Inland marine insurance covers a wide range of risks that might surprise those unfamiliar with it, such as drones, mobile labs, and heavy construction equipment. It also covers buildings under construction, the goods in transit and a long list of exposures that don't fit neatly into any other category. That breadth is exactly what makes it one of the more interesting corners of the insurance market, and one of the least understood outside of it.
Angela Rabayeva started her career in auto insurance, moved into inland marine as a temp, and has spent the years since building deep expertise across a product line that keeps expanding. In this Q&A, she talks about how she thinks about risk assessment, what it actually takes to build a career in underwriting, and why visualizing a risk before you price it is advice she has never forgotten.
FFF: How did you get started in underwriting?
Angela: My background is in finance and accounting, but at some point in my life I decided to get a New York Insurance Broker’s License and ended up working for a privately owned auto insurance firm. After I left the auto insurance industry, I was hired as an inland underwriter technician temp by Allianz, which was Fireman’s Fund at the time. A few months later, I was promoted to a permanent position as an inland small renewal underwriter, and then in 2014, I was promoted again to an inland production underwriter. I joined AXA XL in April 2020 as an inland senior underwriting assistant and was promoted in May 2025 to associate underwriter.
What have you found is the most rewarding part of working in insurance?
It is rewarding to know that we are helping our customers protect their properties and recover from setbacks. Designing solutions that are tailored to unique insurance needs. The inland marine industry covers a wide range of products, and we sometimes get requests to cover some unique and sophisticated exposures. Also, I like building trust and long-term relationships, especially when clients appreciate the guidance and support they receive. Customer service satisfaction is my top goal, and it is incredible when our agents receive efficient service and a quality product.
The inland marine industry covers a wide range of products, and we sometimes get requests to cover some unique and sophisticated exposures.
What is the most challenging part?
Accurately assessing and pricing risks. One of my mentors in a previous job once told me that I should visualize the risk. Underestimating or overestimating risks might have an impact on profitability and coverage.
For people outside the risk community, the phrase “inland marine” may not make sense. What would you want people to understand about this category of insurance coverages?
When people ask me what inland marine insurance is and what it covers, I usually tell them to imagine a construction site. Do you see heavy machinery or a building under construction? We cover the heavy equipment, the building under construction, and a variety of other moveable property and goods that are being transported or stored—among other things.
What would you say to someone considering a career in inland marine insurance?
It is a very unique and diverse industry. There is a lot of information, different coverages and challenges, but it is really rewarding and keeps the job exciting. I would recommend that they begin by assisting underwriters and then advance to underwriting once you have received a formal technical education and expertise (like processing and issuing policies, endorsements, learning the forms, etc.). There are numerous learning programs and materials available; however, I believe that working closely with senior underwriters provides comprehensive knowledge and experience.
What’s new with inland marine risks? How is it evolving?
New technology-driven risks such as small drones, mobile labs, etc. So, we are tailoring our products to meet specific industry needs.
