Associate Underwriter Upper Middle Market Property

Howden•Chicago, IL

3d•$75,000 - $90,000•Hybrid

About The Position

DUAL North America is seeking an Associate Underwriter for its Upper Middle Market Property division. The role supports a team of underwriters through the risk underwriting process and the development of broker relationships. The Associate Underwriter assists with account quoting and binding, evaluates property risk exposures, gathers data, and supports underwriting for excess and surplus (E&S) property insurance policies. The position also provides customer service and communications throughout the underwriting life cycle. The role is based in Chicago, Illinois, or Atlanta, Georgia, with a hybrid work arrangement. It is classified as exempt and full-time, reports to an Underwriter or above, and involves 0–10% travel. The position is working toward underwriting authority but does not yet have it. Quote and binder issuance require senior underwriter approval, and the role includes policy issuance review.

Requirements

0–1 year of underwriter or insurance experience.
Foundational knowledge of insurance principles.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Ability to follow policies and procedures.
Ability to complete assigned tasks correctly and on time, and to learn quickly.
Self-motivation and attention to detail.
Ability to work independently for extended periods.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and general business understanding.
Ability to travel up to 10% with an Underwriter to shadow and participate in interactions between Underwriters and brokers.
Ability to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time, with occasional movement in the office to access cabinets and equipment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in risk management, finance, business, or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Process submissions and provide account triage for Underwriters.
Provide backup support for Underwriters when they are traveling in the market.
Gather and compile information required to quote and/or bind an account.
Generate, edit, and send correspondence on behalf of Underwriters, including declination letters, quote follow-ups, and subjectivity reminders.
Demonstrate a basic understanding of technical underwriting principles and risk underwriting characteristics.
Learn market dynamics, the competitive landscape, and product differences.
Attend weekly underwriting meetings when applicable, ask questions, and learn what business is being sold and why deals are lost so the team can adjust accordingly.
Provide customer service and underwriting support to help achieve new and renewal premium goals.
Build relationships with wholesale property producers under the supervision of more senior Underwriters.
Fill in for other team members to ensure business continuity during peak periods or when team members are unavailable.
Assist Underwriters as requested.
Complete other related clerical and administrative duties as assigned.
Work toward underwriting authority; issue quotes and binders only with senior underwriter approval, and review policy issuance.