Construction Underwriter at Central Insurance

Tanner Webb didn’t take a traditional path into construction underwriting. A trained musician turned claims adjuster, he eventually found his stride in commercial lines underwriting, where a love for problem-solving and clear communication collided. Today, Webb is a construction underwriter at Central Insurance and brings that sharp eye and grounded perspective to construction accounts across the Southwest.

“I used to think insurance was just a job,” says Webb. “Once I joined Central, I realized this is a career that makes a difference.”

Read on to learn how Tanner’s field experience, service-first focus, and construction expertise are helping Central write more construction business.

Creative Mindset Meets Analytical Edge

Webb grew up in Fort Worth, Texas, and earned a performance degree from Texas Christian University. “I still play on the weekends,” he jokes, referencing the trombone resting in the background during his video interview, “though that’s slowing down a bit given how much traveling I’m doing for work.”

After college, Webb took an entry-level claims position. “It provided an opportunity to get my adjuster’s license, ultimately leading to a role at Central that changed everything.”

Webb joined Central in 2017. “Working claims at Central was the first time I realized insurance could be a career.”

After conversations with the claims manager and exposure to the commercial lines side of the business, Webb saw a new path open. In 2018, he moved into commercial underwriting and began developing the skill set he brings to his construction role today.

Underwriting provided the perfect balance of structure, strategy, and human connection. “I’ve always had an analytical mindset,” Webb says. “You’re looking at a wide range of businesses, balancing exposures and coverage needs, and it keeps you thinking.”

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Leaning into Specialization 

Early on, Webb appreciated the variety that came with a generalist underwriting model, citing the opportunity to learn a little bit about everything. While the generalist model gave Webb a strong foundation, he began seeing the value of specializing. 

“When accounts get larger and more complex, it’s not enough to know a little about a lot,” he explains. “You need to know the forms, exposures, and underwriting strategy inside and out.”

Webb credits Scott Zemberi, Central’s senior director of construction underwriting, with helping him see the bigger picture.

“Scott has a vision for construction that I bought into long before I became a part of it,” Webb says. “He and Matt Sbordone, Central’s first construction specialist, were instrumental in helping me understand what this role could become.”

Webb jumped at the opportunity to join the newly formed Southwest team, starting the process in 2024 and officially joining the team in 2025. He cites the opportunity to specialize, get out in the field, and meet with clients as factors that drew him to his new position.  

The Power of Partnership

Webb says one of the most rewarding aspects of the role is the partnership with Damien Hayden, Central’s loss control construction specialist for the Southwest. He emphasizes the value of underwriting and loss control being on the same page during field visits.

“Damien and I work well as a team, which is clear to agents and policyholders. When they see our alignment, it builds trust. They understand we’re there to learn so we can be a strong partner to their business.”

Webb notes that Hayden’s deep field experience and strong relationships bring additional clarity to underwriting decisions.

“An account can look one way from the desk, but when Damien and I are out in the field, the loss control visit often tells a deeper story. Sometimes it confirms what we see in the submission. Other times, it shows us the risks and opportunities aren’t quite what they seemed. Those insights are invaluable.”

The Foundation of Underwriting Success

When asked what a successful day looks like, Webb doesn’t hesitate to answer. His day-to-day focus is clear: communication, responsiveness, and steady progress. 

He explains that delays can erode relationships. “The fastest way to frustrate an agent is to disappear on them,” he says, “Responsiveness is non-negotiable.” 

For Webb, good underwriting starts with being knowledgeable and dependable, and Central gives him the platform to deliver. “Central’s culture is built on strong relationships,” he says. “Partnerships grow when agents know they can count on you to follow through.”

He adds that strong communication and follow-through can make or break future opportunities, especially on complex accounts.

“You aren’t going to bind a large account every day, but you can push each account that you touch closer to the finish line. That consistency adds up. It’s not just about the account in front of you. It’s about being an underwriter they want to work with again.”

Tuning into Construction Trends

Webb closely monitors emerging trends that could shift the construction and insurance landscape, especially in commercial auto, AI, and water mitigation.

“In construction, auto losses are a big concern, particularly in high-traffic markets like Las Vegas,” he says. “The more contractors adopt telematics and cameras, the more access they have to driver behavior insights. That information can help move the needle on actionable steps that impact loss trends.”

He also sees a role for AI in shaping the future of planning, quality control, and design. “It may not change the physical labor side, but it’s going to have a big impact on how jobs are run,” he says.

Webb notes an appreciation for builders working to solve problems firsthand. “We met with a custom home builder in Phoenix who was so frustrated by water loss mitigation products on the market that he designed his own water monitor and shut-off control system. That kind of in-the-field innovation is incredible.”

The Central Difference

At Central, strong construction accounts deserve strong underwriting support. Specialists like Webb understand the risks, policyholder needs, and the industry and turn that expertise into action.

“When I sit down with a contractor or an agent, I want them to walk away knowing we’re paying attention to the details,” Webb says. “We know the space. We’re committed to building partnerships. And we’ll show up again and again.”

With a growing construction vertical and expertise, Central continues investing in resources and relationships to better protect those who trust us. For Webb, that’s not just a job; it’s a calling. 

Ready to explore how specialized support can help better protect your business? Reach out to an agent to learn more. 

Check out the posts below to meet a few other members of Central’s Construction Loss Control Team: