Motor underwriting under pressure: pricing, discipline and decision-making
Panel discussionUnderwriting Club Briefing 2
2026-06-10 | 10:45 AM - 11:25 AM
Information
Motor underwriting is operating in an increasingly competitive environment, where pricing pressure and growth ambitions are testing discipline across the market. While claims trends point to rising severity and ongoing cost inflation, rates in many areas remain under pressure, creating tension between short-term competitiveness and long-term portfolio performance. Underwriters are being forced to make more difficult decisions around risk selection, pricing adequacy and when to walk away.
This session will explore how underwriting teams are navigating these conditions in practice, where discipline is being tested, and what sustainable underwriting looks like in a market that remains highly competitive but fundamentally uncertain.
• How are underwriters making pricing and risk selection decisions in a market where rates and claims trends are misaligned?
• Where is competitive pressure most influencing underwriting behaviour, and how is this impacting portfolio quality?
• When and how do underwriters decide not to write or renew a risk in the current market?
• How are underwriters balancing growth targets with the need to maintain profitability?
• What signals should the market be paying attention to as indicators of future correction?
• Where is competitive pressure most influencing underwriting behaviour, and how is this impacting portfolio quality?
• When and how do underwriters decide not to write or renew a risk in the current market?
• How are underwriters balancing growth targets with the need to maintain profitability?
• What signals should the market be paying attention to as indicators of future correction?
Speakers
Matthew Richardson
Victor Insurance
Head of motor underwriting
Russell Harrison
Markerstudy
Head of standard motor