| Detail | For this role |
|---|---|
| Department | Insurance |
| Level | Entry level |
| Reports to | Underwriting Manager |
| Direct reports | None |
| Experience | Fresher or up to 2 years in a back office role |
Underwriting Assistant job description template
Copy this job description, replace the text in square brackets and post it on your careers page or a job portal.
Job title: Underwriting Assistant
Department: Insurance
Reports to: Underwriting Manager
Location: [City], [office, branch or site]
About the role
An Underwriting Assistant supports underwriters with the data entry, document collection and follow up that keep proposals moving. The role reports to the Underwriter or Underwriting Manager. A good underwriting assistant keeps proposal files complete so underwriters can decide without chasing, enters data accurately, follows up medical reports and inspections, keeps turnaround support tight, and learns risk assessment on the job so they can grow into an underwriter who makes the decisions themselves.
Key responsibilities
- Enter proposal and applicant data accurately into the underwriting system.
- Collect and check the documents needed to underwrite each proposal.
- Follow up medical reports, inspections and pending information needed to underwrite.
- Prepare proposal files so underwriters can decide without chasing.
- Send acceptance, requirement and decline letters to applicants as the underwriter instructs.
- Coordinate with sales, medical centres and inspection agencies to complete each file.
- Track pending proposals and keep them moving through the queue.
- Maintain underwriting records and files in order for audit.
- Handle basic queries from the sales team on the status of a proposal.
- Learn underwriting guidelines and risk basics on the job.
Requirements
- Graduate in any stream, science an advantage
- Good computer and data entry skills
- Interest in underwriting and risk
- Fresher or up to 2 years in a back office role
KRAs and KPIs for a Underwriting Assistant
Key result areas for the appraisal form, each with a KPI you can measure every month or quarter.
| Key result area | How to measure it |
|---|---|
| File completeness | Proposal files complete before underwriter review above target |
| Data accuracy | Data entry errors on proposals kept below the agreed level |
| Follow up turnaround | Pending requirements followed up within the agreed time |
| Pending control | Pending proposals kept below the agreed age |
| Coordination | Medical and inspection coordination completed on schedule |
| Record accuracy | Underwriting records kept accurate and audit ready |
Skills and tools
Tools used day to day: Underwriting workbench, MS Excel, Document management tools, Scanner, Email.
Reporting line and career path
Next roles: Underwriter, Underwriting Manager, Insurance Operations Executive
Interview questions for a Underwriting Assistant
- How do you make sure a proposal file is complete before review?
- How do you keep data entry accurate on many proposals?
- How do you follow up a pending medical report?
- How do you keep pending proposals moving through the queue?
- How do you coordinate a medical or inspection for a proposal?
- Why do you want to build a career in underwriting?
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What does an Underwriting Assistant do?
An Underwriting Assistant supports underwriters with data entry, document collection and follow up. They keep proposal files complete so underwriters can decide without chasing, follow up medical reports and inspections, send letters and keep records in order. It is a common entry route into underwriting.
What is the difference between an Underwriting Assistant and an Underwriter?
An Underwriting Assistant prepares files, enters data and follows up requirements. An Underwriter assesses the risk and decides acceptance, terms and premium within authority. The assistant keeps proposals moving; the underwriter makes the decisions and carries the risk selection accountability.
How do you become an Underwriting Assistant?
This is often an entry role for graduates with good computer and data entry skills, and many start as freshers, with a science background helpful for medical risks. Employers value accuracy, follow up and an interest in risk, and the role is a stepping stone toward becoming an underwriter.