Full-Time
Underwriter
Contract Surety
Updated on 8/23/2026
RLI
1,001-5,000 employees
Specialty insurer serving niche risk markets
Compensation Overview
$86.3k - $123.4k/yr
Edmond, OK, USA
Hybrid
Remote work is available, with travel expected to visit agents, contractors, and surety-related events in the assigned territory.
Bachelor's
 Finance & Banking (1) |
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- Typically requires a bachelor's degree in insurance, finance, risk management, business or a related field.
- Requires 4+ years of Contract Surety underwriting experience.
- Ability to use analytical methods in underwriting processes to find workable solutions.
- Ability to communicate findings and recommendations to management on underwriting matters.
- Ability to meet objectives while operating independently.
- Ability to apply a strategic perspective to improve underwriting functions.
- Own profit and loss responsibility for a book of business within the territory.
- Develop and execute a marketing plan for new business by targeting key brokers, arranging meetings, and attending industry functions.
- Perform required underwriting functions, including financial analysis, account analysis, industry analysis, and administrative responsibilities.
- Adhere to underwriting guidelines and authority limits.
- Serve as a resource on underwriting and territory issues to other members of the Contract Surety team.
- Travel to visit agents, contractors, and surety-related events in the assigned territory.
- Lead special projects and other duties as needed.
RLI provides specialty insurance in the United States, focusing on niche property, casualty, and surety markets to help customers protect assets and manage risk. Its product offerings are customized insurance policies developed through underwriting that targets very specific needs, backed by a team of employee-owners who have decision-making freedom to serve customers and run the business. Compared with others, RLI emphasizes deep niche expertise, personalized service, and an entrepreneurial, owner-driven culture, aiming to perform well across different market cycles. The company's goal is to offer reliable insurance solutions with strong financial strength and peace of mind for its customers and partners.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
Illinois
Founded
1965
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Q2 2026 operating earnings reached $0.83 and combined ratio improved to 85.6.
- RLI returned $2 special dividend on June 12, 2026, plus buybacks.
- July 15, 2026 board addition of James H. Bradshaw strengthens insurance oversight.
What critics are saying
- California's City of Riverside ruling increases direct coverage litigation risk for RLI.
- Q1 2026 revenue missed estimates, showing premium growth still lags expectations.
- A continued underwriting miss could erode specialty-market credibility and compress valuation fast.
What makes RLI unique
- RLI underwrites niche property, casualty, and surety risks with disciplined underwriting.
- Its 2026 fleet-safety partnerships with IntelliShift, Netradyne, and TruckerCloud deepen broker value.
- A 51-year dividend streak signals capital discipline and shareholder-friendly management.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Disability Insurance
Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account
Flexible Work Hours
Hybrid Work Options
Paid Vacation
Paid Holidays
Parental Leave
Company Equity
Performance Bonus
Profit Sharing
Professional Development Budget
Tuition Reimbursement
Education Bonuses
Training & Certification Opportunities
Employee Assistance Program
Wellness Program
Company News
RLI partners with IntelliShift to expand fleet safety technology for insured operators. PEORIA, Ill. - RLI Transportation has partnered with fleet intelligence platform IntelliShift to provide its policyholders with discounted access to technology designed to improve fleet safety, operational visibility and performance. The partnership gives RLI Transportation policyholders exclusive pricing on IntelliShift's platform, which combines telematics, AI-powered dash camera insights, vehicle maintenance, compliance, safety and analytics into a single dashboard. According to the companies, the partnership expands RLI Transportation's network of telematics and safety technology providers while offering a connected platform that integrates with systems many commercial fleets already use. IntelliShift also integrates with two of RLI Transportation's technology partners, Netradyne and TruckerCloud. Netradyne's AI-powered camera technology provides video-based insights to support driver coaching and encourage safer driving habits, while TruckerCloud simplifies telematics data sharing and gives fleets greater visibility into operational data. "At RLI Transportation, we are committed to helping our customers build safer, more efficient fleet operations that are easier to manage," said Jamie Wilson, assistant vice president of loss control for RLI Transportation. "Our partnership with IntelliShift gives insureds more actionable insights to better understand risk, improve driver performance and make more informed decisions faster." RLI Transportation provides insurance products for trucking, public auto, commercial specialty auto, moving and storage, and other transportation operators.
RLI Corp reported Q2 2026 operating earnings of $0.83 per share, slightly up from $0.82 last year, whilst net earnings jumped to $1.82 from $1.34. The insurance company saw net investment income rise 17% to $46 million and achieved a 25% return on equity. Gross premiums written grew 3%, with the casualty segment leading at 11% growth. The company recorded a combined ratio of 85.6 and underwriting income of $59.9 million. RLI returned capital to shareholders through a $2 special dividend and authorised a $250 million share repurchase programme, buying back 235,000 shares. Book value per share increased 11% from year-end 2025. Total investments and cash stood at approximately $4.9 billion.
RLI, a specialty insurance provider, exceeded Wall Street's revenue expectations in Q2 CY2026. The company reported sales of $575.6 million, up 30.6% year on year and 25.6% above analyst estimates. Net premiums earned reached $417.1 million, beating analyst forecasts of $411 million. The company's non-GAAP profit of $0.83 per share came in 15.3% above consensus estimates. RLI's combined ratio of 85.6% outperformed expectations of 89.2%. The company's revenue has grown at a 14.6% compounded annual growth rate over the past five years. Net premiums earned accounted for 90.2% of RLI's total revenue during the last five years, highlighting the importance of its underwriting activities to overall performance.
RLI announces James H. Bradshaw to join Board of Directors. RLI Corp., a US specialty insurer offering property, casualty and surety insurance products, has announced the appointment of James H. Bradshaw to its Board of Directors. Bradshaw joined the Board with effect from 15 July 2026. His initial term will continue until the company's next annual shareholders' meeting in May 2027, when he will be nominated for re-election by shareholders. His appointment became effective on 15 July 2026 as part of the company's ongoing board governance and oversight arrangements. "We are pleased to welcome Jim to our Board of Directors," added RLI Corp. Board Chairman Dave Duclos. "His extensive industry experience, strategic perspective and deep understanding of RLI's business model will bring valuable insight to our Board and help guide RLI's profitable growth and continued long-term success."
RLI Corp has appointed James H. Bradshaw to its board of directors, effective 15 July 2026. His term expires at RLI's next shareholders' meeting in May 2027, when he will stand for re-election. Bradshaw is chairman of Gallagher Re North America, a position he has held since 2024. He previously served for more than a decade as chief executive officer at Gallagher Re North America and its predecessor, Willis Re North America. Before that, he held leadership and underwriting positions with Guy Carpenter and Chubb. He brings more than 40 years of experience in insurance industry leadership, strategy and market development. RLI Corp is a specialty insurer serving niche property, casualty and surety markets.