Job description

An Insurance Underwriter determines whether applications for insurance should be covered and what terms should apply to each individual policy.

Essentially the job entails assessing the level of risk that a potential policy holder may need to claim against the policy during its term. It's an important role in any insurance business as the mitigation of higher risk applications generally leads to increased profits for the business as a whole.

It's often the case that an application for insurance will be deemed by the Underwriter as carrying an unacceptable level of risk. In such cases, the Underwriter may increase the standard premium to reflect this risk, impose certain conditions on the policy holder or choose to reinsure the higher risk element of the policy with another insurer. Alternatively, depending upon the Underwriters' appetite for risk, cover may simply be refused.

Duties include:

• Analysing detailed insurance applications.
• Assessing the applicants' levels of risk.
• Determining premiums based on levels of risk.
• Using detailed actuarial and statistical modelling.
• Discussing the applicants' risks with third parties - for example, the medical profession for a life policy.
• Determining whether covenants should be added to the policy or whether a portion of the policy should be reinsured with another provider.
• Speaking to insurance brokers to discuss their clients' requirements.
• Taking the decision to refuse cover altogether.

Qualifications

There are no specific entry requirements though most employers provide extensive training and usually candidates are encouraged to specialise in one area of risk, such as life insurance. Once in the job, most Underwriters gain formal qualifications such as those offered by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) or the Institute of Financial Services (IFS).

Salary Snapshot

Recent salaries for roles advertised at time of writing (Nov 2009) include:

• £30,000 plus benefits for a Commercial Underwriter based in the Midlands.
• £39,000 plus benefits for a Senior Underwriter based in Central London.
• £52,000 plus bonus for a Regional Underwriter based in Kent.
• £33,000 plus benefits for a Commercial Underwriter based in Manchester.

Are you an Underwriter? Would you like to contribute to our "Day in the Life of..." series? Email us at info@topfinancialjobs.co.uk for more details.