Underwriting Terms

What is Experience Rating?

Modification factor based on loss experience • Increases or decreases the premium • Usually a three-year period

What is Judgement Rating?

No set rates, based upon underwriter's experience

What is an Application?

A primary source of underwriting information

What is Underwriting?

A process of evaluating a risk

What is a Loss Ratio?

It compares the company's operations year over year

What is the Loss Ratio Equation?

Incurred Losses / Earned Premiums = Loss Ratio

What is a Expense Ratio?

It's the cost of doing business

What are the Three Types of Rates in Underwriting?

Judgement, Manual (class), and Experience

What is Combined Ratio

Loss Ratio + Expense Ratio = Combined Ratio

What is Manual (class) Rating?

Set rates for specific risk classes

What is a Binder?

Temporary Insurance Usually given by the agent - verbal or in writing. Automatically ends if a policy is issued by the underwriter.

What is the Expense Ratio Equation?

Underwriting Expenses / Written Premium = Expense Ratio