Life of an Underwriter: Keira Preston
Keira Preston joined Aqueous as a Professional Indemnity Underwriter with a particular focus on renewals. With 6 years of experience in the insurance industry, she brings technical knowledge, a steady hand in challenging market conditions, and a genuine commitment to supporting brokers. What sets her apart is not just her expertise, but her enthusiasm for the role and the pride she takes in representing Aqueous.
From admin role to underwriting career
My career in insurance started when I was 17. Straight out of college, I wasn’t sure what direction to take, but my mum worked in insurance and encouraged me to give it a try. That led to my first admin role at RSA, which gave me a foundation to build on. Over time, I worked my way through different positions, achieved my Cert CII, and gained exposure to various lines of business before gradually stepping into underwriting.
Today, I’ve been underwriting for over four years, with Professional Indemnity becoming my area of specialism. The journey has taken persistence and a constant willingness to learn, especially from colleagues who have decades of experience in the industry.
A role built on variety and responsibility
In my current role, I manage PI renewals, which means no two days are ever the same. Each case is different, and every broker and client has their own set of needs. That variety is one of the things I enjoy most, as it keeps the work dynamic and interesting.
Renewals also require a high level of reliability. Brokers expect timely responses, and I take pride in being someone they can depend on. Making sure quotes are prepared well in advance, keeping communication clear, and being available to help when challenges arise are all important parts of how I build lasting trust with the brokers I work with.
Standing out at Aqueous
One of the biggest differences I noticed when I joined Aqueous was the opportunity to get out of the office and meet brokers directly. At previous companies, this was usually something reserved for senior underwriters and directors, but here, junior underwriters are encouraged to represent the business face-to-face.
That responsibility has been a huge positive for me. Meeting brokers at events and in their offices has helped me strengthen relationships and gain a deeper understanding of their needs. One of the moments I’m most proud of was when I was invited to a broker event at very short notice. Nobody else was available, so I went on my own to represent Aqueous. It was daunting at first, but the experience really boosted my confidence and reminded me of the trust the company places in us.
Navigating a difficult market
The current PI market has been one of the most challenging I’ve worked in. Clients are more aware of market conditions and are often approaching multiple brokers for quotes, which naturally creates extra competition and complexity around renewals.
Because I haven’t been through a cycle like this before, adapting has been a learning curve. I’ve leaned on the experience of senior colleagues while also finding my own ways to support brokers. For me, the key is to stay proactive and collaborative, making sure that even in difficult conditions, brokers can rely on Aqueous as a trusted partner.
Learning through collaboration
Throughout my career, I’ve always valued the importance of learning from others. Insurance is an industry full of people who have decades of experience, and I’ve made a point of asking questions and seeking advice whenever I can. That support has been a big part of my progression, and I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without it.
Now, in my own role, I try to approach broker relationships with the same mindset. Open communication, approachability, and treating those relationships as partnerships all help create mutual respect and make the process smoother on both sides.
Outside of work
I was born in Manchester, so, of course, I support Manchester United! However, my favourite sport is Formula 1, I travel all over the world to watch the Grand Prix, I’ve been to Melbourne, France, Imola, Bahrain, and will be attending the Brazil and Japan races in the next 12 months!
Looking ahead
Looking ahead, my focus is on continuing to grow as an underwriter and adapting to the demands of the evolving market. One of the highlights of being at Aqueous is the trust the company places in us, whether that’s representing the business at events or managing relationships directly with brokers. With that support, I’m excited to keep building my expertise, strengthening my portfolio, and playing a part in the ongoing success of the business.
