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Insurance Underwriter Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Middle Market Underwriter

Des Moines, IA · On-site +1

$96K - $136K/yr

Demonstrates strong knowledge of commercial insurance principles, applying advanced risk evaluation ... Underwrites new business, renewals, and policy changes within high-level authority, ensuring ...

Sr. Life Underwriter

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$96K - $114K/yr

Senior Life Underwriter Do you have a medical background and/or previous experience underwriting life insurance? Are you a problem solver with great analytical thinking skills, as well as strong ...

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Insurance Inspector

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$18.50 - $22.75/hr

Our company is Information Providers, Inc and we are a field service company that conducts underwriting surveys of residential and commercial properties for insurance companies throughout 28 states.

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Insurance Inspector

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$18.25 - $22.50/hr

Our company is Information Providers, Inc and we are a field service company that conducts underwriting surveys of residential and commercial properties for insurance companies throughout 28 states.

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Insurance Underwriter information

See Iowa salary details

$26.3K

$58.5K

$98.6K

How much do insurance underwriter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for insurance underwriter in Iowa is $58,500.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,300.00 and $78,400.00 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 Iowa? The most popular types of Insurance Underwriter jobs in Iowa are:
What job categories do people searching Insurance Underwriter jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Insurance Underwriter jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Insurance Underwriter jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Insurance Underwriter job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Insurance Underwriter jobs in IA? For Insurance Underwriter jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Insurance Underwriter job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,500 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Underwriting Center Underwriter

United Fire Group

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

The Underwriting Center Underwriter will underwrite Middle Market and Construction renewal business, deploying effective account management while fostering strong relationships with agency partners.  This role is responsible for providing technical underwriting expertise through timely and streamlined processes to best serve agents and policyholders. This role underwrites renewals and services accounts to primarily manage UFG’s Middle Market and Construction business.

Responsibilities: 

  • Profitably underwrite renewal business through risk selection, pricing, contractual integrity, and account management, in accordance with delegated authority, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
    • Develop, analyze, and evaluate information and exposure to loss. 
    • Document assigned files with underwriting thought process.
    • Properly classify and price risk commensurate with exposures and controls.
  • Proactively identify and execute opportunities to up sell and cross-sell UFG coverages and products.
  • Provide exceptional service to agency partners with timely execution of policy services such as endorsement requests and other agent inquiries.
  • Collaborate with Business Unit, Line of Business and Field Underwriting, Underwriting Support, Sales and Distribution, Risk Control, Legal, Claims, and other internal partners to ensure optimal stakeholder management.
  • Actively assists with the review and analysis of the portfolio to ensure progress toward key business objectives.

Qualifications: 

Education: 

  • 4-year college degree preferred.
  • Completion of or working towards AU, CIC, or CPCU designation preferred.

Experience: 

  • 1-2 years of commercial lines insurance underwriting experience preferred.

Knowledge, skills & abilities: 

  • Risk evaluation skills and solid insurance contract knowledge.
  • Fluently comprehend, identify, and determine appropriate coverage forms.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while prioritizing and completing work efficiently and effectively.
  • Capability to execute current underwriting strategy for assigned territory to make effective underwriting decisions. 
  • Ability to establish a high degree of trust for internal and external customers.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with an affinity for detailed accuracy.
  • Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Strong time management skills with the ability to meet deadlines and effective dates.
  • Ability to provide excellent customer service.

Working Conditions:  

  • General office environment; remote, in-office, and hybrid options determined by manager.
  • Occasional travel required.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Additional tasks and requirements may be assigned, as necessitated by business need. UFG retains the right to modify the description of this job at any time.