Insurance claims inspector: job description

Insurance claims inspectors investigate policy claims, determining whether they are valid and deserve a payout or not.

What does an insurance claims inspector do? Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills

Inspectors are responsible for assessing or determining liability, negotiating payments and minimising the number of fraudulent claims. They investigate insurance claims relating to, for example, 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 and completing paperwork
• organising payments.

Typical employers of insurance claims inspectors

Insurance claims inspectors are employed by insurance and reinsurance companies and brokers.

Vacancies are advertised online, by careers services, in local and national newspapers and specialist publications such as Insurance Times and Insurance Post, plus their online equivalents. Vacancies attract strong competition, so early applications are recommended.

Qualifications and training required

There are routes into a career in insurance claims inspecting for both university graduates and school leavers. Graduates can join the graduate schemes of large insurance firms with a degree in any discipline, although some employers prefer a qualification in mathematics, economics, law, management, business studies, accountancy or finance. Relevant claims experience gained via internships and placements can be beneficial.

School leavers are taken on as trainees and can move directly into claims work after their training period is completed. You can also enter a firm in a junior role and work your way up, or undertake an apprenticeship. For more information, see our article on how to get into a career in finance , as well as the finance sector of TARGETcareers , our website aimed at school leavers.

Key skills for insurance claims inspectors

• Analytical skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Organisation
• Confidence
• Adaptability
• Decision-making and good judgement
• Numerical skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Good verbal and written communication skills

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