Underwriting Assistant

Ryan Specialty • Chicago, IL

21h • Hybrid

About The Position

Velocity Risk is seeking an early-career insurance professional to join its Property Underwriting team in Chicago. The role is suited to an Underwriting Assistant developing toward an underwriting career, a recent graduate interested in commercial property insurance, or an early-career underwriter with approximately 1–2 years of property underwriting experience. The position works closely with experienced underwriters to evaluate property risks, support new and renewal business, prepare accounts for review, and develop knowledge of risk selection, pricing, coverage, and the company’s underwriting appetite. It offers hands-on exposure to underwriting and opportunities to assume greater responsibility as knowledge and experience grow.

The position requires a hybrid schedule with regular in-office presence at the Wacker Drive office in downtown Chicago. A bachelor’s degree in a related discipline is preferred, though equivalent relevant insurance experience may be considered. Relevant commercial property, brokerage, or P&C experience is a plus but is not required for recent graduates. Candidates should be interested in developing technical underwriting expertise and have strong analytical, communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills. The ability to obtain applicable P&C and/or surplus lines licensing is required. Insurance coursework or designations such as CPCU or AU are a plus.

The target hourly rate is $21.00–$26.45. Full-time roles are eligible for bonuses and benefits. Benefits include paid time off for company holidays, vacation, sick and personal days, paid parental leave, mental health services, and other benefits. The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations as required by law.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Risk Management & Insurance, Finance, Business, Economics, or a related discipline preferred; equivalent relevant insurance experience will also be considered.
• Interest in developing technical expertise in commercial property underwriting and building a long-term underwriting career.
• Strong analytical skills and comfort working with detailed exposure, financial, and risk information.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to build relationships with brokers and internal partners.
• Detail-oriented and organized, with the ability to manage multiple submissions and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to obtain any applicable P&C and/or surplus lines licensing required for the role.

Nice To Haves

• Approximately 1–2 years of commercial property underwriting experience for Underwriter Trainee / Underwriter I candidates.
• Prior exposure to commercial property insurance, underwriting, brokerage, or another P&C insurance environment; not required for recent graduates.
• Relevant coursework, internships, or demonstrated interest in commercial insurance for recent graduates.
• Insurance coursework or professional designations such as CPCU or AU.

Responsibilities

• Support evaluation of new and renewal property submissions and ensure underwriting information is complete, current, and accurate.
• Review submission information and exposure data to identify key risk characteristics and prepare accounts for underwriting review.
• Assist underwriters with risk selection, pricing, quoting, binding, endorsements, renewals, and policy issuance.
• Gather and organize information from brokers and other business partners to evaluate and process submissions.
• Develop knowledge of property underwriting appetite, guidelines, coverage forms, pricing considerations, and risk-selection criteria.
• Assist with premium calculations and apply rates according to underwriting guidelines and authority.
• Maintain accurate underwriting files, documentation, and system information throughout the account lifecycle.
• Communicate with brokers and business partners regarding submissions, outstanding information, policy documentation, and general underwriting inquiries.
• Build relationships with brokers and internal partners by providing responsive, solutions-oriented service.
• Monitor underwriting activity and assist with reporting, portfolio information, and other underwriting metrics as needed.
• Support audit, compliance, and documentation requirements and follow established policies and guidelines.
• Partner with experienced underwriters and participate in training and development opportunities.
• Take on increasing responsibility for risk evaluation and underwriting decisions as knowledge and authority develop.

Benefits

• Paid time off for company holidays, vacation, sick and personal days.
• Paid parental leave.
• Mental health services.
• Full-time roles are eligible for bonuses and benefits.
• Comprehensive benefits package intended to support employees’ and family members’ physical, financial, and emotional well-being.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level