2025 Underwriters of the Year | Amy Stiller, Underwriting Specialist, Northbridge Insurance

With 25 years of experience in the insurance industry, Amy Stiller has built a career marked by steady growth, service excellence, and strong broker relationships.

She first joined the industry in 2000 as a receptionist at Western Underwriting Managers and progressed through a variety of roles, from technical assistant to her current role as an Underwriting Specialist.

Her deep industry knowledge and customer-first mindset have earned her several accolades. A passionate problem solver, with a strong belief in service and collaboration, Stiller is known for her ability to foster strong broker relationships.

Outside of work, she loves spending time with her husband and four children and volunteering in support of the elderly in her community. She’s also a trivia enthusiast who enjoys baking, cooking, and gardening.

Stiller says she’s both “surprised and grateful” to be recognized by Acera Insurance, a member of the Canadian Broker Network, Canada’s largest network of independent brokers.

Q: What’s key to a great working relationship between underwriter and broker, and why is this more important than ever?

“Customer service is everything. Today’s clients expect ‘same-day delivery’ in all areas of life, and insurance is no different. It’s more crucial than ever to be accessible and responsive.”

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

“When I worked as a receptionist, I often helped enter claim details. I found the variety of claims fascinating, and it sparked my interest in underwriting. Everything fell into place from there.”

Q: What’s the biggest challenge for underwriters today, and how can they overcome it?

“I feel the biggest challenge is adapting to new technology while keeping up with the pace and speed of underwriting. It can be difficult to learn new systems while staying on top of service standards. I’ve found it helps to volunteer for pilot systems and tools, as this gives you more time to familiarize yourself with them and stay ahead of the curve.”

Q: What’s one opportunity underwriters should focus more on?

“Get to know your brokers personally. It’s easy to forget there’s a human behind the email. Making time for events or meetings over a bite to eat helps build those relationships and makes everything smoother.”

Q: Given that talent shortages remain a challenge, what would you say to encourage more people to join the insurance industry?

“Insurance is more rewarding than most people expect. The opportunities are numerous, and the people are great to work with.”

Q: What skills are needed for underwriting leadership?

“Underwriters need a blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and strong interpersonal abilities. Strong broker relationships can elevate an underwriter’s profile within and outside of their organization. Brokers serve as key intermediaries between clients and insurers, and underwriters who collaborate effectively with them are seen as valuable business partners.”

Q: Canada continues to suffer pressures like natural catastrophes, auto theft, fraud, and tariff impacts. How can brokers and underwriters better collaborate to help Canadian consumers manage risk?

“By sharing predictive analytics and clearly explaining underwriting decisions. When brokers have the tools and training to help clients understand complex risks and coverage options, they can guide them toward proactive risk management, which benefits all parties.”

The Canadian Broker Network Underwriter of the Year awards is a flagship program that CBN has been running on behalf of its members for over a decade. 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 and one personal lines underwriter winner from a primary market, as well as a commercial underwriter from an MGA. 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 2025 Underwriter of the Year Award Recipients