Customer Service Underwriter

Customer Service Underwriter

Trainee 25000 - 25000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide customer-focused underwriting support and assess risk for insurance cover.
  • Company: Join NFU Mutual, a friendly and values-driven team in York.
  • Benefits: Earn £25,000 plus bonuses, enjoy 25 days leave, and access health perks.
  • Other info: Enjoy hybrid working after training and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Start your career in insurance with comprehensive training and real impact.
  • Qualifications: Customer service experience and a willingness to learn are key.

The predicted salary is between 25000 - 25000 £ per year.

Are you looking to start a career where you can learn, grow, and make a real difference? Join us at NFU Mutual as an Underwriter in our York office and become part of a friendly, values-driven team that puts customers at the heart of everything we do. You don't need to have worked in insurance before — we'll teach you everything you need to know. Underwriting involves assessing risk and making fair, informed decisions to help customers get the right insurance cover. This is a fast-paced, telephone-based role where you will spend most of your day speaking with NFU Mutual Agencies, reviewing customer information, and deciding how best to help.

You will be trained to understand different types of insurance, how to evaluate risk, and how to communicate clearly and confidently in a contact centre environment. You will join a cohort of new starters, learning together through a structured training programme that includes classroom sessions, shadowing experienced colleagues, and ongoing support from your manager and team. We are committed to helping you build a long-term career with us and, after initial training, will support your development and offer opportunities to gain formal insurance qualifications if you choose to pursue them. During your first six months, you’ll be based in the office full time to participate in the training programme, get to know your team, and build your confidence in the role. After developing your skills, you’ll have the option to work under a hybrid model with the flexibility to work up to 80% of your week from home while staying connected in the office.

Assessments will be taking place in person at our office on 14th, 21st and 23rd July.

Responsibilities

  • Provide customer-focused underwriting support by reviewing information, assessing risk, and making fair, informed decisions to determine appropriate insurance cover.
  • Engage in a fast-paced, telephone-based environment, communicating clearly with NFU Mutual Agencies and customers.
  • Participate in a structured training programme, including classroom sessions, shadowing, and ongoing coaching to develop underwriting knowledge and skills.
  • Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive culture and support the customer-centric mission of the business.
  • Investigate and resolve questions or issues, escalating where appropriate and ensuring accurate documentation of decisions.

Qualifications

  • Customer focus — experience in a customer-facing, ideally phone-based role, with a track record of delivering a great experience even in busy situations.
  • Communication and teamwork — ability to speak with people, build relationships, adapt style to different situations, and explain things clearly while working collaboratively.
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving — ability to interpret information, think logically, and make fair decisions.
  • Learning mindset — curious, open to feedback, and keen to grow skills over time.
  • Resilience and time management — ability to stay calm under pressure, manage competing priorities, and maintain focus in busy periods.
  • Insurance experience (ideal) — prior insurance experience is helpful, but we will teach you the necessary knowledge if you are new to the industry.

Benefits

  • £25,000 per annum
  • Annual bonus (up to 10% of salary)
  • Contributory pension scheme, up to 20%, including your 8% contribution
  • 25 days annual leave + bank holidays + buy/sell/save holiday trading scheme
  • Family-friendly policy to help balance work and family responsibilities
  • Access to savings at High Street brands, travel and supermarkets
  • £20 contribution to a monthly gym membership (subject to terms and conditions)
  • Health and wellbeing plan with cashback for dentist, opticians, physio, and more
  • Voluntary benefits including health assessments, private medical insurance and dental insurance
  • Employee volunteering — one day per year in the community
  • Refer a Friend scheme with £500 bonus
  • Life Assurance cover of 4 x salary
  • Employee discounts of 15% on a range of NFU Mutual policies
  • Salary sacrifice employee car scheme (subject to eligibility)

Customer Service Underwriter employer: The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited

At NFU Mutual, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture in our York office. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide comprehensive training and opportunities for career progression, alongside a competitive salary and benefits package that includes a generous pension scheme and health initiatives. Join us to be part of a values-driven team where your contributions truly make a difference to our customers and community.

The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited

Contact Details:

The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Customer Service Underwriter

Get Clued Up on Insurance Events

Join local insurance events or workshops to network and soak in knowledge about the industry. It's a great way to meet potential employers, like The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited, and show off your enthusiasm for the field. Plus, you’ll gain insights that'll make you stand out during your interviews!

Tap into Your University’s Resources

Many universities offer career services specifically tailored for students looking for trainee roles in insurance. Make sure to utilise these—they can connect you with alumni in the industry or help you snag those hidden opportunities that aren't advertised widely!

Showcase Your Knowledge

Start a blog or social media account where you can share insights about current trends in insurance. This demonstrates your passion and keeps you in the minds of recruiters at places like The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited. A personal touch always helps in making a memorable impression!

Apply Through Our Website & Make It Personal

Don’t just hit 'apply' on the The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited website. Tailor your application to highlight your interest in the insurance sector and showcase any relevant projects or experiences. A few personal touches can go a long way in landing that trainee spot!

We think you need these skills to ace Customer Service Underwriter

Customer Focus
Communication Skills
Teamwork
Critical Thinking
Problem-Solving Skills
Learning Mindset
Resilience

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In the insurance industry, analytical skills are a must. Make sure to showcase any relevant coursework or projects where you've solved complex problems or worked with data. This can really set you apart, especially in your CV or cover letter!

Show Your Interest in the Sector:For a trainee role, it’s super important to demonstrate your genuine interest in insurance. Talk about any internships, part-time jobs, or relevant studies that have sparked your passion for this field. We want to see that you're eager to learn and grow with us at The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited!

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:Your cover letter should reflect your enthusiasm for the trainee position at The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited. Use it to explain why you're excited about a career in insurance and what you hope to learn during your time with us. Make it personal and engaging—it’ll catch our eye for sure!

Include Relevant Certifications or Courses:Even as a trainee, any extra certifications or courses related to insurance can really boost your application. Whether it's online courses or workshops, throw them in your CV to show us that you’re proactive about your professional development. It’ll demonstrate your commitment to stepping into this industry with enthusiasm!

How to prepare for a job interview at The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited

Understand the Basics of Insurance

Since you're interviewing for a trainee role in insurance, it’s vital to brush up on the key concepts in the industry. Familiarise yourself with terms like underwriting, risk assessment, and claims processing. It shows your genuine interest and helps you answer those technical questions more confidently.

Prepare for Scenario-based Questions

Expect scenario-based questions during your interview! They might dive into how you would handle specific insurance situations or customer complaints. Think about examples from your studies or past experiences where you demonstrated problem-solving and customer service skills. They're looking for how you approach issues in a practical setting.

Focus on Your Learning Potential

As a trainee, your eagerness to learn is key. Be ready to discuss what excites you about the insurance field and how you plan to grow within the role at The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited. Highlighting your adaptability and willingness to learn will make a great impression.

Show Your People Skills

Insurance is all about building relationships, whether it's with clients or colleagues. Prepare to share experiences where you’ve effectively communicated or worked as part of a team. Remember, your soft skills are just as important as your technical knowledge in this industry!