2025 Underwriters of the Year | Kate Peart, Underwriter II, Intact Insurance

Kate Peart brings a well-rounded perspective to her role, having worked as a direct writer and a broker, and now as an Underwriter II. She joined the insurance industry in 2015 and has steadily built a reputation for thoughtful underwriting, broker collaboration, and a commitment to continuing education and service.

Peart holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education from St. Thomas University, completed her CRM designation this year, and recently finished her final CIP class. When she’s not working, Peart loves to travel — this year she got engaged during a visit to the Panama Canal. She shares her home with her spoiled English bulldog, Luna.

Peart says she’s thrilled to be recognized by Cal LeGrow Insurance & Financial Group, a member of the Canadian Broker Network, Canada’s largest network of independent brokers.

“As an underwriter, I’m committed to achieving mutual success with my brokers. I work hard to ensure they feel confident and comfortable working with me. And I always explain my reasoning, so they’re never left guessing.”

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


“Brokers today are under incredible pressure to adapt and meet client expectations fast. That means we need to work together to make high-quality decisions quickly to keep up.”

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

“I started on the direct writer side, where front-line underwriting was part of the role. I wanted to learn more about the brokerage side and realized I loved complex files the most. That’s when I knew underwriting was my passion. What I love about this industry is that no two days are ever the same. New risks, new building details, evolving coverage needs — there’s always something new to learn.”

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


“Underinsurance is a growing concern, especially as extreme weather becomes more common. This is personal to me — my family home burned down when I was in college, and our insurance company’s top-notch support made a huge difference, especially since my mom was facing a cancer diagnosis at the time. Helping clients choose the right coverage isn’t always easy, but it’s essential.”

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


“Education. Every insurer offers unique products and services, and the more we understand them, the better we can make recommendations that truly fit the client. That expertise also strengthens broker relationships. If they trust you on the tough files, they’ll keep coming back to see how you can help. Customers also remember the good experiences.”

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

“This industry offers lots of growth. Depending on your passion or interest, there’s a role for everybody, whether on the company or the broker side. I can also promise that the day-to-day is always interesting.”

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

“Technology will change the way we work, adding tools to an underwriter’s toolbox to assist us in our roles. The key is remaining flexible and using those tools to best serve our brokers and clients. Change can be hard, but when it’s in service of the people we support, it’s worth it.”

Q: What skills are needed for underwriting leadership?

“Strong leaders are committed to finding mutually beneficial solutions and lead by example. Broker relationships are central to this. They’re our partners, and collaborating means we can focus on how we can say yes more often. Leadership means being innovative, willing, and open to change.”

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?

“It comes down to education and awareness. We need to help customers understand what coverages they need and why. Asking good questions, reviewing policies regularly, and sharing practical risk mitigation tips can help prevent losses. The more proactive we are together, the better protected policyholders will be.”

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