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Commercial lines underwriter vs property underwriter

The differences between commercial lines underwriters and property underwriters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a property underwriter has an average salary of $71,730, which is higher than the $67,892 average annual salary of a commercial lines underwriter.

The top three skills for a commercial lines underwriter include CPCU, multi-line and commercial property. The most important skills for a property underwriter are CPCU, underwriting guidelines, and insurance coverage.

Commercial lines underwriter vs property underwriter overview

Commercial Lines UnderwriterProperty Underwriter
Yearly salary$67,892$71,730
Hourly rate$32.64$34.49
Growth rate-4%-4%
Number of jobs33,04711,643
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 77%Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Average age4444
Years of experience--

What does a commercial lines underwriter do?

Commercial lines underwriters are professionals who are responsible for reviewing corporate insurance applications to evaluate the risk involved and to approve or disapprove applicants. These underwriters are required to analyze the business information of their clients as well as monitor their activities to change insurance policies when risk is high or substandard. They must contact outside parties to discuss and explain underwriting policies as well as quote rates. Commercial lines underwriters must also utilize underwriting guidelines so that they can determine the loss-ratio history and loss-control reports.

What does a property underwriter do?

Property Underwriters will require skills in underwriting guidelines, sales territories, CPCU, analysis, math, interpersonal communication, and a bachelor's degree in economics, business, accounting, finance, or mathematics for this career choice. Also, on-the-job training may be needed from senior underwriters and completion of certification programs. Paying an annual salary of $82K, those who choose this career will help determine coverage amounts and premiums on property. This may include houses, land, boats, cars, or other properties of sufficient value.

Commercial lines underwriter vs property underwriter salary

Commercial lines underwriters and property underwriters have different pay scales, as shown below.

Commercial Lines UnderwriterProperty Underwriter
Average salary$67,892$71,730
Salary rangeBetween $44,000 And $104,000Between $45,000 And $111,000
Highest paying City-Boston, MA
Highest paying state-Massachusetts
Best paying company-Chubb
Best paying industry-Finance

Differences between commercial lines underwriter and property underwriter education

There are a few differences between a commercial lines underwriter and a property underwriter in terms of educational background:

Commercial Lines UnderwriterProperty Underwriter
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 77%Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Commercial lines underwriter vs property underwriter demographics

Here are the differences between commercial lines underwriters' and property underwriters' demographics:

Commercial Lines UnderwriterProperty Underwriter
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 43.1% Female, 56.9%Male, 47.1% Female, 52.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 10.1% Asian, 5.8% White, 72.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 9.9% Asian, 5.7% White, 71.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between commercial lines underwriter and property underwriter duties and responsibilities

Commercial lines underwriter example responsibilities.

  • Review individual mortgage origination/post origination documentation and perform database research.
  • Review individual mortgage origination/post origination documentation and perform database research.

Property underwriter example responsibilities.

  • Review individual mortgage origination/post origination documentation and perform database research.
  • Review individual mortgage origination/post origination documentation and perform database research.

Commercial lines underwriter vs property underwriter skills

Common commercial lines underwriter skills
  • CPCU, 14%
  • Multi-Line, 13%
  • Commercial Property, 8%
  • Loss Ratio, 7%
  • Renewal Retention, 4%
  • Risk Selection, 4%
Common property underwriter skills
  • CPCU, 11%
  • Underwriting Guidelines, 10%
  • Insurance Coverage, 7%
  • Insurance Laws, 6%
  • Broker Relationships, 6%
  • Commercial Property, 6%

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