <strong>National</strong>. Again, this is general information <strong>and</strong> is by no means"hard <strong>and</strong> fast" or "set in concrete". Should a risk have unusual circumstances making it better thanthe average risk, please discuss the risk in detail with the appropriate underwriter.We are in the business of writing insurance <strong>and</strong> will look for ways to write the risk as a rejectioncreates extra work for everyone.Mutual Underwriting Information – October 2<strong>01</strong>2 Page 3
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