1

Underwriting Inspector Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Complete property site inspections * Regularly communicate loan status updates to underwriting team and originators as appropriate. * Prepare waiver/exception justifications * Complete loan narrative ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Underwriting Inspector information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$25.2K

$56.6K

$102K

How much do underwriting inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for underwriting inspector in Chicago, IL is $56,595.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,700.00 and $65,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Underwriting Inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Underwriting Inspector, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of insurance principles, often supported by experience in property inspection or risk assessment. Familiarity with inspection software, digital photography, and report management tools is typically required, along with relevant certifications like Certified Insurance Inspector (CII). Excellent communication, time management, and problem-solving abilities help inspectors interact professionally with clients and efficiently manage multiple assignments. These skills ensure accurate risk evaluations and high-quality reporting, which are critical for informed underwriting decisions and mitigating insurance losses.

What is the highest paying underwriting job?

Senior underwriting roles, such as Senior Underwriter or Underwriting Manager, tend to be the highest paying positions within underwriting. These roles often require extensive experience, specialized knowledge, and sometimes advanced certifications, and they can offer salaries significantly higher than entry-level underwriting positions.

What are underwriting inspectors?

Underwriting inspectors are professionals who assess properties, vehicles, or businesses to collect information needed for insurance underwriting. They conduct site visits, take photographs, measure structures, and evaluate risks such as safety hazards or compliance with regulations. Their reports help insurance companies determine coverage eligibility, policy terms, and pricing. Underwriting inspectors play a crucial role in minimizing risk for insurers and ensuring policyholders receive appropriate coverage.

Will AI replace underwriting?

AI is increasingly used in underwriting to automate data analysis and risk assessment, improving efficiency and consistency. However, underwriting inspectors play a crucial role in evaluating complex cases, inspecting properties, and making judgment calls that AI cannot fully replicate. Therefore, AI is likely to augment rather than replace underwriting professionals in the near future.

What is the difference between Underwriting Inspector vs Insurance Adjuster?

AspectUnderwriting InspectorInsurance Adjuster
CredentialsTypically requires insurance licensing, certifications in underwriting or inspectionRequires insurance licensing, claims adjusting certifications
Work EnvironmentOffice-based with site inspections, primarily in insurance companiesFieldwork involving site visits, claims assessment in various locations
Employer & IndustryInsurance companies, underwriting firmsInsurance companies, claims adjusting firms
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in insurance underwriting and inspectionsAssessing claims and damages for insurance purposes

While both roles involve insurance and site inspections, Underwriting Inspectors focus on evaluating risks before policy issuance, whereas Insurance Adjusters assess damages after a claim is filed. Both require similar certifications and often work within the insurance industry, but their primary functions differ in timing and scope.

Is underwriting a stressful job?

Underwriting can be a stressful job due to the responsibility of assessing risk accurately and making critical decisions that impact the company's financial health. It often requires attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work under deadlines, which can contribute to work-related stress.

What type of inspector gets paid the most?

In the underwriting inspection field, senior or specialized inspectors, such as those with advanced certifications or experience in complex risk assessments, tend to earn higher salaries. Inspectors working in high-risk industries or in regions with a higher cost of living may also receive higher pay. Generally, those with technical expertise and strong industry knowledge command the highest wages.

How does an Underwriting Inspector typically collaborate with underwriters and other team members during the inspection process?

Underwriting Inspectors work closely with underwriters by providing detailed field reports, photographs, and assessments of properties or risks. Their findings help underwriters make informed decisions about policy issuance and premium rates. Inspectors also communicate with agents, property owners, and sometimes risk engineers to clarify information or resolve discrepancies. Effective collaboration ensures accuracy in risk evaluation and supports timely policy processing.
Infographic showing various Underwriting Inspector job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 33% In-person, and 67% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $56,595 per year, or $27.2 per hour.
Underwriting/Operations Assistant - Commercial Property

Underwriting/Operations Assistant - Commercial Property

RLI Corp.

Chicago, IL • On-site

$22.01 - $29.29/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

About Us
We're not like other insurance companies. From our specialty products to our business model, our culture to our results - we're different. Different is who we are, and how we work, interact, deliver and succeed together. Creating a different and better insurance experience doesn't just happen. It takes focus and a shared passion for going beyond the expected to forge relationships and deliver care that makes a difference. This approach rises from and is supported by our talented, ethical and smart team of employee owners united around a single purpose: to work alongside our customers and partners when they need us, in unexpected ways, with exceptional results. Apply today to make a difference with us.
RLI is a Glassdoor Best Places to Work company with a strong, successful background. For decades, our financial track record has been stellar - a testament to our culture and validation of our reputation as an excellent underwriting company.
Position Purpose
Support Commercial Property underwriting by creating policy documents, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, order inspections and premium audits, maintain electronic underwriting files, solicit renewal transactions, provide basic operational support for the product line's underwriters. Review insurance certificates, resolving discrepancies with reinsurers, providing operations, production, and underwriting reports, working with producers, audit work of others, given authority in some cases on behalf of Underwriting.
Principal Duties & Responsibilities
  • Create policy documents which represent the insurance transaction bound by the underwriter.
  • Ensure the statistical coding and policy issuance complies with regulatory requirements for each insurance transaction.
  • Order inspections, premium audits, and loss runs as required.
  • Maintain electronic underwriting file.
  • Solicit renewal transactions.
  • As necessary, re-format data for import into front end system.
  • Provide basic operational support for the product line's underwriters.
  • As requested by underwriters, develop underwriting information from the internet and other data sources.
  • Review facultative insurance certificates to ensure the terms identified by the reinsurer are consistent with terms expected by underwriter.
  • Resolve accounting discrepancies with facultative reinsurers.
  • Provide operational, production, and underwriting reports to underwriting staff as requested, utilizing front-end systems and/or Business Objects.
  • Contact producers to determine appropriate courses of action.
  • Assist with User Acceptance Testing of systematic changes.
  • Audit the work of others.
  • May be given authority to review/approve endorsements, review/analyze risks, review terms and conditions of underlying policies, review inspections of risks, each of which would be on behalf of Underwriting.

Education & Experience
  • Typically requires a high school diploma; Associates degree preferred
  • 2+ years of related experience for consideration
  • [OR] equivalent level of education and experience
  • Experience in commercial property insurance preferred

Knowledge, Skills, & Competencies
  • Ability to follow operations procedures as outlined by supervisor/manager.
  • Ability to meet processing deadlines with minimal error.
  • Ability to manage a variety of projects, both long- and short-term simultaneously.
  • Ability to use database software including Windows operating systems, computer network environment and printers to process insurance policy changes.
  • Accurate data entry.
  • Superior Excel skills to peer review formulas, formatting, and data cleansing of large spreadsheets.

Compensation Overview
The base salary range for the position is listed below. Please note that the base salary is only one component of our robust total rewards package at RLI. The salary offered will take into account a number of factors including, but not limited to, geographic location, experience, scope & responsibilities of the role, qualifications/credentials, talent availability & specialization, as well as business needs. The below range may be modified in the future.
Base Pay Range
$22.01 - $29.29
Total Rewards
At RLI, we're all owners. We hire the best and the brightest employees and allow them to share in the company's success through our Total Rewards. With the Employee Stock Ownership plan at its core, the Total Rewards program includes all compensation, benefits and perks that come with being an RLI employee.
Financial Incentives
  • Annual bonus plans
  • Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
  • 401(k) - automatic 3% company contribution
  • Annual 401k and ESOP profit-sharing contributions (Up to 15% of eligible earnings)

Work & Life
  • Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
  • Paid volunteer time off (VTO) to support our communities
  • Parental and family care leave
  • Flexible & hybrid work arrangements
  • Fitness center discounts and free virtual fitness platform
  • Employee assistance program

Health & Wellness
  • Comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits
  • Flexible spending and health savings accounts
  • 2x base salary for group life and AD&D insurance
  • Voluntary life, critical illness, & accident insurance for purchase
  • Short-term and long-term disability benefits

Personal & Professional Growth
RLI encourages its employees to pursue professional development work in insurance and job-related areas. We make a commitment to employees to provide educational opportunities that help them enhance their skills and further their career advancement. RLI fosters a true learning culture and encourages professional growth through insurance courses, in-house training and other educational programs. RLI covers the cost for most programs and employees typically earn a bonus upon successful completion of approved courses and certifications. Our personal and professional growth benefits include:
  • Training & certification opportunities
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Education bonuses

Diversity & Inclusion
Our goal is to attract, develop and retain the best employee talent from diverse backgrounds while promoting an environment where all viewpoints are valued and individuals feel respected, are treated fairly, and have an opportunity to excel in their chosen careers. We actively support, and participate in, initiatives led by the American Property Casualty Insurance Association that aim to increase diversity in the insurance industry. Cultivating an exceptional and diverse workforce to deliver excellent customer service reinforces our culture and is a key to achieving superior business results.
RLI is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

RLI logo

About RLI

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Insurance services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Peoria, IL, US

Year founded

1965