2024 Underwriters of the Year | Roman Babej, Underwriter, Intact Insurance

Roman Babej’s insurance career spans nearly 30 years and various roles that have earned him a deep understanding of the industry to deliver excellent service to his brokers.

With a BA from the University of Toronto, a CIP designation from the Insurance Institute and training in quality assurance from Humber College, Babej began his journey in 1995 as an auto claims adjuster with AXA. Over the years, he has worn many hats: customer sales representative, team manager, trainer, underwriting auditor, and underwriter. It’s the last role where he has found his calling, he says.

His interests outside of work include golfing, landscaping, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. He has also fundraised for youth in Mississauga and The Credit Valley Hospital.

“I’m honoured to be recognized by McCAM Insurance Brokers, a member of the Canadian Broker Network, for this prestigious award,” Babej says. “It’s a significant milestone in my career. I always strive to work closely with all my brokers to provide superior service that benefits my company, my broker partners, and, most important, the insureds.” 

Q: What makes a great underwriter-broker working relationship?

“Mutual trust, understanding, and respect. It involves open, honest communication where both parties can fully understand and support each other’s needs. For example, in challenging times — such as during hard markets or staff shortages — it’s crucial to be transparent and flexible. This approach helps in resolving obstacles and collaborating on finding solutions that benefit everyone, especially insureds.”

Q: Why did you become an underwriter, and what do you love most about your role?

“Approximately eight years into my career, I switched to underwriting. Having worked predominantly in a ‘direct writer’ environment, I was intrigued by the ‘broker-based’ model, which allows us to build lasting business relationships while writing profitable business together. I’m proud to say most of these relationships have lasted to this day.”

Q: What’s the biggest challenge for underwriters in P&C currently, and one thing they can do to overcome it?

“There are many, but the most concerning ones include the increasing frequency and severity of catastrophe losses and the alarming rise in auto theft. Underwriters must filter the noise and ensure brokers are well informed about our products and coverages. It’s our responsibility to help brokers navigate the complexities of various coverages and limits. When we provide brokers with the necessary knowledge, they can efficiently match coverage features with their clients’ specific needs.”

Q: What’s one opportunity you think underwriters should focus more on in today’s marketplace?

“Enhancing broker relationships and streamlining ‘ease of doing business.’ Being responsive and available and communicating effectively are crucial. A quick ‘no’ with rationale is often better than a delayed ‘yes.’ We need to work together to find solutions that offer the best outcomes for insureds.”

Q: Given the current talent shortage, what would you say to encourage people to join the industry?

“After graduating with a degree majoring in Crime and Deviance, I joined insurance thanks to a friend’s advice. He was a broker at the time, and his advice back then holds true today: ‘Insurance is a recession-proof industry.’ No matter what, there will always be a need to insure the things most important to us. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to train many people and see them grow their careers into senior roles in this very rewarding industry. If you’re looking for job security and opportunity for advancement, insurance is the place to be.”

Q: How do you see technology, including AI, impacting the role of underwriters in the coming years?

“Staying ahead of technological advancements will continue to be a competitive edge in risk selection and pricing. It will be key in remaining the market of choice and enhancing ease of doing business for our broker partners.”

 

The Canadian Broker Network Underwriter of the Year awards is a flagship program that CBN has been running on behalf of its members since 2017. The program is exclusive to CBN in partnership with Canadian Underwriter magazine. The categories allow for each of our member firms, at their option, to select one commercial lines underwriter winner as well as one personal lines underwriter winner from a primary market. The program evolved in 2021 to also allow for one commercial lines underwriter from an MGA in addition to the other two categories. The criteria includes underwriting excellence and risk knowledge; prompt and effective responsiveness back to CBN members; writing business that satisfies clients’ needs while creating a win-win for the broker and the insurer; a positive, helpful attitude; and investing time to develop trusting relationships with brokers.

Full list of 2024 Underwriters of the Year Award