2025 Underwriters of the Year | Kate Moore, Senior Commercial Lines P&C Underwriter, Mid-market Production, Wawanesa Insurance

Kate Moore first joined the insurance industry in 2011 as an administrative assistant and has since leaned on her ability to maintain strong relationships to build a solid career in underwriting.

Advancing her journey from an underwriting assistant to a personal lines property underwriter, then climbing the ranks from a junior to a senior underwriter in commercial lines, Moore has embraced growth with confidence.

Currently a Senior Commercial Lines P&C Underwriter in Mid-market Production at Wawanesa, she’s known for being a solutions-focused partner who brokers rely on.

Moore holds a Bachelor of Arts from Wilfrid Laurier University and is actively pursuing her CIP and CRM designations.

When she’s not working, Moore enjoys rainy-day reading and hiking or camping with her husband and daughter — and, she’s excited for baby number two’s arrival in the fall.

“This recognition means a great deal to me and I’m honoured to be recognized, especially by a broker member of the CBN,” Moore says of her nomination by The Insurance Market, a member of the Canadian Broker Network, Canada’s largest network of independent brokers. “This award reflects the collaboration and trust that exists between underwriters and brokers. I’m grateful for the opportunity to support our broker partners and to be part of such a committed, hardworking group of recipients.”

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


“Clear communication and aligned goals. As risks grow more complex, underwriters must be flexible and creative, while brokers must present well-rounded submissions. When we collaborate, we can deliver stronger outcomes for the insured.”

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

“I didn’t plan on joining the industry, but I quickly learned how dynamic and rewarding underwriting can be. The role constantly evolves, which keeps it exciting. I love the challenge of responding to emerging risks and building relationships with brokers that help deliver better solutions to insureds.”

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


“Juggling multiple demands. We’re managing profitability, exposures, and timelines while maintaining broker relationships. Strong partnerships help. When brokers provide the full context, we can find solutions that protect profitability and meet clients’ needs.”

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

“Leveraging tools like loss prevention and risk services. These add real value for brokers and insureds by helping shape smarter coverage and stronger client relationships.”

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

“Insurance offers variety, challenge, and stability. Underwriting needs fresh thinkers — and the beauty is, you can enter at any stage in your career. Prior experience often transfers well into the many roles this industry offers.”

Q: How do you see AI and technology impacting underwriting?


“AI boosts efficiency and sharpens risk insights, giving us more time to focus on broker relationships. But balance is key — unique risks still require human judgment. Relying too heavily on automation could mean missed opportunities and lost trust.”

Q: What skills are needed for underwriting leadership?


“Strong relationships and strategic thinking. Leaders need to build trust with brokers and see beyond individual risks, managing the whole book and identifying long-term value for everyone involved.”

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 insights more openly. Strong collaboration will help us respond to emerging risks, refine coverage, and educate clients. Whether through risk assessments or incentives, teamwork leads to better outcomes.”

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