Underwriter

Venbrook•New York, TX

33d

About The Position

The Excess Liability Insurance Underwriter evaluates, selects, and prices excess and surplus (E&S) casualty risks within delegated underwriting authority. This technical carrier underwriting role focuses on sound risk selection, disciplined pricing, portfolio profitability, and documentation quality across contracting, wrap-up and project-specific risks, product liability, service classes, real estate, and institutional exposures. The underwriter works within carrier guidelines and appetite to make binding decisions on new business, renewals, and endorsements. The role involves analyzing complex submissions and underlying programs, assessing loss and exposure data, determining coverage structures and pricing, and maintaining a profitable book of business. The underwriter collaborates with wholesale brokers, carrier teams, and actuarial teams; documents underwriting decisions; and ensures transactions comply with surplus lines regulations, internal policies, delegated authority limits, and audit standards.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Analyze complex excess casualty submissions, including underlying primary programs, loss history, and exposure data.
Evaluate risks across contracting, wrap-up and project-specific, product liability, service, real estate, and institutional classes.
Underwrite E&S submissions that fall outside standard market appetite.
Make binding decisions on new business, renewals, and endorsements within delegated underwriting authority.
Determine 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 when structuring and transacting placements.
Maintain a profitable book through disciplined risk selection and consistent application of underwriting guidelines.
Monitor loss trends, emerging risks, and E&S market conditions and adjust underwriting strategies accordingly.
Collaborate with carrier actuarial teams to refine pricing models and ensure rate adequacy.
Identify and escalate portfolio concerns, deteriorating segments, or appetite shifts to leadership.
Participate in audits and internal reviews to ensure compliance with underwriting standards.
Maintain effective working relationships with wholesale brokers within the carrier’s distribution model.
Communicate underwriting decisions and the rationale for pricing, structure, or coverage changes clearly and professionally.
Guide brokers on risk characteristics, carrier appetite, and submission requirements.
Represent the carrier at industry events, broker meetings, and training sessions as appropriate.
Prepare clear, accurate underwriting files documenting the basis for binding decisions.
Ensure transactions comply with surplus lines regulations, internal policies, and delegated authority limits.
Maintain knowledge of underwriting guidelines, carrier appetite, and state-specific insurance laws.
Stay current on legal developments and emerging excess casualty liability trends.