Insurance Underwriters analyse risk in insurance proposals, determine policy terms and calculate premiums on the basis of actuarial, statistical and background information. Underwriters are responsible for deciding whether or not to accept applications for insurance cover – this is known as ‘risk’. Determining risk is a complex process and the job relies on sensible judgement and meticulous attention to detail. The underwriter must ensure that accurate quotes are produced that are competitive to the customer, yet profitable for the company. Underwriters may work in many areas but the work generally falls into the categories of life assurance, commercial insurance, general insurance and reinsurance. Most Insurance Underwriters specialize in one of three broad fields: life, health, and property and casualty. Although job duties are similar, the criteria that underwriters use vary. For example, for someone seeking life insurance, underwriters consider age and financial history. For someone applying for car insurance (a form of property and casualty insurance), underwriters consider the person's driving record. The duties of Insurance Underwriter typical include to examining insurance proposals, collecting background information and assessments of risk, analysing statistical data using specialist computer programmes, writing quotes and negotiating the terms with brokers and clients, determining premiums, deciding the wording of policies. They also prepare insurance policy terms and conditions and liaising with insurance brokers and customers.

Work Environment

• Insurance Underwriter work indoors in offices. Some property and casualty underwriters may visit properties to assess them in person. Most underwriters work full time.