Insurance underwriters identify and measure the risks associated with an activity, determine whether this risk is insurable and issue insurance polices which provide financial compensation in the event of loss.
receives and assesses proposals and propositions for insurance from brokers and clients
identifies and evaluates the risks associated with a proposal
liaises with insurance surveyors, actuaries and risk managers where the risks associated with a proposal are not clear
calculates premiums, provides quotations and, if acceptable to the client, issues policies
ensures that the insurance policy clearly defines the liabilities accepted and any exceptions or exclusions
negotiates terms of reinsurance contracts.
There are no formal academic requirements, although many employers expect entrants to study for and attain the associateship examinations of the Chartered Insurance Institute. Entrants to professional examinations usually require GCSEs/S grades and A levels/H grades, an Advanced GNVQ/GSVQ Level III, or a BTEC/SQA award.