Expertise isn’t just a value at Central; it’s a differentiator. For Kelly Booth, construction underwriting specialist at Central Insurance, underwriting is her way of supporting an industry she knows inside and out.
With over 25 years of experience spanning commercial insurance, surety bonds, sales, and underwriting leadership, Booth has worked in nearly every aspect of the industry.
“I’ve done manual rating from a book with pen and paper, sold loss-sensitive programs, and led teams of underwriters,” Booth says. “That experience gives me a deep appreciation for every person involved in the insurance process, from the agency account manager to the contractor trying to understand their coverage.”
Why Construction Needs Specialists
Booth’s focus on construction isn’t incidental; it has been a constant throughout her career. She feels energized by the industry’s pace and variety.
“Construction is dynamic. One day, you’re quoting a local builder; the next, you support construction operations spanning multiple states. A strong underwriter has to know what controls are in place, what behaviors to watch for, and what makes contractors resilient in both booming and challenging markets.”
Booth believes specialized industries require specialized expertise, and construction tops her list. She stresses the importance of staying informed on industry trends, crediting it with helping her assess risk with greater precision, which makes her a stronger partner to Central’s agents and policyholders.
“This is a fast-moving, high-risk industry; a generalist approach doesn’t cut it. I’m solely focused on construction and constantly learning about what’s impacting contractors, from tariffs to evolving safety expectations. I understand what contractors are navigating, and I can provide the specialized service and support they need.”
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Powerful Partnership: Underwriting and Loss Control
That level of service extends beyond underwriting. Booth credits Central’s specialized loss control team as a key partner to long-term success.
“Our loss control team is an essential partner in success. They speak the same language as contractors. They’re OSHA-trained and experienced. They’re our eyes and ears out in the field,” Booth explains. “When underwriting and loss control work together, we get the insights we need to write the right business.”
Smarter Support for Contractors
When the conversation turns to industry trends, Booth says she’s excited about the rise of construction-specific technology like gamified safety training, virtual reality, and telematics.
“Some of our policyholders don’t have the resources to attend safety conferences or join national trade groups,” she explains. “Central adds value by sharing what our teams see working in the field and connecting contractors to tools they may not know about.”
Even AI has found a place in Booth’s workflow, helping her uncover insights and trends faster and more accurately.
“We can use AI to spot red flags, ask better questions, and support accounts more strategically,” she says. “Technology doesn’t remove the human touch; it expands our capabilities.”
Measuring Success
While some may view underwriting as a risk gatekeeper, Booth views herself as a knowledgeable guide through complex decisions.
“My role is not just selling a product. My job is to understand the need so I can help our agents and policyholders find the best path forward.”
Booth measures success in the relationships she builds, concluding with a final reflection on what inspires her to come to work each day.
The Central Difference
Construction is a priority at Central, and we continue investing in specialized underwriters, dedicated loss prevention, and responsive claims teams. Internal experts like Booth embody our commitment to supporting our agents and policyholders. With real-world experience, strong relationships, and a constant drive to learn, Booth helps Central deliver underwriting that understands the work, respects the risks, and helps us better serve those who place their trust in us.
Learn how Central’s specialized support can help protect the business you’ve built. Find an agent to learn more.
The information above is of a general nature and your policy and coverages provided may differ from the examples provided. Please read your policy in its entirety to determine your actual coverage available.
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