Underwriting

Advancing

I’ve gained experience in the insurance industry and achieved my Certificate in Insurance Product Advice qualification and my APA designation. I now work more independently, handling a broader range of tasks across personal, commercial, or health insurance. I’m confident making decisions within my authority limits and supporting customers with more complex queries. I maintain my APA designation by completing 15 hours of CPD per year.

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What does an Insurance Underwriter do?

Hear from our Education Specialist about the key roles an Insurance Underwriter plays in the industry.

Underwriter Explained

Our education specialist goes over the role of an Insurance Underwriter

What do I do?

As an Insurance Underwriter, I need to possess a certain level of technical expertise in the following areas.

Technical expertise areas

Understanding underwriting

I assess and process risks within my authority limits and follow referral procedures when necessary. I provide accurate quotations and ensure that all relevant information is considered when underwriting new or existing risks. I also understand the legal and jurisdictional factors that influence underwriting decisions.

Following procedures

I follow established organisational procedures to ensure consistency and compliance in underwriting practices. I understand how to identify and respond to potentially fraudulent activity and apply internal controls appropriately.

Underwriting policy

I apply my understanding of policy structures and customer rights to ensure that underwriting decisions are fair, transparent, and aligned with regulatory and organisational standards.

Data processing

I gather and process customer and risk information to support accurate underwriting decisions. I ensure that documentation is issued correctly and in a timely manner, reflecting the appropriate level of cover and any relevant terms.

Customer service

I balance the needs of the customer with the objectives of the organisation. I apply that knowledge to deliver fair and timely outcomes that support both customer satisfaction and business performance.

How do I work?

These are the professional skills & behaviours that I need to be a successful Insurance Underwriter.

I evaluate multiple options and consider their short-term costs and benefits. I’m beginning to identify potential risks and unintended consequences and can make decisions even when situations are not entirely clear. I analyse data from multiple sources, identify patterns and relationships, and start to consider context and potential bias when interpreting information.
- Decision making
- Analysing data or information
I actively seek out new knowledge and ask questions to deepen my understanding. I plan and organise my work effectively, manage multiple tasks, and begin to delegate when appropriate. I pay close attention to detail, correct errors, and use systems to stay organised. I adapt existing resources to solve problems and apply new knowledge to improve processes. I also participate in professional development and begin to build a network to support my learning.
- Curiosity
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Resourcefulness
- Updating and using relevant knowledge
I adapt my communication style to suit different audiences and situations. I present information clearly and logically, using appropriate tools and techniques. I troubleshoot common digital issues and explore new technologies to improve how I work. I listen actively, ask clarifying questions, and begin to apply new information in different contexts. I understand and interpret complex documents and summarise key information effectively.
- Digital literacy
- Communicating with stakeholders
- Business communications
- Active listening
- Reading comprehension
I plan and prioritise multiple tasks and projects, identifying dependencies and managing time and resources effectively. I seek out information from a variety of sources and begin to build relationships to access knowledge. I process more complex data using a range of tools and techniques, and I begin to understand the structure and implications of the data I work with. I manage competing priorities and adjust my workload as needed.
- Organising, planning and prioritising work
- Gathering information
- Processing information
- Multitasking
I build trust by being reliable and communicating openly. I collaborate with others, share ideas, and coordinate my work with the team. I listen to customers, identify their needs, and go the extra mile to support them. I apply ethical principles in my daily work, recognise dilemmas, and consider the impact of my actions on others.
- Relationship management
- Teamwork
- Customer service
- Ethical behaviour

Hear from Actual Insurance Underwriters

Dive into the daily life of an Insurance Underwriter.

Shane Doe

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Jane Doe

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Next Steps

Complete the CIP qualification by registering for the Spring/Summer 2025 semester

Learn More

Overview