Courteney Benton
Maidstone,Kent
Summary
Professional specializing in Marine Cargo and Freight Liability with over 5 years of underwriting experience in the insurance sector. Proficient in Microsoft Office and underwriting software, with strong negotiation skills and an extensive industry network. Demonstrated ability to underwrite moderate to complex policies, consistently achieving new business and renewal targets while maintaining effective loss control and risk management. Possesses in-depth knowledge of insurance products and a proven history of successful industry collaboration.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Underwriter, Marine Cargo and Freight Liability
Munich Re (formerly NMU)
Kings Hill, United Kingdom
08.2023 - 11.2025
- Negotiated coverage terms with brokers to strengthen client relationships.
- Determined premium rates based on comprehensive assessment of applicant profiles.
- Reviewed policies to adjust premiums and facilitate necessary cancellations.
- Identified new business opportunities, yielding mutual benefits for company and clients.
- Mentored junior staff to foster professional growth and development.
- Assessed risk and conducted system analysis to recommend effective policy solutions facilitating use of WebX, Lloyds Crystal +, Websure and Acturis
- Implemented strategic risk management practices to control losses effectively.
- Managed cargo renewals and new business via electronic platform and manual underwriting.
Assistant Underwriter, Property and Casualty
Allianz
Maidstone, United Kingdom
09.2022 - 07.2023
- Managed large portfolio across Property, Casualty, and Specialty Lines, including D&O and A&H, Professional Indemnity, Excess of Loss, Goods in Transit, Theft, Terrorism (Material Damage and Business Interruption), Property Damage, Business Interruption and Casualty such as Employers Liability, Public and Products Liability and Group Personal Accident and Sickness
- Assessed Property and Casualty survey reports to encourage completion of risk improvements.
- Cultivated robust relationships with brokers, account managers, and business developers.
- Collaborated with internal teams to cross-sell and package connected renewals.
- Contributed to commission containment targets through strategic initiatives.
- Served as Flood Surge Focal Point by reviewing flood mapping data.
- Educated brokers on minimising flood damage and reporting flood damage claims.
- Oversaw Mid-Kent CII Institute's Next Generation Council, managing members and organising events and award evenings
Assistant Underwriter, Motor Fleet
Allianz
Maidstone, United Kingdom
03.2020 - 08.2022
- Cultivated robust relationships with brokers, account managers, and business developers.
- Liaised with brokers through telephone and email, organising and attending broker meetings.
- Addressed internal and external customer queries effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Reviewed allocated cases while adhering to target account and lapse rates.
- Maintained comprehensive business activity logs to document submission activities.
- Underwrote existing policies due for renewal while pursuing new business opportunities.
- Negotiated renewal premiums and commission percentages to maximise profitability.
- Supported underwriters' development within Graduate Scheme, enhancing learning experiences.
- Assisted with claims and accounts queries.
Customer Service Advisor
RBS / Natwest
Chatham, United Kingdom
09.2019 - 03.2020
Finance Specialist / Administrator
Vanquis Bank
Chatham, United Kingdom
10.2018 - 09.2019
Education
GCSEs -
Holmesdale Technology School, Strood Academy
Snodland, Kent, Strood, Kent 09.2011 - 09.2018
Skills
- Microsoft Office, Word, PowerPoint and Excel proficiency
- Team collaboration
- Analytical thinking
- Organizational skills
- Experience with underwriting software
- Negotiation proficiency
- Industry networking
- Insurance product knowledge
Accomplishments
- Continuing education courses in CII IF3 Insurance Underwriting Process
- Continuing education courses in CII Marine Cargo - Underwriting
- Continuing education courses in CII Marine Cargo - Broking
- Continuing education courses in CII Marine Protection & Indemnity
- Continuing education courses in CII Development of London Market
- Continuing education courses in Marine War Risks - Underwriting
- Achieved Motor Fleet Level 1
- Awarded Level D Authority Motor Fleet
- Awarded Level E Authority Property, Casualty and Excess of Loss
- Nominated for Customer Champion of the Year 2022
- Nominated for Newcomer of the Year 2022
Chartered Insurance Institute Courses (August 2023 - Current):
Allianz Internal Promotions and Awards (March 2020 - July 2023):
Certification
Chartered Insurance Institute Qualifications (June 2022 - Current):
- Achieved IF1 Insurance, Legal and Regulatory
- Currently studying towards CII Certificate
Timeline
Underwriter, Marine Cargo and Freight Liability
Munich Re (formerly NMU)
08.2023 - 11.2025
Assistant Underwriter, Property and Casualty
Allianz
09.2022 - 07.2023
Assistant Underwriter, Motor Fleet
Allianz
03.2020 - 08.2022
Customer Service Advisor
RBS / Natwest
09.2019 - 03.2020
Finance Specialist / Administrator
Vanquis Bank
10.2018 - 09.2019
GCSEs -
Holmesdale Technology School, Strood Academy
09.2011 - 09.2018