Commercial Underwriter NEW

Madison, Wisconsin
Rural Mutual Insurance
Job Description Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Commercial Underwriter – Agribusiness to join our field underwriting team serving Germantown, Wisconsin and the surrounding counties. In this role, you will travel throughout your assigned region evaluating risks, conducting on-site inspections, collaborating with agency partners, and making underwriting decisions that support profitable growth.

Company vehicle and gas card provided.

The ideal candidate will have commercial lines underwriting experience and a background working directly with agents, insureds, or field representatives. Candidates with field underwriting experience are strongly preferred. Farm, agricultural, or agribusiness underwriting experience is highly desirable. Candidates with strong commercial underwriting experience and an interest in agricultural risks are also encouraged to apply.

If you enjoy building relationships, evaluating risks firsthand, and working independently while managing a territory, this opportunity offers the chance to make a meaningful impact with a growing book of business.

This hybrid role is a home-based field position and requires travel throughout the assigned territory. Applicants must live and work in Wisconsin and be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

At Rural Mutual, we are committed to fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment where employees can grow professionally while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. We offer a competitive compensation package that includes health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance, an employee bonus plan, a matching 401(k), generous paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

Rural Mutual is proud of its consistent A+ AM Best financial strength rating, recognition as one of Ward’s Top 50 Property & Casualty insurance companies, and designation as a Madison Magazine Best Place to Work.

Compensation:

$70,000 – $85,000 per year based on experience

Responsibilities:

• Evaluate commercial and farm risks for acceptance, modification, or declination in accordance with company underwriting guidelines and authority levels.
• Conduct on-site inspections of businesses, farms, and other insured operations to identify exposures, assess risk quality, and evaluate risk control practices.
• Develop underwriting recommendations and provide clear documentation to support rating, pricing, and policy issuance.
• Apply and document Individual Rate Modifications (IRM) for commercial and farm policies as appropriate.
• Partner with agents to provide underwriting guidance regarding eligibility, coverage options, risk improvement opportunities, and underwriting expectations.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with agents, policyholders, and internal business partners.
• Participate in agency meetings and training sessions to support underwriting knowledge and risk evaluation best practices.
• Manage a structured schedule of field visits, remote work, underwriting analysis, and agent communications throughout the assigned territory.
• Maintain accurate and timely underwriting files, inspection reports, and related documentation.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, departmental procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of underwriting and departmental objectives.

Qualifications:

• 3+ years of property and casualty underwriting experience.
• Commercial underwriting experience required.
• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to evaluate a wide range of commercial and agricultural operations and exposures.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and effectively manage a territory-based workload.
• Strong relationship-building, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to clearly explain underwriting decisions and technical concepts to agents, policyholders, and business partners.
• Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to delivering exceptional service.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage travel, competing priorities, and documentation requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and underwriting technology platforms.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel throughout the assigned territory.
• Ability to inspect farms, commercial properties, and other insured locations, including walking on uneven terrain.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and in writing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Farm, agricultural, or agribusiness underwriting experience or knowledge.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Risk Management & Insurance, Agribusiness, or a related field; equivalent education and experience will be considered.
• CPCU, AU, AFIS, or similar professional insurance designation, or progress toward obtaining one.
• Bilingual communication skills, including Spanish or Hmong.

About Company

What You’ll Love About Rural Mutual Insurance:

We are a leading property and casualty insurance company based in Wisconsin, well known for our financial strength and longevity in the insurance industry. Our reputation in the marketplace ensures stability and opens up numerous growth opportunities for our employees.

We created a welcoming place to work with friendly and professional leadership. We are known for the great care we take with our staff, our agents, and our customers. We are passionate and determined about delivering the best customer service, preserving insurance industry knowledge, and making a difference through the work that we do.

We believe in a healthy work/life balance and, to that end, offer a competitive and comprehensive compensation package including health, dental, life, LTD, and vision insurance as well as an employee bonus plan, matching 401(k) plan, and generous time off benefits. Rural Mutual is an Equal Opportunity employer.