/Underwriting Manager/ Interview Questions
INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

Have you ever had to make a difficult decision on an insurance policy application? How did you handle it?

Underwriting Manager Interview Questions
Have you ever had to make a difficult decision on an insurance policy application? How did you handle it?

Sample answer to the question

Yes, I have had to make difficult decisions on insurance policy applications in the past. One specific instance that comes to mind is when I received an application for a high-risk individual who had a history of multiple car accidents and traffic violations. It was a challenging decision because the applicant had a high probability of filing a claim in the future. To handle it, I carefully reviewed the applicant's driving record, accident history, and prior claims. I also consulted with my team to gather their insights. Ultimately, I made the difficult decision to reject the application based on the potential risk it posed to our company. I communicated the decision to the applicant, providing a clear explanation of the reasons behind it and offered guidance on how they could improve their chances of approval in the future.

A more solid answer

Yes, I have faced several challenging decisions on insurance policy applications throughout my career. One particular situation that stands out is when I received an application from a high-profile client with a complicated medical history. The client had multiple pre-existing conditions and had undergone several major surgeries in the past. To evaluate the risk, I meticulously analyzed the medical records and consulted with medical professionals to determine the client's current health status and the likelihood of future claims. It was a difficult decision because declining the application would mean losing a potentially valuable customer, but approving it could lead to significant financial risk. Ultimately, I decided to approve the application with modified coverage terms that adequately balanced the risk for both parties. To handle this delicate situation, I scheduled a face-to-face meeting with the client to explain the modifications in detail, ensuring they understood the rationale behind the decision. I also provided personalized recommendations to improve their overall risk profile, such as adopting healthier lifestyle habits and regular medical check-ups.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides a more comprehensive response by elaborating on the risk assessment process and the decision-making involved. It includes specific details about analyzing medical records and consulting with medical professionals. The answer also improves on the communication aspect by mentioning a face-to-face meeting with the client to explain the decision and offer personalized recommendations. However, it can still be further enhanced by discussing the impact of the decision on the team and business goals.

An exceptional answer

Absolutely, I have encountered several complex scenarios while reviewing insurance policy applications in my previous role. One instance that comes to mind involved an applicant with a history of frequent claims and a high-risk occupation. To navigate this situation, I adopted a multi-faceted approach. First, I thoroughly analyzed the applicant's claims history to identify any patterns or recurring issues. Upon closer examination, I discovered that a significant portion of the claims stemmed from a specific incident that was no longer relevant. This allowed me to redefine the applicant's risk level accurately. Second, I collaborated closely with our claims department to gain insights into the applicant's past interactions and satisfaction with our company. By doing so, I gained a holistic understanding of the applicant's behavior and claims tendencies. Third, I engaged in proactive communication with the applicant, arranging a meeting to discuss their unique circumstances and address any concerns they had. This open dialogue fostered trust and enabled me to assess their commitment to mitigating future risks. Ultimately, armed with a comprehensive understanding of the applicant's profile and a dedication to personalized service, I made the decision to offer them coverage with a higher premium and adjust our policy terms to minimize potential risks. This approach not only safeguarded our company's interest but also demonstrated our commitment to providing flexible solutions to clients. Through this experience, I learned the importance of thorough analysis, collaboration across departments, and proactive communication when handling difficult insurance policy decisions.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer provides a detailed and comprehensive response to the question by outlining a multi-faceted approach to handling a difficult decision on an insurance policy application. It showcases the candidate's ability to analyze claims history, collaborate with relevant departments, and engage in proactive communication with the applicant. The answer also highlights the candidate's commitment to personalized service and risk mitigation. Overall, it demonstrates the candidate's strong capabilities in risk assessment, decision-making, communication, and strategic thinking, all of which align with the requirements of the Underwriting Manager role.

How to prepare for this question

  • Familiarize yourself with the company's underwriting policies and procedures, as well as relevant insurance laws and industry standards.
  • Reflect on past experiences where you had to make difficult decisions in similar contexts and analyze the outcomes.
  • Develop strong analytical and risk assessment skills by staying updated on industry trends and participating in relevant training or courses.
  • Enhance your ability to communicate complex decisions effectively by practicing clear and concise explanations.
  • Consider the impact of your decisions on both the company's risk management objectives and the customer's perspective.

What interviewers are evaluating

  • Risk assessment and decision making
  • Communication and interpersonal skills

Related Interview Questions

More questions for Underwriting Manager interviews