What is meant by underwriting and how is it accomplished ?

The purpose of the process called “underwriting” is to determine whether the risk presented will be accepted, denied, or limited. In other words, the underwriter decides whether the insurance company will write an auto policy for an applicant based on the facts given on the application form.

When applying for insurance, you are asked a series of questions for the purpose of assessing the likelihood of your presenting a claim or having a loss. You are asked about your driving record and certain personal characteristics which will influence the rate you will be charged. Some of these characteristics, such as age and gender, are beyond your control. Others can be controlled, but since they relate directly to lifestyle or income, you may find it difficult, such as the place where you live or how you use your automobile(s). A third set of characteristics is highly controllable – the make and model of the car(s) you drive or the limits and coverages you choose to buy, for example.

What does this information tell an insurance underwriter? From prior claim data, insurers know that certain characteristics are indicators of possible loss: married persons tend to have fewer claims than those who are unmarried, people who drive their car to work have more claims than people who drive only for pleasure, to cite a few examples.

When submitting an application, all facts about the risk must be revealed. If, at a later date, it is found that pertinent information has been withheld or overlooked, the company has the right to withdraw its acceptance or modify the premium charges. In certain circumstances it may deny coverage of a claim.
Once the underwriter determines the risk as presented is acceptable, the next step is to determine what rate will be charged.