Description

The assistant underwriter assists the lead underwriter in assessing customers' eligibility for products such as mortgages, insurance, and credit. They may work in a variety of fields, such as bank underwriting, insurance underwriting, and real estate underwriting. In all fields, assistant underwriters must cultivate good relationships with clients and be able to obtain client information quickly and accurately. They must be able to accurately assess risks while remaining within their organization's regulations and relevant laws. Assistant underwriters typically work as a subordinate to an underwriter and work in an office environment during regular business hours, although travel may occasionally be required for risk assessment.Employers typically prefer at least five years of relevant experience for this position; many also prefer knowledge of the particular type of underwriting performed at the hiring organization. An associate's degree in economics, finance, or a related field is generally required, with a bachelor's degree preferred. Management and/or financial software experience is a plus, but is usually not required. Assistant underwriters should have extensive knowledge in the financial and credit industries, as well as regulations and laws related to banking, investment, and insurance. Additionally, they must be well organized, pay close attention to detail, skilled at multitasking, and efficient.

Roles & Responsibilities

As an Underwriting Assistant with 3-6 years of experience in Canada, your main responsibilities include:

  • Assess and evaluate insurance applications, verifying accuracy of information and ensuring compliance with underwriting guidelines.
  • Collaborate with underwriters to review and analyze risk factors, such as applicant's financial background and claims history.
  • Prepare and issue insurance policies, endorsements, and certificates, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery to clients.
  • Provide exceptional customer service by addressing inquiries, resolving policy-related issues, and assisting with policy renewals and endorsements.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For an Underwriting Assistant, the following qualifications are required:

  • Strong analytical skills to evaluate and assess risk factors accurately, ensuring precise underwriting decisions.
  • Excellent attention to detail to thoroughly review and analyze insurance applications, policy documents, and related materials.
  • Proficiency in insurance industry practices, including knowledge of underwriting guidelines, policies, and regulations.
  • Effective communication skills to interact with insurance agents, brokers, and clients, providing them with necessary information and guidance.

Essential Skills For Underwriting Assistant

1

Data Processing

2

Data Analysis

3

Underwriting

Career Prospects

The role of an Underwriting Assistant in Canada, with 3-6 years of experience, offers a range of alternative career paths. Consider the following options:

  • Underwriting Team Lead: A leadership role overseeing a team of underwriting assistants, ensuring efficient operations, and providing guidance and support.
  • Claims Adjuster: A position involving the evaluation of insurance claims, determining coverage, and negotiating settlements with policyholders.
  • Risk Analyst: A role focused on analyzing and assessing potential risks, conducting risk assessments, and providing recommendations to minimize exposure.
  • Insurance Underwriter: A more senior role involving the evaluation of insurance applications, determining risks, and setting appropriate coverage terms and premiums.

How to Learn

The job role of Underwriting Assistant in Canada is projected to experience steady growth in the market. Over the past 10 years, this position has seen a positive trend with increasing demand due to the expanding insurance industry. According to the latest data from Google, this trend is expected to continue, resulting in a promising future for underwriting assistants. The projected growth suggests a significant number of employment opportunities will be available in the coming years, reflecting the continued importance of underwriting in the insurance sector.