Insurance Claims Handler
Job Description:Insurance claims handlers help people who are making claims on their insurance policies.
Job Category:What you will do:
In your day-to-day duties you could:
- take details when a customer reports a claim
- issue claim forms
- give advice on the claims process
- check insurance claims
- make sure premiums have been paid and that policies cover the claim
- gather information like receipts, photographs or valuations
- arrange payments on straightforward claims
Skills:
You’ll need:
- business management skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
As well as:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail (organisational skills)
- customer service skills
- administration skills
- the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations (adaptability skills)
- sensitivity and understanding
- a desire to help people
Entry Requirements:
To become an Insurance Claims Handler, you typically do not have specific GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) subject requirements. However, there are several GCSE subjects that can be beneficial in preparing for a career in the insurance industry and can provide you with a strong foundation in relevant skills and knowledge. These subjects include:
- Mathematics: A strong understanding of mathematics is essential for insurance claims handling, as it involves calculations, data analysis, and risk assessment.
- English Language: Good communication skills, including reading, writing, and speaking, are important for interacting with clients, writing reports, and explaining claims processes.
- Business Studies or Economics: These subjects can provide you with an understanding of basic business principles, which are valuable in the insurance industry.
- Information Technology (IT): Proficiency in using computer software and data entry is often required in insurance claims handling, so IT skills are highly beneficial.
- Law: While not a strict requirement, a basic understanding of legal concepts can be helpful in navigating insurance policies and contracts.
- Geography: Some insurance claims handlers deal with property insurance, so knowledge of geography can be beneficial in understanding property locations and risks.
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
- a company’s trainee scheme
University
You could take a degree before applying for a place on an insurance company’s graduate training scheme. Employers recruit from a range of degrees although some give preference to subjects like:
- maths
- business management
- finance
- law
- economics
It can help to get some relevant work experience whilst you’re studying, for example through an internship or a year’s industry placement.
Apprenticeship
You could get into this job through a higher apprenticeship as an insurance professional.
This typically takes about 24 months to complete and is a mix of workplace learning and study.
Work
You may be able to start as an admin assistant or technician and work your way up to be a claims handler. You’ll usually need relevant subjects at school such as English and maths.
Direct Application
If you want to apply directly you’ll find it useful to have:
- English and maths subjects at school
- IT skills
- experience in office work or customer service
Some companies will test your skills in communication and numbers at the interview stage.
Other Routes
You could join a large insurance firm’s training scheme if you’ve got a high school certificate and relevant work experience, or a degree in a relevant subject, like business studies or maths.
Working Hours and Environment:
You’ll work approximately 35 to 40 hours a week in an insurance office or contact centre. You might work standard office hours Monday to Friday, or shifts including evenings and weekends in a contact centre.
You’ll be office-based, and spend most of your time on the phone and using a computer.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience, you could work as a claims negotiator, or be promoted to claims manager.
You could move into other areas of insurance like loss adjusting, broking, account management, or compliance.