Get to know James Dacombe

What’s your role at Chubb Life and what does a typical workday look like for you?

I’m a Christchurch-based Senior Underwriter, I work closely with my amazing underwriting colleagues to find ways to get applications into force. My days consist of a lot of reading, collaboration with my immediate team and wider colleagues, negotiating with Advisers, and most importantly, making sure our customers are well looked after.  We’re a busy bunch with all the work being generated by our fantastic Adviser groups. 

What’s your background and how did you get to where you are now?

My background is probably a little different to most in the industry. I fell into insurance after years as a vinyl junkie, DJ/promoter and nightclub owner. I started out in the industry as an Adviser before moving into an operations, risk & compliance management role within that brokerage. I then moved to Auckland where I became the New Business team leader at Partners Life, but I had always known I wanted to move into underwriting. Thankfully I was given an opportunity and after nearly six years with Partners Life, I moved to Sovereign/AIA. I spent four and a half years there before relocating back to Christchurch and joining the Chubb Life team.  

What’s your favourite thing about working with Advisers?

Building relationships, in some cases friendships, and to be honest, the banter.  We spend such a large chunk of our time with our working hats on, so it’s important to enjoy what you do, and laughing naturally brings a smile to everyone’s face. 

Why is advice so important?  

Sometimes things don’t work out the way you expect them to. Getting the right advice and protection can make all the difference when the unimaginable happens. 

Do you have any tips for Advisers to make it easier to get their pipeline business assessed? 

Get the basics right. Make sure you have all the information and submission requirements at time of application. This can include financials, additional medical information, payment methods and signed declaration and consents for medical information requests. The more information we have at the beginning, the better the outcome for your customers and the faster we can complete our assessments. 

What’s something about your role that is not commonly known?

Contrary to common belief, most underwriters actually like to say “yes.” 

We aren’t a bunch of draconian gatekeepers looking to stop customers obtaining insurance. We’re on the same team as our Advisers and our customers. We’re here to make things happen wherever possible. 

Do you have a particularly memorable case that you’ve assessed during your career? What learnings did you take away from it?  

When I think of my most memorable cases, it's the small ones not the big fancy ones. It’s the cases where everyone has said no or a customer’s lapsed and lost their cover. Making the difference in those little situations, keeping things simple and supporting customers to access or retain their cover is where I get the most satisfaction. 

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy spending time with my kids, Elena and Thea, the missus and our extended family and friends. I also enjoy listening to music, reading and cooking, and I’ve just started learning the guitar. 

What are you watching on TV right now? 

I’m all over the place on the TV show front. Anything sci-fi, comedy (mainly British), stand up (mainly British), sports documentaries or sports in general. My favourite TV series ever and go-to at any given time is Red Dwarf.