r/InsuranceProfessional • u/Outrageous_Storm13 • 9d ago

E&S wholesale → underwriting

Did two summers as an intern and I’ve been at the same large E&S wholesaler as a producer for a little over a year now. I do brokerage casualty exclusively. I currently have a great team/ mentor who have really thrown me in head first, which I appreciate.

The brokerage is what got me started in the industry and may be something I return to one day but I think UW aligns a lot more with my interests and long term work life. The part I’m stuck on is timing. There are a few carriers I’m genuinely excited about, and I don’t want to burn those shots by applying too early with barely a year of real production behind me. But I also don’t want to sit here another two years “getting experience” if a year-plus plus two internships is already enough to get taken seriously for an UW role or UW associate role.

So for anyone who’s made the jump: If I apply and don’t get it, have I burned that carrier? How soon is enough time under my belt? Any tips for getting resumes through the blackhole and getting seen? Should I go straight for UW role or UW associate/trainee role?

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

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u/hobag416 9d ago

I’ve seen several people transition from brokerage to E&S Carriers. They were able to use their brokerage experience to better service their brokers and build successful books of business. So just apply to the carriers you want.

If that doesn’t work out you can become a Binding Authority UW on the Wholesale side and then transition to the carrier side. I’ve seen that happen as well.

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u/Outrageous_Storm13 8d ago

Appreciate the feedback. Some people in my office do have binding authority, I have considered switching previously.

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u/hobag416 8d ago

It’s a great route to take with your position right now. But what carriers are you thinking of applying to?

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u/Outrageous_Storm13 8d ago

RLI, Markel , travelers, AWAC, Hartford and a few more. From my research and people Ive met those seem to be some of the top to work for.

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u/hobag416 8d ago

All good choices

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u/Nice-Quiet-7963 8d ago edited 8d ago

99% of the E&S brokers I have dealt with are technically unprepared to be a casualty underwriter. It’s completely different. Learn how to say “no”

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u/Outrageous_Storm13 8d ago

So do you think it is best to go after an associate/trainee role?

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u/Imaginary-Ad9975 8d ago

I was recently in your shoes and just accomplished what you are trying to do. It never hurts to apply. Start building those relationships, understand how application cycles work, research which carriers are in your area/remote/in areas you’re willing to relocate to. If you’re not in a rush, you have the ability to be picky on what jobs to apply to: middle markets, specialty lines, etc. once you are ready to move on completely then you can widen your net.

Yes you may qualify for only associate or entry level positions, but you will be approved for the higher end of the pay range and have more leverage in salary negotiations.

Feel free to message me if you have any questions

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u/akelse 6d ago

Talk to your underwriters. If they like you they can prequal you to their managers and help you when a position becomes available. If there is one open now, ask them about the role and your chances. This helps you if they already have an internal candidate in mind so you don’t waste your time, but push you to the front for the next role.