Loss adjuster (chartered)

Chartered loss adjuster job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Chartered loss adjusters are not employed directly by insurance companies - as they must necessarily work impartially they are only employed by specialist loss adjusting firms. Typical duties include:

• providing advice to claimants about procedures/progress;
• inspecting claim scenes following fire/flood damage, theft etc;
• assessing extent of physical damage/loss;
• making arrangements with property owners to ensure there is no further loss or damage;
• interviewing claimants/employees/security staff for evidence about possible causes;
• obtaining valuation certificates and reports from the police/fire service;
• examining security camera films;
• obtaining expert reports from, for example, forensic investigators etc;
• liaising closely with the insurance company;
• negotiating settlement payments;
• writing post-investigation reports;
• making detailed investigations into suspected fraudulent claims.

Typical employers of chartered loss adjustors

• loss adjusting firms
• brokers
• insurance and reinsurance companies
• risk and claims management companies
• major private and public companies.

Vacancies are advertised via the internet, by recruitment agencies and careers services, in newspapers and specialist publications including Insurance Times, Insurance Week and Post Magazine. Early applications are recommended for larger firms which operate training schemes. Speculative applications, relevant sector/company research and networking are also advisable.

Qualifications and training required

A degree in any subject is acceptable for entry into the profession, although employers may prefer qualifications in risk management/insurance studies, economics, law, mathematics/statistics, science, surveying, construction, engineering or business studies. Relevant experience gained via vacation work and placements can be beneficial, although personality is often regarded as being equally important. To become fully qualified the Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters examinations/assessment must be passed - study for these can be undertaken via distance learning or part-time courses.

New graduates entering the profession must obtain a relevant qualification from either the Chartered Insurance Institute or the Society of Claims Technicians. Other entrants possessing approved professional qualifications are required to work for at least two years for an independent loss adjuster prior to taking the examinations. Typically it takes three to four years to qualify for individuals with approved professional qualifications and six to seven years for new graduates.

Key skills for chartered loss adjusters

• excellent time-management
• decision-making skills
• numerical skills
• analytical skills
• verbal/written communication skills.