Five minutes with…Vanesa Isaza, Procover Underwriting Assistant

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

A. I joined Procover back in September 2023 as an Underwriting Assistant. Essentially, I support the underwriting team by handling administrative tasks like generating renewal reports, setting up records for new business, and liaising with brokers. Additionally, I’m the initial point of contact for new business inquiries, which I then pass on to the underwriters.

Q. Where did you work previously?

A. Before joining Procover, I spent about 18 months at Enrizen Financial Group, where I worked as an administration and client services associate, involving some insurance-related responsibilities. Before that, I worked for just over two years at Munch Express as a customer service and sales representative. This was actually my first job in Australia after moving here from Colombia in 2019.

Q. Have you worked in the insurance industry before? 

A. In Colombia, I worked extensively in the banking and financial services sector, which encompassed various roles in insurance, from 2005 to 2018. My experience ranged from sales and service consulting to account executive for banks such as Banco AV Villas, Banco Caja Social, Banco Finandina, Itaú Colombia, and Scotiabank Colpatria.

Q. Why did you move to Australia?

A. Initially, I came to Australia to study English, eventually pursuing a diploma in leadership and management. However, I decided to stay after meeting my partner, who is English but also an Australian citizen and has lived here for 20 years.

Q. What are the main differences you’ve noticed between the financial services industries in Colombia and Australia?

A. The atmosphere here feels more relaxed compared to Colombia, and there’s a notable emphasis on digitalisation. My roles in Colombia were more focused on direct client interaction, often involving face-to-face meetings to build and maintain relationships.

Q. What are you enjoying about your role at Procover? 

A. I find immense satisfaction in being part of such a supportive team. My colleagues offer a wealth of experience, providing ample opportunities for learning and growth. While I currently serve as an underwriting assistant, I aspire to expand my knowledge and skills to eventually become an underwriter. Currently, I assist Procover Professional Lines Underwriter, Ann Osifo, primarily focusing on professional indemnity renewals through the Steadfast Client Trading Platform (SCTP), which has deepened my understanding of professional indemnity insurance.

Q. What do you like to do in your spare time?

A. I like going to the gym, I make it a point to work out every day. Living near the ocean, I try to visit the beach whenever possible, especially on weekends. Additionally, I have a passion for travel whenever my schedule permits.

Q. What’s something about you that surprises people? 

A. My age – people in Australia are surprised to learn that I’m 38 – they often guess that I’m in my mid 20s.

To contact Vanesa, underwriting assistant at Procover, you can email her at vanesa.isaza@procover.com.au.

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