Five minutes with…Elizabeth O'Dell, Procover underwriter

Q. When did you join Procover, and what is your role?

A. I joined Procover in September 2023. My official title is Underwriter, and I look after all aspects of underwriting for management liability (ML), professional indemnity (PI) and the Steadfast Client Trading Platform (SCTP).

Q. Where did you work previously?

A. Before joining Procover, I worked at a general insurance broker called Sherpa Insurance. I was involved in all classes of insurance there, from business packs and motor fleet policies right through to entire programs for aged care facilities where my background in PI was particularly valued. I was there for most of 2023, and before that, I worked for another Steadfast Underwriting Agency, Sterling Insurance. At Sterling, I specialised in PI for hard-to-place risks. My first job and most of my career in insurance was with Royal & SunAlliance (now Vero), where I started in administration in 2000 before working my way into underwriting.

Q. Have you always worked in the insurance industry?

A. I worked for an architectural firm for about six months. That was my first job, and I absolutely hated it. My cousin, a recruiter at the time, was looking after the insurance industry and thought I might like it. He found me a role, and I've never looked back.

Q. What do you like about the industry?

A. What I like most is that it's ever-changing. You think you're across all aspects of it, and then the goalpost gets moved, such as a wording change or a governance change, so you're always on your toes. I also like that it's a close-knit industry with many familiar faces and a real sense of camaraderie.

Q. What do you enjoy doing when you're not working?

A. I have a family that keeps me busy. We love to go on adventures where possible. My greatest passion is to travel, get out of my comfort zone and embrace what the world has to offer, although where I travel to these days has changed from backpacking in South America to poolside in Cabo.

Here to help

To contact Elizabeth, an Underwriter at Procover, you can email her at elizabeth.odell@procover.com.au or call Procover on 02 9307 6600.

Procover Underwriting Agency Pty Ltd (an AR of Miramar Underwriting Agency Pty Ltd) acts under binding authorities as agent for the insurers, certain underwriters at Lloyd’s.