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Insurance Underwriter Trainee Jobs in California

Surety Underwriter

Irvine, CA · On-site

$125K/yr

Berkley Corporation member company Berkley Insurance Company, which has an A.M. Best rating of A ... May assist in the development or supervision Associate Underwriters or Underwriting Trainees, as ...

Berkley Corporation member company Berkley Insurance Company, which has an A.M. Best rating of A ... May assist in the development or supervision Associate Underwriters or Underwriting Trainees, as ...

Surety Underwriter

Irvine, CA · On-site

$125K/yr

Berkley Corporation member company Berkley Insurance Company, which has an A.M. Best rating of A ... May assist in the development or supervision Associate Underwriters or Underwriting Trainees, as ...

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Insurance Underwriter Trainee information

See California salary details

$32.1K

$77.8K

$137.7K

How much do insurance underwriter trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for insurance underwriter trainee in California is $77,846.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,200.00 and $85,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Insurance Underwriter Trainee position, and why are they important?

To excel as an Insurance Underwriter Trainee, strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and a bachelor’s degree in finance, business, or a related field are typically required. Familiarity with underwriting software and risk assessment tools, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, is highly valuable. Effective communication, teamwork, and eagerness to learn help candidates build relationships and adapt to changing guidelines. These skills are vital for making accurate risk decisions, supporting team objectives, and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

Is insurance underwriting hard to get into?

Insurance underwriting can be competitive, but entry often requires a relevant degree, such as in finance or risk management, and strong analytical skills. Internships or trainee programs can help candidates gain experience and improve their chances of entering the field.

How to get into underwriting with no experience?

Insurance underwriter trainees can enter the field with minimal experience by obtaining relevant education such as a degree in finance, economics, or risk management, and developing strong analytical and communication skills. Gaining familiarity with insurance policies, using underwriting software, and pursuing entry-level positions or internships can also help build necessary experience for a career in underwriting.

What does the typical career path look like for an Insurance Underwriter Trainee?

As an Insurance Underwriter Trainee, you will begin by learning the fundamentals of risk assessment, policy evaluation, and company underwriting guidelines under the supervision of experienced underwriters. Over time, trainees take on greater responsibilities, such as reviewing applications, making independent recommendations, and interacting more directly with agents and clients. Many trainees advance to Underwriter roles within one to two years, with opportunities for further specialization or progression into senior underwriter or management positions. Career growth often depends on performance, continued education, and acquiring professional certifications such as the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation.

What is an underwriting trainee?

An insurance underwriting trainee is an entry-level position where individuals learn to assess insurance applications, evaluate risk factors, and determine policy terms under supervision. The role typically involves training in underwriting guidelines, using specialized software, and developing industry knowledge to become a fully qualified underwriter.

How to start a career in insurance underwriting?

To start a career as an insurance underwriter trainee, obtain a bachelor's degree in fields like finance, business, or risk management. Gaining knowledge of insurance policies, risk assessment, and using underwriting software is essential, and some employers offer on-the-job training or entry-level positions to develop relevant skills.

What is an Insurance Underwriter Trainee job?

An Insurance Underwriter Trainee is an entry-level position where individuals learn how to assess risks and determine appropriate insurance coverage, terms, and premiums. Trainees undergo structured training, including coursework and hands-on experience, to understand underwriting guidelines and company policies. They work closely with senior underwriters to evaluate applications, analyze data, and make informed decisions. This role is ideal for those with strong analytical skills and attention to detail who are interested in a career in the insurance industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Insurance Underwriter jobs in California? The most popular types of Insurance Underwriter jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Insurance Underwriter Trainee jobs in California? For Insurance Underwriter Trainee jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Insurance Underwriter Trainee jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Insurance Underwriter Trainee jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Insurance Underwriter Trainee jobs? Cities in California with the most Insurance Underwriter Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Insurance Underwriter Trainee job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $77,846 per year, or $37.4 per hour.

Surety Underwriter

Berkley

Irvine, CA • On-site

$125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Berkley Surety is a highly professional, service-oriented surety underwriting management company, providing a full spectrum of bonds for contract, environmental, and commercial surety accounts through multiple distribution channels in both the United States and Canada. We write on behalf of W. R. Berkley Corporation member company Berkley Insurance Company, which has an A.M. Best rating of A+ (Superior). We pride ourselves on building strong relationships with our agents. We highly value the insight and expertise our agency partners bring to the table which helps us provide timely and predictable surety solutions.

Company URL:      www.berkleysurety.com                                  


Produce and underwrite new and renewal business from assigned agents/brokers in the primary line of business. Seeks to achieve financial results (premium volume, loss ratio, premium collections and expense management including commissions) through new business acquisition, retention of business, and effective price management as a result of executing personal and branch objectives. Interact and collaborate with a team of Line of Business colleagues and other critical internal/external business associates. Position involves both outside and inside business development and includes direct responsibility for agency development and management within a book of business.

  • Underwrites, assesses and manages assigned portfolio of accounts in a particular line or lines of business with supervision of his/her Manager or Supervisor and can effectively underwrite both performance and non-performance bonds.
  • Understand and executes personal and branch objectives and strategies in an effort to produce budgeted results.
  • Develops and leverages productive agency/client relationships through a high level of visibility with agents, brokers and clients in support of business objectives.
  • Plans and executes effective regular travel to develop and enhance new and existing producer and account relationships; Visits new and existing accounts; prepares and shares meeting agendas, obtains follow up documentation, evaluates the accounts and submits timely detailed submission memos for appropriate credit approval.
  • Effectively communicates the mission and objectives of BSG in account meetings with confidence, clear communication, good listening skills, professionalism, and empathy with the goal to be a trusted adviser and valued partner to all parties. Maintains and manages workflow, including effective communications, with agency representatives in assigned territory, meeting all company standards and expectations. Communicates acceptance or rejection of new and existing accounts while working towards establishing and enhancing the BSG brand.
  • Accountable for accurate underwriting documentation/information in account management systems and adherence to documentation standards and ensures accuracy and integrity of all information contained in account files, and keeps them up to date.
  • Effectively evaluates bond forms and contract documents in an effort to assess risk.
  • Keeps management apprised of issues of importance to the Branch and to the Company.
  • May assist in the development or supervision Associate Underwriters or Underwriting Trainees, as determined by his/her Manager or Supervisor.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirement

  • Minimum 4-year degree or related industry experience
  • Business/Finance/Accounting Majors preferred, but not required
  • 2-4 years of Surety industry or related experience required
  • Banking or Credit Analysis background is a plus

Additional Qualifications

  • Demonstrates the ability to read, analyze, discuss and interpret financial statements, bond forms, contract documents, and government regulations and reach appropriate risk assessment conclusions.
  • Effective oral and written communication skills with the ability to write clear and effective reports and business correspondence so that others will clearly understand the content and the intent. Provides well developed recommendations in support of new and existing accounts, as well as client bond needs.
  • Ability to solve practical problems and appropriately deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
  • Ability to effectively interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
  • Ability to use the automation tools provided by BSG (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Lotus Notes, U/W System, etc.)
  • Must be able to organize and effectively handle small to medium volumes of information with supervision from direct Manager or Supervisor.

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. 


We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third party recruiting agencies or firms.
The company offers a competitive compensation plan and robust benefits package for full time regular employees including:
Base Salary Range: 100k-$125k - depending on experience, salary may vary.
Eligible to participate in annual discretionary bonus
Benefits include: Health, dental, vision, dental, life, disability, wellness, paid time off, 401(k) and profit-sharing plans
The actual salary for this position will be determined by a number of factors, including the scope, complexity and location of the role; the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; and other conditions of employment.
Sponsorship not Offered for this Role