Underwriter

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JOB SUMMARY:

The Excess Liability Insurance Underwriter evaluates, selects, and prices excess and surplus (E&S) casualty risks within delegated underwriting authority. This is a technical carrier underwriting role focused on sound risk selection, disciplined pricing, portfolio profitability, and documentation quality across a broad range of target classes including contracting/wrap-up/project-specific risks, product liability, service classes, real estate, and institutional exposures. The underwriter works within the carrier’s underwriting guidelines and appetite to make binding decisions on new business, renewals, and endorsements.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Sound Judgment & Underwriting Authority: Exercises disciplined analytical thinking to evaluate complex excess casualty risk exposures and make binding underwriting decisions within delegated authority limits. Balances risk quality with portfolio profitability.

Technical Underwriting Depth: Demonstrates strong command of excess and surplus lines casualty underwriting principles, coverage structures, attachment points, and pricing methodology across multiple target classes.

Portfolio & Market Awareness: Monitors loss trends, emerging risks, and E&S market conditions to proactively adjust underwriting strategies and maintain a profitable, disciplined book of business.

Broker & Carrier Collaboration: Builds and maintains effective working relationships with wholesale brokers and internal carrier teams. Communicates underwriting decisions clearly, including rationale for pricing, coverage structure, or declinations.

Attention to Detail & Documentation: Thoroughly reviews applications, loss history, and exposure data. Produces clear, accurate underwriting files that reflect sound decision-making and comply with carrier guidelines, surplus lines regulations, and audit standards.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Risk Assessment & Underwriting Authority

• Analyze complex excess casualty risk submissions, including underlying primary programs, loss history, and exposure data
• Evaluate risks across target classes including contracting/wrap-up/project-specific, product liability, service classes, real estate, and institutional exposures
• Underwrite excess and surplus (E&S) lines submissions that fall outside standard market appetite
• Make binding decisions on new business, renewals, and endorsements within delegated underwriting authority
• Determine appropriate coverage structures, attachment points, limits, terms, conditions, and endorsements in accordance with underwriting guidelines
• Refer risks outside delegated authority to senior underwriting leadership with a clear, documented recommendation
• Apply surplus lines regulatory knowledge in structuring and transacting placements appropriately

Portfolio & Profitability Management

• Maintain a profitable book of business through disciplined risk selection and consistent application of underwriting guidelines
• Monitor loss trends, emerging risks, and E&S market conditions to adjust underwriting strategies
• Collaborate with carrier actuarial teams to refine pricing models and ensure rate adequacy
• Identify and escalate portfolio-level concerns, deteriorating segments, or appetite shifts to leadership
• Participate in audits and internal reviews to ensure compliance with underwriting standards

Broker Engagement

• Maintain effective working relationships with wholesale brokers within the carrier’s distribution model
• Communicate underwriting decisions clearly and professionally, including rationale for pricing, structure, or coverage changes
• Provide guidance to brokers on risk characteristics, carrier appetite, and submission requirements
• Represent the carrier at industry events, broker meetings, and training sessions as appropriate

Documentation & Compliance

• Prepare clear, accurate underwriting files that document the basis for each binding decision
• Ensure all transactions adhere to surplus lines regulatory requirements, internal policies, and delegated authority limits
• Maintain thorough knowledge of underwriting guidelines, carrier appetite, and state-specific insurance laws
• Stay current on legal developments and emerging excess casualty liability trends

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

Required

• 5+ years of experience in excess casualty or surplus lines underwriting
• Experience making binding underwriting decisions within a delegated authority framework
• Strong technical knowledge of E&S casualty coverage structures, attachment points, and pricing methodology
• Ability to analyze complex risk submissions, loss data, and exposure information to reach sound underwriting conclusions
• Solid understanding of surplus lines regulations and E&S market placement
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly document and defend underwriting decisions
• Proficiency with underwriting platforms, rating tools, and productivity software

Preferred

• Professional designations such as CPCU, ARM, or AU
• Experience underwriting across multiple casualty classes including contracting, product liability, real estate, and institutional risks
• Familiarity with actuarial pricing models and loss development concepts

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, risk management, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience in excess casualty or surplus lines underwriting
• Professional designations such as CPCU, ARM, or AU preferred

Originally posted on Himalayas