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Insurance Underwriter Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Life Underwriter

West Des Moines, IA ยท 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

Des Moines, IA ยท 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 Inspector

Sioux City, IA ยท 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.

Senior Bond Underwriter

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$93 - $141/hr

Underwrites accounts within an assigned underwriting authority level, and services existing bond ... Communicates with agents proactively and anticipates agents and insured's needs. * Plans and ...

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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 21, 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 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 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 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 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 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.

Is it hard to become an insurance underwriter?

Becoming an insurance underwriter typically requires a bachelor's degree in a related field such as finance, business, or economics, along with strong analytical and decision-making skills. Gaining industry-specific knowledge through training or certification can also be beneficial, but the difficulty varies depending on individual background and experience.

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 cities in Iowa are hiring for Insurance Underwriter jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Insurance Underwriter job openings:

Infographic showing various Insurance Underwriter job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,500 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Insurance Specialist

Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company

West Des Moines, IA โ€ข Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

At Farmers Mutual Hail (FMH), our mission is simple: protect the livelihoods and legacies of America's farmers through the complete farm insurance solutions we offer. As America's Crop Insurance Company™, we're headquartered in the U.S. and have been owned by the farmers we insure for over 125 years.

FMH is seeking an Insurance Specialist to join the Underwriting team. This individual examines insurance documents such as applications, production reports, acreage reports, and applies underwriting regulations for multi-peril, crop hail, and private product crop insurance. Provides exceptional customer service to agents and business partners.

BENEFITS:

Our employees appreciate our family-oriented culture, and we make sure their benefits reflect that. In addition to a competitive salary and bonuses, medical/dental/vision plan, 401(k) plan with a generous company match, you will be eligible for benefits such as:

  • Hybrid work schedule (in office 3 days, WFH 2 days), after training is completed.
  • Paid Parental leave and Caregiver leave
  • Employee appreciation events
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for support when you and your family need it
  • On-site cafeteria and fitness center

REQUIREMENTS:

To be considered for this role, you will need the following:

  • Experience: One or more years of crop insurance underwriting experience or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Agricultural, or related field preferred; Associates Degree required
  • Skills: Highly proficient with Microsoft Office programs, especially Word and Excel.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Primary point of contact for underwriting needs on a national level for agency force.
  • Processes tasks for assigned agency codes in a timely and efficient manner.
  • Meets all deadlines as related to Crop Insurance and internal procedures.
  • Assists agencies as they align with FMH growth strategies.
  • Completes Contract Reviews as assigned by the Legal and Compliance Department.
  • Monitors agent performance by completing thorough reviews of inspections and policies.
  • Becomes proficient in all RMA ROE (Regional Office Exception) processes and procedures.
  • Collaborates with the Data Analyst team and derives solutions for complex error resolution issues.
  • Learns and utilizes all mapping functionalities.

This position is not eligible for sponsorship for work authorization by Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company of Iowa. Therefore, if you will require sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, we cannot consider your application at this time.

Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company does not discriminate in employment (EOE). All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. #LI-DNP