What is "underwriting" in the insurance field?

Underwriting in the insurance field refers to the assessment of risks and the determination of coverage terms for insurance policies. This process involves evaluating various factors that can affect the likelihood of a claim being made, such as the applicant's personal information, historical data, and specific characteristics of the risk involved.

Underwriters analyze the information provided by applicants to decide whether to accept or reject a risk, and if accepted, they determine appropriate coverage limits and premiums. This critical function ensures that the insurer can effectively manage risk while providing coverage that aligns with the needs of both the policyholder and the insurer's risk appetite.

The other options do not accurately represent underwriting. Paying claims relates to the claims process, evaluating customer satisfaction pertains to service quality assessments, and calculating premiums based on sales is more focused on pricing strategy rather than the risk assessment aspect central to underwriting.