Insurance Claims Careers
Do you have great interpersonal skills, love solving real-life problems hands-on, and want to help people recover from a difficult situation? Well, becoming a claims professional might just be the perfect career path for you.
Job Description
An insurance policy is a promise: When a customer suffers a loss, the insurance company will be there to help. Claims adjusters are the people who turn that promise into a reality, as quickly and easily as possible. They help people get their lives back on track.
Being a claims professional involves investigating, evaluating, and resolving claims. Those who are successful have strong communication skills, and empathy is essential. Claims investigations can involve interviewing the people involved, reviewing police reports, and assessing the financial damages. The goal is to recommend a fair payment to cover the loss — and fulfill that promise made to the customer.
Like many insurance careers, claims work offers great flexibility. Some do this from their desks while others work in the field, getting a first-hand look at the loss situation and meeting face to face with the customer. With part-time or full-time options, working in an office or fully remote, there is a path for you.
Required Skills
Claims professionals need excellent communication skills. You are working with people at one of the worst times in their lives, often under stressful conditions. As a claims professional, you need to be able to balance empathy and compassion for the customer with finding a resolution that is fair to the customer and the company. Required skills and traits include:
- Clear communication
- Empathy
- Poise under pressure
- Independent decision making
- Organization
Degree Required?
No
A college degree isn’t typically required for some entry-level claims jobs, which makes this a great way to start a career in insurance. Still, many degrees can support a career in claims, from traditional ones like business, management and insurance to those related to communications and liberal arts.
Additional Education
Many companies provide on-the-job training and additional education for specialty claim areas. Some states may require licensing, which most companies will help their staff acquire and maintain. Earning additional designations can help you obtain promotions or move into specialized areas of expertise.
Preferred Previous Experience
You don’t need previous experience for entry-level claims roles. Many of the skills you’ll use can come from other experiences and careers, making claims a great starting point for people with many different backgrounds.
Earning Potential: $45,000 - $80,000
Salary varies based on previous experience, seniority, company and geographic location.
Not sure where to start?
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