Associate Underwriter

Utica First Insurance Job Description and Standard of Performance

POSITION DESCRIPTION Associate Underwriter

Job Summary

The Commercial Lines Associate Underwriter is responsible for underwriting and managing a defined book of commercial business within assigned authority and territory. This role develops underwriting expertise while independently supporting a smaller group of agency partners, balancing risk selection, profitability, and service excellence. The Associate Underwriter works closely with underwriting leadership and senior staff as authority and complexity increase.

Reports To: Underwriter Supervisor

Duties/Responsibilities

• Underwriting & Risk Assessment
• Underwrite new business, renewals, endorsements, and cancellations within assigned authority
• Evaluate risk exposures, loss history, and coverage needs for small commercial accounts
• Apply underwriting guidelines, pricing tools, and risk selection standards
• Make underwriting decisions on routine risks; escalate complex or out of authority accounts as appropriate
• Accurately document underwriting decisions and rationale
• Territory & Agent Management
• Manage a defined territory and assigned agency relationships
• Serve as the primary underwriting contact for assigned agents
• Communicate underwriting decisions clearly and professionally
• Build productive working relationships while maintaining underwriting discipline
• Support agency education on appetite, guidelines, and underwriting requirements
• Portfolio Management
• Manage a small commercial book of business to support profitability, retention, and growth goals
• Monitor accounts for loss trends, exposure changes, or underwriting concerns
• Assist with renewal strategy and book management initiatives
• Identify opportunities for coverage enhancements and cross selling within authority
• Collaboration & Compliance
• Partner with Sales, Operations, and Claims to support account servicing needs
• Ensure compliance with underwriting guidelines, authority levels, and regulatory requirements
• Support underwriting audits and quality reviews
• Follow established workflows and service expectations
• Development & Progression
• Participate in underwriting training and professional development opportunities
• Expand underwriting authority and territory responsibility over time
• Stay current on market conditions, coverage changes, and underwriting practices
• All other tasks involving project work as directed by management.