Q&A with Prem Sunder

Prem Sunder, MBA, CIC, CISR Elite is a Commercial Insurance Account Manager with Miller’s Insurance Agency, a full-service independent agency in Downingtown, PA. The recipient of IA&B’s full designation scholarship in fall 2021, Sunder completed his CIC designation in September 2023.

Q. How did you get started in the insurance industry? Tell us about your career path.

A. My first insurance job was at the agency where I insured my first car. They hired me to join their property and casualty department. I got my insurance license right away and began selling personal and commercial lines insurance.

Before that, I worked in the shipping industry, selling cargo space. That was in India. When we came to this country, I went to Temple University to earn my MBA. That’s when I began working at the first agency. I was there for five years and fell in love with insurance. Subsequently, I had a few more years of commercial insurance experience as well.

Here at Miller’s, I am an account manager in the commercial insurance department. My primary goal is to review and renew policies. I try to understand the industry, find coverage gaps, and cross sell to round out accounts. I work mostly on small business accounts with premiums of $5,000-$50,000.

Q. What’s your favorite part of working in the insurance industry?

A. My favorite part is handling the everyday challenges, offering coverage-based risk management solutions to business owners. It is rewarding when the clients understand the value of an independent insurance agency.

I enjoy working with my friendly and professional teammates. The environment at Miller’s is fantastic which makes every workday enjoyable.

Q. What professional accomplishment are you most proud of and why?

A. I would say getting my CIC designation and getting the scholarship for that. I was very excited when IA&B awarded the scholarship to me.

Going through all five CIC courses was a challenging but interesting experience. All of the instructors were great. If I had to pick a favorite course, it would be Commercial Multiline. It was very interesting. It covered umbrella, EPL, a variety of things in two days.

Q. Congratulations on earning your CIC designation! You also hold the CISR Elite designation, which is an impressive accomplishment. What drives your commitment to insurance education?

A. I firmly believe the more I have, the more I can give. The management at Miller’s Insurance Agency offers biweekly, in-house training, and also encourages employees to pursue other learning opportunities for career growth and professional development to better serve the insureds.

Q. What advice would you give to those agents who are considering an insurance designation?

A. Participating in the courses offered by IA&B is very valuable and builds confidence. Learning from instructors who are the best in the industry is an experience not to be missed. It is definitely a valuable investment that provides good returns.

Q. Now that you’ve completed your CIC designation, what professional goal is next for you?

A. To be a trusted insurance professional for the clients we serve. The nature of today’s risk has grown beyond the traditional risks of the past, so keeping up with the latest developments in the industry is of paramount importance.

Q. When you’re not working, what do you like to do with your time?

A. As a family, we like to travel and visit places both inside and outside the country. Our whole family likes to watch and follow tennis, and both of my children play tennis as well. We make it to U.S. Open every fall to watch the professional tennis players compete. My favorite players are Novak Djokovic, Casper Ruud, and Frances Tiafoe here at home. Locally we also get involved in community activities and volunteer events, and we enjoy hiking and bike rides.