Kelly Booth is making waves in the construction insurance world as a dedicated underwriting specialist at Central Insurance. With over 25 years of experience, Booth brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. She has worked in various areas of the insurance industry, including commercial insurance, surety bonds, sales, and underwriting leadership. This extensive background gives her a unique perspective on the challenges faced by contractors and agents alike.
Booth’s passion for the construction industry is evident. She thrives on its fast pace and variety. “One day, you’re quoting a local builder; the next, you’re supporting operations across several states,” she explains. This dynamic environment requires a strong understanding of risk management and the specific needs of contractors, especially in a high-risk field like construction.
According to Booth, specialized expertise is crucial for success in construction insurance. She emphasizes the need to stay updated on industry trends, which helps her assess risks more accurately. This knowledge allows her to provide better service to both agents and policyholders. “A generalist approach doesn’t cut it in this fast-moving industry,” she says. “I’m focused solely on construction and continuously learning about factors affecting contractors, from tariffs to safety standards.”
Central Insurance supports Booth’s efforts with a specialized loss control team that works closely with contractors. This team is trained in OSHA regulations and brings valuable insights from the field. Booth highlights the importance of collaboration between underwriting and loss control to ensure the right business decisions are made.
Looking ahead, Booth is excited about new technologies in the construction sector, such as gamified safety training and virtual reality. She notes that many contractors may not have the resources to attend safety conferences or join trade groups, so Central Insurance aims to bridge that gap by sharing valuable insights and connecting them with useful tools.
Booth sees her role as more than just selling insurance. She aims to guide agents and policyholders through their choices, focusing on building strong relationships. For her, success is measured by the connections she makes and the trust she builds with clients.
Central Insurance continues to prioritize construction by investing in specialized underwriters like Booth and dedicated loss prevention teams. This commitment to expertise and support is what sets Central apart in the industry. As Booth puts it, her work is about understanding the unique challenges contractors face and providing the tailored service they need.