Commercial Lines Underwriter

Utica-First-Insurance; Village of Oriskany (NY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Utica First is seeking a Commercial Lines Underwriter to evaluate, price, and manage commercial insurance risks in line with underwriting guidelines and authority. The role partners with agents and internal teams to support profitable growth, quality underwriting, and strong customer service.

The ideal candidate will have 2–5+ years of commercial lines underwriting experience, including small business and middle market accounts, and be proficient with Excel and MS Office.

Qualifications

• 2–5+ years of commercial lines underwriting experience.
• Experience underwriting small commercial and middle market accounts.
• Working knowledge of Commercial Package / BOP, Property and General Liability, and Umbrella / Excess.
• Proficiency in MS Office, particularly Excel.

Responsibilities

• Underwrite new business, renewals, endorsements, and cancellations within assigned authority
• Analyze risk exposures, loss history, financial information, and coverage needs
• Apply company underwriting guidelines, pricing models, and risk selection standards
• Determine appropriate coverage terms, conditions, and pricing

Skills

Underwriting judgment

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management, or related field

Tools

Excel

Job description

Description

The Commercial Lines Underwriter is responsible for evaluating, pricing, and managing commercial insurance risks in accordance with company underwriting guidelines and authority. This role partners with agents, sales, and internal teams to support profitable growth, quality underwriting, and strong customer service.

Reports To: Underwriter Supervisor

Duties/Responsibilities

• Underwriting & Risk Assessment
• Underwrite new business, renewals, endorsements, and cancellations within assigned authority
• Analyze risk exposures, loss history, financial information, and coverage needs
• Apply company underwriting guidelines, pricing models, and risk selection standards
• Determine appropriate coverage terms, conditions, and pricing
• Ensure underwriting decisions are documented accurately and consistently
• Portfolio & Account Management
• Manage a book of commercial business to support profitability and retention goals
• Monitor accounts for changes in exposure, loss trends, or underwriting concerns
• Assist with renewal strategy and risk improvement recommendations
• Identify opportunities for coverage enhancement and cross-sell
• Agency & Internal Collaboration
• Communicate underwriting decisions clearly and professionally to agents and brokers
• Partner with Sales, Claims, and Operations to support account servicing needs
• Participate in account reviews, agency meetings, or renewal discussions as needed
• Escalate complex or out-of-authority risks appropriately
• Compliance & Quality
• Ensure adherence to underwriting guidelines, regulatory requirements, and audit standards
• Support underwriting audits and implement corrective actions as directed
• Maintain accurate and timely underwriting documentation
• Development & Continuous Improvement
• Participate in training and professional development opportunities
• Stay current on market trends, coverage changes, and regulatory updates
• Support process improvement initiatives related to underwriting workflow and systems
• All other tasks involving project work as directed by supervisors.

Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 2–5+ years of commercial lines underwriting experience
• Experience underwriting small commercial and/or middle market accounts

Lines of Business Knowledge

• Working knowledge of:
• Commercial Package / BOP
• Property and General Liability
• Umbrella / Excess

Technical & Professional Skills

• Solid underwriting judgment and analytical skills
• Understanding of coverage forms and loss analysis
• Experience with underwriting and policy administration systems
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Professional Designations (Preferred)

• AU, ARM, or progress toward CPCU preferred

Core Competencies

• Risk evaluation and attention to detail
• Time management and organization
• Decision-making within authority
• Customer and agency focus
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Willingness to learn and grow underwriting expertise

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer, both in a home and office environment. The role involves frequent use of a headset, keyboard, mouse, and other standard office equipment. Occasional movement within the office may be required, such as walking to meetings or accessing shared equipment..

Pay Range

The listed annualized base pay range is primarily based on analysis of similar positions in the external market. Actual base pay could vary and may be above or below the listed range based on factors including but not limited to performance, proficiency and demonstration of competencies required for the role. The base pay is just one component of Utica First’s total compensation package for employees.