Insurance underwriting math (apply, interview, company, contracts)

[destinedtodave]

I have a 3 hour interview coming up for an entry level underwriting position. What level of math is commonly used? I assume complex statistical studies are on the actuarial side of things, but I don't want to assume that basic math is all I will need.

Any advice on the possible technical questions I could face would be greatly appreciated

[rodgwag]

Don't worry about the math as long as you know the basics. Actuaries are the originators of the calculations involved in rate creation not the underwriters. Underwriters just have to know the underwriting rules for the carrier that he or she represents and use that knowledge to interpret the rules as they apply to any given insured situation. A good insurance agent is considered a field underwriter if he or she directly contracts with the insurance company and he or she is expected to pre-underwrite every risk before it is submitted.