About Us

We’re not like other insurance companies. From our specialty products to our business model, our culture to our results — we’re different. Different is who we are, and how we work, interact, deliver and succeed together. Creating a different and better insurance experience doesn’t just happen. It takes focus and a shared passion for going beyond the expected to forge relationships and deliver care that makes a difference. This approach rises from and is supported by our talented, ethical and smart team of employee owners united around a single purpose: to work alongside our customers and partners when they need us, in unexpected ways, with exceptional results. Apply today to make a difference with us.

RLI is a Glassdoor Best Places to Work company with a strong, successful background. For decades, our financial track record has been stellar — a testament to our culture and validation of our reputation as an excellent underwriting company.

Position Purpose

Under frequent supervision, provide underwriting support for the Miscellaneous (Transactional) Surety line of business from submission through post-binding activities.

This role supports the underwriting of individual surety bonds such as license & permit, probate, public official, fidelity, and similar obligations. The Associate Underwriter partners closely with Underwriters, internal team members, and retail agents to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant bond issuance.

Depending on prior experience, the Associate Underwriter is expected to learn and develop surety underwriting fundamentals through training, shadowing, and special projects. The role includes building proficiency in surety systems, forms, and processes; applying judgment to ensure consistency between bond applications, approvals, and issued bonds; and identifying inconsistencies or concerns for escalation to the Underwriter.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide underwriting support throughout the end-to-end Miscellaneous Surety process, from submission intake through bond issuance and post-issuance servicing.

• Review incoming bond requests and applications to determine completeness, acceptability, and eligibility for quoting.

• Assist with evaluation of risk characteristics, obligee requirements, bond forms, and supporting documentation.

• Prepare bond quotes and recommendations for Underwriter review or issue bonds directly in accordance with assigned underwriting authority.

• Process new business and renewal bond requests, including review of financial information, credit data, and background documentation as applicable.

• Identify inconsistencies, missing information, or potential underwriting concerns and work with the Underwriter to resolve them.

• Process bond endorsements, riders, cancellations, and reinstatements; review and approve for accuracy prior to distribution.

• Ensure bond documentation aligns with underwriting intent, regulatory requirements, and obligee specifications.

• Maintain accurate underwriting files and documentation in accordance with internal standards and compliance requirements.

• Assist with special projects, workflow improvements, and other duties as assigned.

• Participate in training, continuing education, and insurance or surety examinations as deemed appropriate.

Education & Experience

• Typically requires a bachelor's degree in insurance, finance, risk management, business or a related field

• 0+ years of related experience for consideration

• [OR] equivalent level of education and experience

Knowledge, Skills, & Competencies

• Basic understanding of underwriting principles with an interest in Surety and Bonding.

• Ability to analyze applications, financial data, and supporting documentation to identify risk considerations.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify inconsistencies across applications, bonds, and endorsements.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills for interacting with Underwriters, agents, and internal partners.

• Ability to organize, summarize, and analyze information using underwriting systems and software tools.

• Ability to follow underwriting guidelines, document decisions, and escalate issues appropriately.

• Willingness to participate in continuing education and pursue surety-related insurance designations or exams.

Compensation Overview

The base salary range for the position is listed below. Please note that the base salary is only one component of our robust total rewards package at RLI. The salary offered will take into account a number of factors including, but not limited to, geographic location, experience, scope & responsibilities of the role, qualifications/credentials, talent availability & specialization, as well as business needs. The below range may be modified in the future.

Base Pay Range

Total Rewards

At RLI, we're all owners. We hire the best and the brightest employees and allow them to share in the company's success through our Total Rewards. With the Employee Stock Ownership plan at its core, the Total Rewards program includes all compensation, benefits and perks that come with being an RLI employee.

Financial Incentives

• Annual bonus plans

• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)

• 401(k) — automatic 3% company contribution

• Annual 401k and ESOP profit-sharing contributions (Up to 15% of eligible earnings)

Work & Life

• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays

• Paid volunteer time off (VTO) to support our communities

• Parental and family care leave

• Flexible & hybrid work arrangements

• Fitness center discounts and free virtual fitness platform

• Employee assistance program

Health & Wellness

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits

• Flexible spending and health savings accounts

• 2x base salary for group life and AD&D insurance

• Voluntary life, critical illness, & accident insurance for purchase

• Short-term and long-term disability benefits

Personal & Professional Growth

RLI encourages its employees to pursue professional development work in insurance and job-related areas. We make a commitment to employees to provide educational opportunities that help them enhance their skills and further their career advancement. RLI fosters a true learning culture and encourages professional growth through insurance courses, in-house training and other educational programs. RLI covers the cost for most programs and employees typically earn a bonus upon successful completion of approved courses and certifications. Our personal and professional growth benefits include:

• Training & certification opportunities

• Tuition reimbursement

• Education bonuses

Diversity & Inclusion

Our goal is to attract, develop and retain the best employee talent from diverse backgrounds while promoting an environment where all viewpoints are valued and individuals feel respected, are treated fairly, and have an opportunity to excel in their chosen careers. We actively support, and participate in, initiatives led by the American Property Casualty Insurance Association that aim to increase diversity in the insurance industry. Cultivating an exceptional and diverse workforce to deliver excellent customer service reinforces our culture and is a key to achieving superior business results.

RLI is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.