Commercial Underwriter - Property & Casualty
About the job
- Intermediate candidates must have at least 3 years of Commercial Property and Casualty underwriting experience.
- Intermediate candidates must have post-secondary education or equivalent experience.
- Intermediate candidates must have completed or be pursuing the Chartered Insurance Professional designation.
- Senior candidates must have at least 7 years of Property and Casualty underwriting experience.
- Senior candidates must have post-secondary education or equivalent practical experience.
- Senior candidates are preferred to have the Chartered Insurance Professional or Fellow Chartered Insurance Professional designation.
- Senior candidates must have deep knowledge of underwriting philosophy, policy contracts, pricing, and risk assessment.
- Senior candidates must have expertise in one or more segments such as Construction, Contractors, Manufacturing, Wholesaling, Builders Risk, and Wrap Up.
- Both levels require the ability to identify and pursue growth opportunities and build long-term broker partnerships.
- Qualify and underwrite new business and renewal Commercial Property and Casualty accounts.
- Assess customer needs and risk characteristics to balance top-line growth and bottom-line profitability.
- Set coverage terms, conditions, and pricing in accordance with underwriting guidelines and delegated authority.
- Build and maintain relationships with brokers, customers, and internal partners.
- Negotiate terms, pricing, and coverage for new business, renewals, and mid-term changes.
- Maintain portfolio quality by monitoring loss trends, market conditions, and risk performance.
- Stay current on industry trends and legal and regulatory changes.
- Use Commercial Insurance systems and tools effectively.
- Independently underwrite Core Market commercial accounts within assigned authority at the Intermediate level.
- Review new business submissions and renewals, escalating more complex risks as appropriate at the Intermediate level.
- Deliver responsive, solutions-oriented broker and customer service at the Intermediate level.
- Contribute to market research, pricing insights, and product or coverage discussions at the Intermediate level.
- Support updates to underwriting guidelines, bulletins, and procedures at the Intermediate level.
- Identify emerging risk trends and participate in remediation strategies at the Intermediate level.
- Support learning and development initiatives, including training and knowledge sharing at the Intermediate level.
- Underwrite Core and Middle Market accounts, including medium to complex risks, within higher authority levels at the Senior level.
- Act as a technical referral and escalation point for junior and intermediate underwriters at the Senior level.
- Drive profitable growth through disciplined risk selection and portfolio management at the Senior level.
- Provide insight on market trends, loss drivers, and underwriting performance at the Senior level.
- Participate in pricing, coverage, and product enhancements and contribute to underwriting guidelines and manuals at the Senior level.
- Mentor and develop underwriting talent and support formal and informal training initiatives at the Senior level.
- Conduct broker and insured meetings to develop new business and retain key, profitable accounts at the Senior level.
- Serve as a subject matter expert within the branch or region at the Senior level.
- Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-management skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong presentation, facilitation, and stakeholder-influencing capabilities.
- Ability to mentor and coach more junior underwriters in upskilling technical knowledge.
About the company
Aviva is a financial services group that provides savings, retirement, and insurance products to individuals, families, and businesses mainly in the UK, Canada, and Ireland. Its products help people manage long-term financial security through life insurance, pensions, and investment options. The company earns money from insurance premiums, investment income, and fees for asset management, and its offerings span protections, savings accounts, retirement plans, and investment services. Aviva differentiates itself by integrating a strong focus on sustainability and responsible investing (such as its Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme and venture capital investments in emerging tech) and by prioritizing diversity and inclusion in its workforce. Its goal is to help clients secure their financial futures while growing its business through a broad, diversified portfolio of financial products and services.
Company Size
10,001+
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
London, United Kingdom
Founded
1990
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Direct Line PCW launch on September 3, 2026 broadens home-insurance distribution immediately.
- Aviva launched MGA hybrid fronting on September 7, 2026, chasing faster specialty growth.
- DisasterCare’s May 1, 2026 acquisition strengthens claims handling and speeds property recovery.
What critics are saying
- Direct Line integration still targets 2,300 role reductions through 2028, risking execution strain.
- FCA scrutiny over Litani’s mini-tender remains active after Reuters’ July 15, 2026 report.
- Canadian business-interruption and claims litigation can resurface, forcing reserves and management distraction.
What makes Aviva unique
- Aviva owns Direct Line, combining direct, broker, and PCW distribution across 2026.
- Aviva Premier targets larger mid-market risks, expanding beyond commoditized personal lines.
- Aviva’s 100% control of India simplifies strategy and capital allocation after July 2026.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
Performance Bonus
Paid Vacation
Hybrid Work Options
Parental Leave
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↓ -12%1 year growth
↓ -12%2 year growth
↓ -12%Aviva launches U.S. Specialty Insurance business, starting with commercial property. The new business marks the insurer's expansion into the U.S. specialty insurance market, with commercial property underwriting scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026. Published on October 8, 2026 Aviva has launched Aviva Specialty, a wholly owned U.S. specialty insurance platform headquartered in New York City. The new business marks the insurer's expansion into the U.S. specialty insurance market, with commercial property underwriting scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026. Aviva Specialty will serve open-market brokers and partner with program administrators. The platform combines specialty underwriting expertise, technology, and Aviva's financial resources. Commercial property leads initial underwriting. Aviva Specialty will initially focus on commercial property risks. However, the company has outlined plans to expand into additional lines, including cyber, specialty, and financial lines, and specialty casualty. The business also plans to develop delegated authority and program business capabilities. Aviva Specialty operates as a wholly owned surplus lines carrier with capabilities to serve risks nationwide. It will write business on Aviva Insurance Limited paper, giving brokers, clients, and program partners access to the insurer's underwriting expertise and financial resources. As of September 2026, Aviva Insurance Limited held an A+ financial strength rating from AM Best. Partnership model and technology platform. Aviva Specialty has adopted a partnership-led operating model that combines underwriting discipline, responsive decision-making, and modern technology. The company designed the platform to operate with the flexibility of a specialty insurance startup while drawing on Aviva's established global capabilities. Mike Karmilowicz, president of Aviva Specialty, said the business combines an experienced specialty insurance team with a platform built specifically for the U.S. market. According to Karmilowicz, the company is providing its underwriting teams with technology and operational flexibility to support brokers, clients, and program partners. The platform emphasizes responsive underwriting, service, and consistent execution across its distribution partnerships. Aviva outlines U.S. Specialty strategy. The launch represents the first stage of Aviva's broader U.S. specialty insurance strategy. The company plans to build its presence through selected insurance classes and partnerships that align with its underwriting expertise, capital resources, and long-term business approach. Jason Storah, CEO of UK & Ireland General Insurance at Aviva, described the launch as an important step in the company's growth strategy. Storah said Aviva sees opportunities to expand its specialty insurance operations in the U.S. as it continues developing its global specialty capabilities. He also emphasized the company's long-term approach to the market and its commitment to establishing relationships with specialty insurance partners. Aviva Specialty Insurance Services US Inc. operates under the name Aviva Specialty Insurance Agency Inc. in California and Florida. The company's California license number is 6020053. Get the latest insurance market updates and discover exclusive program opportunities at ProgramBusiness.com. Are you a retail Agent Looking for a Quote? Coverage, Keyword, or Company
Aviva launches U.S. Specialty Insurance business. Published: 07 Oct 2026 Aviva today announced the launch of Aviva Specialty, its wholly owned U.S. specialty insurance platform headquartered in New York City, marking Aviva's expansion into the U.S. specialty insurance market.[[1]] Aviva Specialty will begin underwriting commercial property risks in the fourth quarter of 2026, serving open market brokerage, and partnering with leading program administrators. The business was built around a partnership-led model designed to combine disciplined underwriting, responsive decision-making, and modern technology with the financial strength and global capabilities of Aviva. The platform will initially focus on commercial property, with a roadmap to expand into additional lines of business including cyber, specialty & financial lines as well as specialty casualty. Aviva Specialty will write on Aviva Insurance Limited paper, providing brokers, clients, and program partners with access to Aviva's financial strength and underwriting expertise. The new business is designed to bring partners the best of both worlds: the agility and entrepreneurial mindset of a specialty insurance start-up, backed by the capabilities and resources of a leading global insurer. Mike Karmilowicz, president of Aviva Specialty, said: "What differentiates Aviva Specialty is the combination of a seasoned specialty insurance team and the agility of a purpose-built platform. We are building the business from the ground up for today's market, giving our teams the tools and flexibility to deliver responsive underwriting, exceptional service and consistent execution for brokers, clients and program partners." The launch represents the first stage of Aviva's U.S. specialty strategy. The company intends to build its presence deliberately, focusing on classes and partnerships where Aviva's underwriting expertise, capital strength, and long-term approach can create meaningful value. Jason Storah, CEO, UK & Ireland General Insurance, Aviva, said: "The launch of Aviva Specialty represents an important step in Aviva's growth strategy. As we continue to expand our global specialty capabilities, the U.S. is a market where we see significant opportunities to grow and create value. We are entering the market with a long-term perspective and a commitment to being a trusted specialty insurance partner." Aviva Specialty operates as a wholly owned surplus lines carrier and has capabilities to serve risk nationwide. Footnotes: [1.] [Aviva Specialty Insurance Services US, Inc., dba Aviva Specialty Insurance Agency Inc. in CA and FL; CA Lic. No. 6020053 US enquiries. Liz Harish UK enquiries Heleana Greeves About Aviva Specialty: Aviva Specialty is a US specialty insurance platform, wholly owned by Aviva and headquartered in New York City. Built to serve the US commercial insurance market, Aviva Specialty combines experienced specialty insurance leadership with a modern, technology-enabled operating platform and the financial strength of Aviva Insurance Ltd. (A+ by AM Best, as of September 2026). The company will begin underwriting commercial property business in Q4 2026, with plans to expand into additional specialty lines and delegated authority and program business capabilities. For more information, visit https://specialty.aviva.com Notes to editors: * Aviva plc is the UK's only diversified insurer and Aviva plc operate in the UK, Ireland and Canada. Aviva plc also have international investments in India and China. * Aviva plc help its 25.3 million customers make the most out of life, plan for the future, and have the confidence that if things go wrong Aviva plc'll be there to put it right. * Aviva plc has been taking care of people for more than 325 years, in line with its purpose of being 'with you today, for a better tomorrow'. In 2025, Aviva plc paid £31.9 billion in claims and benefits to its customers. * Aviva is a Living Wage, Living Pension and Living Hours employer and provides market-leading benefits for its people, including flexible working, paid carers leave and equal parental leave. Find out more at www.aviva.com/about-Aviva plc/its-people/ * As at 30 June 2026, total Group assets under management at Aviva Group were £479 billion and its estimated Solvency II shareholder capital surplus was £6.8 billion. Its shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange and Aviva plc is a member of the FTSE 100 index. * For more details on what Aviva plc do, its business and how Aviva plc help its customers, visit www.aviva.com/about-Aviva plc * The Aviva newsroom at www.aviva.com/newsroom includes links to its spokespeople images, podcasts, research reports and its news release archive. Sign up to get the latest news from Aviva by email. * You can follow Aviva plc on: * X: www.x.com/avivaplc * LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/aviva-plc * Instagram: www.instagram.com/avivaplc/ * For the latest corporate films from around its business, subscribe to its YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/aviva
US insurers' private credit exposure hits $1.2trn, NAIC says. Companies: * Aviva launches US specialty insurance platform 08 October 2026 Commercial property is the initial focus but cyber, specialty and financial lines and specialty casualty are on the cards * Tropical Storm Isaias set to become first Atlantic hurricane of 2026 08 October 2026 * PRA proposes to raise Solvency UK thresholds every five years 08 October 2026 Prudential Regulation Authority wants to avoid "prudential drag" * US life insurers with private equity ties dominate affiliated ABS holdings 08 October 2026 NAIC says US life insurers reported $321bn in affiliated investments at year-end 2025 * Athene urges NAIC to resist delays to offshore reinsurance capital reforms 08 October 2026 Life re/insurer argues non-reciprocal jurisdictions warrant full capital charge for recapture risk
Phil Rosace to lead Aviva Specialty's US cyber business. British insurer Aviva has announced the appointment of Phil Rosace to lead Aviva Specialty's US cyber business segment. Rosace brings more than 15 years of insurance industry experience, with extensive cyber underwriting experience. He joins Aviva from Coalition, where he served as a General Manager responsible for all aspects of Coalition Re's operations, including capacity building, licensing, business development, underwriting, pricing and portfolio management. He launched Coalition Re's reinsurance/" style="color:#c0392b;font-weight:700;text-decoration:underline;" class="hta-topic-link">cyber reinsurance business, securing capacity partners and early treaties. Prior to that, he spent three years at Vantage Risk Companies, most recently serving as Vice President of Portfolio Underwriting. Earlier in his career, he held cyber underwriting roles at Zurich North America and AIG. In a recent LinkedIn post, Rosace said, "I'm looking forward to working with colleagues across Aviva and with many of the great people across the market from brokers to technology and service providers as we build a differentiated, forward-looking cyber proposition." The post Phil Rosace to lead Aviva Specialty's US cyber business appeared first on ReinsuranceNe.ws. Spread the love
Aviva adds digital trust management and death claim notifications. Aviva has added digital trust management capabilities and death claims notifications for protection advisers through Aviva Connect and its ALPS tracking Service. Digital Manage Trust. Digital Manage Trust enables advisers to manage changes to existing protection policy trusts through a guided online journey. Building on last year's Digital Add Trust functionality, advisers can now manage amendments to existing trusts, with legal deeds automatically generated and pre-populated using information entered online. Advisers can add or remove trustees and beneficiaries, update beneficiary allocation percentages, record trustees or beneficiaries as deceased and instantly download legally required documentation ready for signature. Available across most ALPS protection products, the journey incorporates built-in validation and intelligent guidance designed to improve accuracy and help advisers complete trust changes correctly first time. With the removal of manual forms, the new digital process and step-by-step guidance aims to improve information capture, reduce delays and create a smoother overall experience. Death claims notifications. Aviva has also introduced death claims notifications for protection advisers. The notification is delivered through advisers' existing servicing routes, including MyClient, Business Tracking, reporting extracts and tracking emails, giving advisers access to important information through the systems they regularly use. The new notifications are designed to help advisers respond with greater awareness and sensitivity at what can be a difficult time for their clients and their families. By reducing communication gaps and helping advisers avoid inappropriate contact, the new capability aims to support more informed conversations and strengthens the support advisers can provide throughout the claims process. Continued commitment. Daren Boys, protection portfolio distribution director at Aviva, said: "These latest enhancements reflect its continued commitment to delivering a more connected and intuitive adviser experience, helping them spend less time on administration and more time supporting their clients. "The launch of Digital Manage Trust represents another important step in our journey towards end-to-end digital trust management, while our new death claims notification service will provide advisers with valuable information to help them support clients with greater sensitivity and awareness."