UNDERWRITER

(1) A person trained in evaluating risks and determining the rates and coverage that will be used for them; (2) An agent, especially a life insurance agent, who might qualify as a “field underwriter.” In theory, the agent is supposed to do some underwriting before submitting the case to the home office underwriter; i.e., to make a decision on the basis of facts known to him on whether or not the risk is sound, and to report all facts known to him that might affect the risk.