Commercial Specialty Auto Underwriter

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.

Position Purpose

Under occasional supervision, underwrite new and renewal Commercial Specialty Auto accounts within the Transportation business. Evaluate and price risks while balancing profitability, growth, and customer service objectives. Develop strong relationships with agents and brokers, identify quality transportation risks, and apply sound underwriting judgment to build a profitable book of business.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Analyze, evaluate, price, quote, bind, decline, and renew Commercial Specialty Auto accounts with moderate to high premium volume and risk exposure.
• Underwrite transportation risks in accordance with underwriting guidelines and authority levels.
• Review submissions, loss history, financial information, driver and fleet characteristics, safety programs, and operational exposures to determine acceptability and pricing.
• Apply underwriting judgment to evaluate risk quality, coverage structure, deductibles, pricing, and terms to achieve profitable growth.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with agents, brokers, reinsurers, and internal business partners to support production and service objectives.
• Negotiate pricing, coverage, and terms with agency partners while maintaining underwriting discipline.
• Monitor renewal business and recommend pricing or coverage changes based on loss trends, market conditions, and account performance.
• Document underwriting decisions and maintain complete, accurate account files.
• Absorb and assist with policy approvals, endorsements, renewals, and other policy servicing activities within assigned authority.
• Participate in agency visits, marketing activities, and industry events to strengthen agency relationships and identify new business opportunities.
• Absorb and assist with special projects and perform other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

• Typically requires a bachelor's degree in insurance, finance, risk management, business or a related field.
• Minimum of 3+ years of commercial P&C underwriting experience, preferably with Commercial Specialty Auto or Excess & Surplus (E&S) Transportation accounts [OR] equivalent level of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, & Competencies

• Knowledge of Commercial Specialty Auto and/or E&S Transportation underwriting principles, including operations, risk selection, pricing, and coverage evaluation.
• Ability to analyze transportation exposures, loss experience, financial information, and pricing models to make sound underwriting decisions.
• Strong understanding of commercial insurance coverage, policy forms, and underwriting guidelines.
• Ability to evaluate driver, vehicle, fleet, and operational characteristics to assess risk quality.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to balance production goals and profitability.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to explain underwriting decisions and negotiate effectively with agency partners.
• Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with agents, brokers, reinsurers, and internal stakeholders.
• Ability to prioritize multiple accounts and manage competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient with underwriting systems and technology used to analyze risk and manage a book of business.
• Demonstrates sound underwriting judgment and typically possesses underwriting letter of authority appropriate for the role.
• Participates in continuing education and remains current on transportation industry trends, regulatory developments, and market conditions.

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 $77,025.00 - $109,145.00

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
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
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.