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 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.
Post School
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.