2024 Underwriters of the Year | Martine Chouinard, Commercial Underwriter, L’Unique General Insurance

Martine Chouinard’s career spans nearly four decades, and her insurance journey reflects her dedication to the industry, commitment to her brokers, and passion for lifelong learning.

Chouinard began her career in 1985 at Zurich in the claims department, handling opening calls from brokers and insureds. Over the years she has held various roles, including adjuster and personal lines underwriter, and worked in management and marketing.

After a brief hiatus from the industry, she returned in 2014 to her current role at L’Unique General Insurance, where she has been an integral part of the commercial underwriting team. Chouinard completed her CIP designation in 1991 and FCIP in 2016, specializing in business management at HEC Montréal.

When she’s not at work, Chouinard enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, and recharging through outdoor activities. She also volunteers for co-operative housing.

Chouinard says she feels both “amazed and grateful” for the recognition by Fort Assurances, a broker member of the Canadian Broker Network, Canada’s largest network of independent brokers. “Since 2014, I’ve watched their business grow policy by policy while enriching our relationship producer by producer.”

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

“Trust from both parties is essential for any problem-solving. We follow underwriting rules, while the broker searches the market for the insured’s needs. Looking at every file with the same intention to help enhances that relationship.”

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

“I’ve always loved the industry and dealing with brokers. After many years and various work experiences in insurance, I found that the commercial sector appeals most to my curious nature. I’m still learning every week.”

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

“Delivering quality service efficiently requires our continuous attention across all departments. In the past, underwriting teams met monthly in person. Today, we can hold brief virtual meetings weekly to quickly address and adjust to changing priorities so we can keep up with service delivery standards.”

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

“Listen more, grab data from any emerging activity or product, ask for feedback, challenge your own perception, and be prepared for the future.”

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

“I guarantee this industry is not boring and offers many career opportunities that will suit you.”

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

“We’ll have to keep learning and adapt quicker. System changes will be introduced at a faster pace. AI will become more important, for instance, at the entry for risk eligibility review. AI will probably dismiss every request that’s handwritten or missing valuable data, from the outset. On the other hand, if the request complies perfectly, AI can probably proceed faster with or without an underwriter. Underwriters will be challenged with more complicated risks, AI-rejected issues, and innovative ways of problem-solving. Just more fun!”

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