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Insurance Underwriter Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Underwriter Flood

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$125K - $150K/yr

Continuing education, professional designations, or related P&C licensing in insurance underwriting are preferred. If you do not meet all the qualifications for this role, we still encourage you to ...

First American's Direct division provides comprehensive title insurance protection and professional ... Provides underwriting support, counsel, and authorization to company personnel, agents, and ...

Senior Underwriter

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$107K - $127K/yr

BITCO Corporation is seeking a Senior Underwriter to join our branch office located in Pasadena CA ... As a respected specialty insurer with 11 branch offices across 10 states, BITCO delivers tailored ...

... insured needs with program guidelines and profitability goals. Program Support & Continuous Improvement * Maintain accurate and complete underwriting files, documentation, and system records in ...

Associate Underwriter

San Jose, CA · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

When someone needs insurance coverage for the unique, the unusual, or the unconventional, they come to Burns & Wilcox. Our Associate Underwriters directly service a book of business under the ...

Showing results 21-40

Insurance Underwriter information

See California salary details

$27.6K

$61.5K

$103.6K

How much do insurance underwriter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for insurance underwriter in California is $61,467.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,400.00 and $82,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an insurance underwriter do?

An insurance underwriter evaluates applications for insurance coverage and determines the level of risk involved in insuring a person or asset. They review information such as application forms, medical records, and financial documents to decide whether to offer insurance and at what premium rate. Underwriters play a crucial role in helping insurance companies set appropriate coverage terms and minimize potential losses. Their work ensures that the company remains profitable while providing fair and accurate coverage to clients.

What are some common challenges insurance underwriters face in balancing risk and customer satisfaction?

Insurance underwriters often face the challenge of assessing risks accurately while maintaining competitive offerings that satisfy clients. Striking the right balance can be difficult, as being too cautious may result in lost business, while being overly lenient can lead to unprofitable claims. Underwriters must stay current with industry trends, regulations, and risk assessment tools, and they frequently collaborate with agents and actuaries to ensure sound decisions. Effective communication and analytical skills are essential to navigate these competing demands and to help build long-term client relationships.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an insurance underwriter?

To thrive as an Insurance Underwriter, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of finance and risk assessment, often supported by a bachelor's degree in business, finance, or related fields. Familiarity with underwriting software, risk management systems, and relevant certifications like Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) is typically required. Excellent communication, decision-making, and negotiation skills help underwriters explain policies and collaborate effectively with agents and clients. These skills are vital for accurately assessing risk, ensuring profitability, and maintaining strong client relationships in the insurance industry.

What is an insurance underwriter?

Insurance underwriters evaluate insurance policy applications, assess the risk, and make recommendations for coverage and premium pricing to insurance issuers. As an insurance underwriter, you use computer software and specific criteria to assess risk and establish pricing and research other factors such as market trends and equity values to provide data to support your recommendations. You determine if the policy will likely be a good financial investment for the insurance provider.

What qualifications do I need for insurance underwriting?

Insurance underwriters typically need a bachelor's degree in fields such as finance, economics, or business. Relevant skills include strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and knowledge of insurance policies and risk assessment. Professional certifications like the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) can enhance job prospects.

What is the difference between Insurance Underwriter vs Claims Adjuster?

AspectInsurance UnderwriterClaims Adjuster
Primary RoleAssess risk and determine policy termsEvaluate insurance claims and determine payouts
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree; certifications like CPCU are commonOften requires a bachelor's degree; certifications like AIC or CPCU are beneficial
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, analyzing data and risk factorsField and office-based, investigating claims and interviewing claimants
Industry UsageUsed across insurance companies for policy issuanceUsed for claims processing and settlement

Both roles are integral to the insurance industry, with underwriters focusing on risk assessment before policy issuance, and claims adjusters handling claims after a loss occurs. While their work environments and responsibilities differ, they often require similar credentials and certifications, making them closely related career paths within insurance companies.

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 job categories do people searching Insurance Underwriter jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Insurance Underwriter jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Insurance Underwriter jobs? Cities in California with the most Insurance Underwriter job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Insurance Underwriter jobs in CA? For Insurance Underwriter jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Insurance Underwriter job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,467 per year, or $29.6 per hour.

Underwriter, General Construction

American National Insurance Company

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$108K - $127K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 hours ago


American National Insurance rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

225th of 303 rated insurance


Job description

Company
Argo Group
Argo Group is an underwriter of specialty insurance products in the property and casualty market. Argo offers a full line of products and services designed to meet the unique coverage and claims-handling needs of businesses. The Argo entities are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Clearbrook Group Holdings Inc.
Job Description
Underwriter, General Construction
Los Angeles, CA | In-Office (5 Days per Week)
Build Your Career with Argo Group
At Argo Group, we are committed to empowering talented professionals to make meaningful contributions while advancing their careers. We are seeking an experienced Underwriter to join our growing General Construction team in Los Angeles.
This is an exciting opportunity for a results-driven underwriting professional who enjoys building strong broker relationships, making sound underwriting decisions, and driving profitable growth within a specialized construction portfolio. You'll play a key role in shaping our business while working alongside industry experts in a collaborative, high-performance environment.
What You'll Do
As an Underwriter, you will be responsible for managing and growing a profitable book of General Construction business while serving as a trusted partner to brokers and agents throughout your territory.
Key Responsibilities
  • Underwrite, price, and evaluate new and renewal business within delegated underwriting authority.
  • Analyze risks and determine acceptability based on company underwriting guidelines and profitability objectives.
  • Build and maintain strong broker relationships through regular communication, marketing visits, and strategic account management.
  • Negotiate coverage terms, conditions, and pricing to achieve profitable growth goals.
  • Manage assigned broker relationships and portfolio performance, including premium growth, retention, and loss ratio results.
  • Utilize underwriting tools, reports, and analytics to make informed business decisions.
  • Review and interpret risk data, loss history, financial information, and other underwriting documentation.
  • Maintain complete and accurate underwriting files and documentation.
  • Resolve audit disputes and provide underwriting support within your territory.
  • Ensure compliance with state regulations, including cancellation and non-renewal requirements.
  • Participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities to enhance technical expertise and industry knowledge.

What We're Looking For
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and insurance experience.
  • Minimum 3 years of commercial underwriting experience with underwriting authority.
  • Demonstrated success in growing and managing a profitable portfolio of business.
  • Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills.
  • Excellent analytical, organizational, and decision-making abilities.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
  • Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
  • Willingness to travel as needed to support broker and client relationships.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience underwriting construction-related risks.
  • Professional insurance designations such as CPCU, AU, ARM, or completion of IIA coursework.
  • Strong understanding of commercial insurance products and market dynamics.

Why Join Argo Group?
At Argo Group, you'll have the opportunity to make an immediate impact while working with a team that values expertise, collaboration, and innovation. We offer:
  • Competitive compensation and annual incentive bonus opportunities
  • Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
  • Retirement savings programs
  • Professional development and continuing education support
  • Career advancement opportunities within a growing specialty insurance organization
  • A collaborative, team-oriented culture where your contributions matter

Compensation
Los Angeles Base Salary Range: $108,018 - $127,194
Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, qualifications, and overall fit for the role. In addition to base salary, employees are eligible for an annual performance bonus and a comprehensive benefits package.
PLEASE NOTE:
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. At this time, we are not able to sponsor or assume sponsorship of employment visas.
If you have a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act or similar state or local law and you wish to discuss potential reasonable accommodations related to applying for employment with us, please contact our Benefits Department at 210-321-8400.
Benefits and Compensation
We offer a competitive compensation package, performance-based incentives, and a comprehensive benefits program-including health, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.
Core Values
At Clearbrook our Core Values are Integrity, Collaboration, Pursuit of Excellence and Forward Thinking. These values reflect who we are today and who we apsire to be - guiding how we work, how we lead and how we succeed.

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