2025 Underwriters of the Year | Laura Lee Barnes, Commercial Auto and Property Underwriter, Economical Insurance

Laura Lee Barnes started in the insurance industry more than two decades ago and has built an impressive underwriting career rooted in collaboration and strong broker relationships.

After gaining experience in claims at Intact Insurance and the Halifax Regional Municipality, Barnes joined Economical in 2008 as an underwriting assistant. Later that year, she advanced to commercial underwriter, focusing on auto files. In 2016, she expanded her portfolio to include property and has been a Commercial Auto and Property Underwriter ever since.

Based in Dartmouth, N.S., Barnes shares a busy household with her spouse, 12-year-old daughter, three cats, and a dog named Zuma. She enjoys reading and taking long walks in nature, often with Zuma by her side. In the spring, she and her daughter do a neighbourhood cleanup to help keep their local community tidy.

Barnes says she’s incredibly honoured to be recognized by MacLeod Lorway, a member of the Canadian Broker Network, Canada’s largest network of independent brokers. “It’s nice to know the work I’m doing is making a difference and being noticed by people I respect and work closely with. It definitely motivates me to keep pushing and doing my best.”

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


“It comes down to our relationship, open communication, and trust. Having a great working relationship makes it easier to work through challenges to find the right solution. With an ever-changing industry, a solid relationship makes a big difference.”

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


“I knew claims wasn’t for me. Once I started as an underwriting assistant, I knew I wanted to push forward and learn more. I enjoy working with our broker partners and knowing that there’s always something new to learn. There’s lots of excitement and challenges in this industry.”

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


“The market. From COVID, then to a hard market, and now into a soft market, it’s more important than ever to work with our brokers and maintain good relationships.”

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


“We have a lot of technology now at our fingertips. We can use data and tech to help us work both smarter and faster. This leaves us more time to focus on what’s most important: our broker partners.”

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


“You’re always learning something new. There’s a lot of variety and problem-solving. Plus, you get to work in a great industry with great people. There’s lots of room to grow, and it’s a solid industry with many opportunities.”

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


“Technology is a game-changer. Tools like AI are helping us to work faster and spot trends we might have missed before, and streamlining our system processing and management. I don’t think tech will replace underwriters. It will simply change how we work, with less manual work and more focus on relationships. It’s here to help, not replace us.”

Q: What skills are needed for underwriting leadership?


“I believe strong communication skills are key. Also, being supportive of your team and making sound decisions.”

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?


“As the industry continues to struggle to adapt to the current climate, it’s important for underwriters and brokers to work closely together. We need to be proactive, not reactive. That means sharing insights, educating clients, and being upfront about what coverage really means.”

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