What does "underwriting" refer to in insurance?

Underwriting in insurance is primarily the process of evaluating the risk and exposures of potential clients. This involves assessing various factors related to the applicant's background, health, property, or activities that could impact the likelihood of a loss occurring. Underwriters analyze information such as credit history, claims history, property characteristics, and more to determine the appropriate coverage and pricing.

The underwriting process ensures that insurers can accurately gauge the risk they are taking on and make informed decisions about whether to accept the application for insurance and under what terms. By evaluating these risks, underwriters play a crucial role in maintaining the financial stability of the insurance company while also ensuring that clients receive fair premiums based on their unique risk profiles.