2025 Underwriters of the Year | René Gallant, Commercial Auto Underwriter, Wawanesa Insurance

After more than two decades working in retail, call centres, and office administration, René Gallant entered the insurance industry with a wealth of experience in customer service. It’s this background — along with a Diploma (Honours) in Business and Insurance from New Brunswick Community College — that he credits for his successful underwriting career.

Since joining Wawanesa in 2017, Gallant has steadily grown his career through on-the-job training, progressing to a commercial property underwriter assistant before starting his current role as a Commercial Auto Underwriter in 2019.

When he’s not working, Gallant enjoys going to rock concerts, walking his dog, watching movies, and travelling.

He feels both “honoured and surprised” to be nominated by Bauld Insurance, a member of the Canadian Broker Network, Canada’s largest network of independent brokers. “Insurance is such a fast-paced industry with many great underwriters in the Maritimes, and to be considered and recognized for my hard work and relationship-building skills is satisfying.”

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

“Always act in the best interests of the insured, the broker, and your company; be solution-oriented — within reason, there’s almost always a way forward; and, most important, pick up the phone. A quick call can turn a challenge into an opportunity faster than any email ever could.”

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


“For me, insurance is a career, not just a job. An underwriter wears many hats. We retain business, acquire new business, and work as a team to stay profitable. I place new commercial auto business, and I love the fast pace and relationship-building it requires to succeed.”

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


“I think uncertainty is the biggest challenge, whether it’s climate change, the stress and anxiety of the general public, or the effects of technology. I try to see challenges as opportunities. An underwriter must keep learning, grow within their role, be confident, and stay open to feedback.”

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


“Balancing email with phone calls. If I get a new business submission, it’s more efficient to pick up the phone and clarify details like vehicle use or operations, rather than emailing a busy broker and waiting. That human connection can make all the difference.”

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


“My advice? Find a company that fits your needs, be ready to learn, and stay open to feedback.”

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


“Technology will help lighten our workload, but, at the end of the day, brokers and clients still want to talk to people. AI can’t build relationships, show empathy, or walk into a broker’s office with Timbits!”

Q: What skills are needed for underwriting leadership?


“Transparency is key, along with being organized, responsive, and proactive.”

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?


“In some cases, we need to focus on service over price. It’s better to have the right coverage than to be underinsured. We have to educate clients, promote safe driving habits, recommend loss mitigation steps, and ask the right questions to spot potential risks.”

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