Meet John Hughes, Central’s Construction Underwriting Specialist

When you ask John Hughes what makes a good underwriter, his answer isn’t about numbers or policy limits. It’s building strong relationships. It’s showing up, asking the right questions, and staying open to what each jobsite can teach you.

With over a decade of experience across the insurance industry, Hughes brings a steady, thoughtful presence to his construction underwriter role at Central Insurance.

“My first underwriting job was with a regional carrier specializing in construction,” says Hughes. “That’s where I started to see how complex the industry is. I’ve been drawn to it ever since.”

A Career Built on Curiosity and Experience

Before joining Central, he spent time on the agency side, worked in commercial claims, and held multiple underwriting positions across different carriers. That breadth of experience gives him a well-rounded perspective on risk and a deep appreciation for how the pieces of a policy fit together.

Hughes spent two years in territory sales at Central before transitioning to full-time underwriting.

“I’ve always liked underwriting,” Hughes explains. “It’s where you ask the hard questions, weigh risks, and decide how to best move forward. Central gives me the support and the relationships to make this work even more meaningful.”

Why Specialization Matters in Construction

As part of Central’s Large Construction team, Hughes focuses exclusively on large construction accounts requiring an attentive, specialized eye.

“Every construction account is different. So much can go wrong, from clearing the land to finishing vertical builds. The more you’ve seen, the more prepared you are to ask the right questions and make the right call,” he says.

That depth of experience is key. So is knowing how to look beyond the application.

“You can read a submission, but you don’t know everything until you see the jobsite and talk with the team. That’s why our loss control partnership is so important.” 

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The Value of Loss Control and Strong Partnerships

One of Hughes’s key collaborators is Loss Control Specialist Jim Johnson. With decades of experience in the field, Johnson brings an on-the-ground perspective critical to Hughes’s decision-making process.

“Jim acts as an extra set of eyes on the ground,” Hughes says. “He’s out there every day seeing what’s happening. His insights help me make better-informed decisions.”

Strong alignment between underwriting and loss control has already made an impact. In his first few months in the role, Hughes helped write several complex accounts by acting fast, coordinating last-minute site visits, and showing up as a reliable partner when agents needed support.

What Success Looks Like

Hughes doesn’t solely measure success in written premiums. He says he feels most successful when building deep relationships and a reputation for making good decisions. That mindset shows up in the way Hughes approaches each account. He doesn’t rush to judgment or rely solely on what’s written in a submission. Instead, he takes time to understand what the contractor is building, what the agent is solving for, and how the risk aligns with Central’s appetite. 

“Providing service and helping others makes me feel good about my work,” he adds. “If agents trust me to help them win the right business, I know I’m doing something right.”

Focusing on service and reliability isn’t just a personal value; it’s foundational to how Central does business.

The Central Difference

At Central, underwriting isn’t just a process; it’s a partnership. We believe deep construction expertise, close field collaboration, and responsiveness are essential to supporting our agents and policyholders.

“Ultimately, I want our agents and policyholders to know we’re in it with them and invested in their success. I want them to know they can count on Central to show up, ask the right questions, and help find the best path forward.”

Ready to build something great with an insurance partner who understands what it takes from project start to finish? Find an agent to learn how Central can protect your business.