Get to know Manisha Dullu

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

I've been the Technical Underwriting Manager at Chubb Life for just a little over year, and I really enjoy it – there’s never a dull moment.

One of the things my team looks after is our Underwriting Rules Engine, we’re continually enhancing the engine, with the aim to increase the number of submissions that can be approved either without or with minimal manual review by our underwriters. Having this in place means our team can concentrate on more complex cases, improving turnaround times and the overall experience for both Advisers and customers.
 

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

I’ve been involved in life insurance underwriting for over 20 years. My journey kicked off in India when I was recruited by a prominent international insurer. Later an opportunity arose for me to relocate to New Zealand so I moved here in 2006, a decision I’ve never regretted.
 

3. What’s your favourite thing about working with Advisers?

When we team up, we can come up with fresh ideas that are a win-win for Advisers, their customers and our business.

I love how we pick up useful knowledge from each other. Advisers get the lowdown on underwriting and how things work, our underwriters get a better understanding of market trends and Adviser feedback helps us spot any gaps for improvement.
 

4. Why is advice so important?

Advice empowers individuals to make informed choices and find the right balance based on their unique situations. As life rolls on, cover needs can change. With an Adviser’s help, customers can reassess their insurance to make sure it does the job it’s meant to do. In the unfortunate event of a claim, a trusted Adviser can offer support and guidance, making it easier to get through a tough time.
 

5. What are the secrets to getting pipeline business assessed quicker?

• Take advantage of pre-underwriting services: Make the most of things like “Click to Chat” and pre-underwriting assessments. We can help sort out any issues before the official underwriting process kicks off, which avoids any nasty surprises down the line.
• Build solid relationships: Get to know your underwriters and keep communication lines open throughout the whole process. Open conversations between you, your customer and your underwriter mean quicker, and often better, outcomes.
• Stay organised: Get all your records and documentation sorted for your customer. Keeping your files shipshape can speed up the process and ensure the answer is on hand if any questions pop up. 
• Embrace technology: Online tools and engines such as our eApp are made specifically to help you zip through submissions and keep track of your pipeline.
• Go for telephone underwriting: Encourage your customers to give this a go. It usually speeds things up on the underwriting front.
   

6. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I'm a big fan of The Chase, stand up comedies, good scotch and delectable cuisines (not necessarily in that order). But then the guilt kicks in and I have to hit the road for a massive walk, trek, or run to make up for my cheeky habits. 
 

7. What are you watching on TV right now?

I’ve just finished watching “Apple Cider Vinegar” on Netflix.
 

8. Do you have any surprising or unusual skills?

Once upon a time I was a massive cinephile. I had the ability to remember extensive details about most movies, including their release dates, full cast names, directors, casting directors, editors, production houses, original soundtrack and background score composers.