Insurance claims inspector

Insurance claims inspectors job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Inspectors are responsible for assessing or determining liability, negotiating payments and minimising the number of fraudulent claims. They investigate insurance claims relating to burglary, motor vehicle accidents, flooding or fire damage to property and in some cases, workplace accidents or work-related illnesses.

Typical responsibilities of the job include:

• offering advice about making claims
• tracking claims through to completion or settlement
• verifying details with witnesses and insurance policy holders
• visiting accident/loss scenes such as residential properties and workplaces
• liaising with a range of professionals including the police, medical staff, solicitors and loss adjusters
• negotiating settlements with claimants or lawyers
• carrying out background research and gathering information
• writing reports
• completing paperwork
• organising payments
• contacting approved professionals and trades-people to arrange repairs to property.

Typical employers of insurance claims inspector

Insurance claims inspectors are employed by insurance and reinsurance companies and brokers, as well as major goods manufacturers.

Vacancies are advertised via the Internet, by careers services, in local and national newspapers and specialist publications such as Insurance Times, The Chartered Insurance Institute Journal and Post Magazine. Vacancies attract strong competition, so early/speculative applications are recommended.

The majority of large insurance companies operate general graduate management schemes, which can be a route into claims inspecting – for these early applications are advisable.

Qualifications and training required

Graduates from any degree discipline can become claims inspectors, although some employers prefer a qualification in mathematics, economics, law or legal studies, management, business studies, building or construction, or accountancy or finance. Relevant claims experience gained via vacation work and placements can be beneficial, although personality is often regarded as being equally important.

Most criminal convictions will act as a bar to entry to the profession.

Key skills for insurance claims inspectors

• analytical skills
• problem solving
• organised
• inquisitive
• resourceful
• confident
• adaptable
• excellent time-management
• decision-making
• numerical skills
• interpersonal skills
• good verbal and written communication skills.