We use cookies to improve and customise your experience, for analytics and metrics, and to track any purchases you make both on this website and on others. To find out more about the cookies we use see our cookie policy
More info
- You'll be the point of contact for insurance customers who are making claims
- Requires accuracy and attention to detail, the ability to work well under pressure, and excellent people skills
- With experience, work as a claims negotiator, or be promoted to claims manager
Insurance claims handlers use good organisational skills, patience and good customer service skills to deal with customers making claims on their insurance policies.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Taking details when a customer reports a claim
- Issuing claim forms
- Giving advice on the claim process
- Checking insurance claims
- Making sure premiums have been paid and that policies cover the claim
- Gathering information like receipts, photographs or valuations
- Telling customers how their claim might affect their policy premiums
- Arranging payments on straightforward claims
- Referring doubtful, complex or high-value claims to a claims manager
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
You could work in an office or in a contact centre.
You'll need
This role would be ideal for someone with thoroughness and attention to detail; customer service and administration skills; the ability to work well with others, accept criticism and work well under pressure; and excellent verbal communication skills.
You could take the Chartered Insurance Institute's Foundation Insurance Test award to get a basic understanding of insurance, or do a Level 2 and 3 Certificate in Providing Financial Services.
You could get into this job through an advanced apprenticeship as an insurance practitioner.
You might be able to start as an admin assistant or technician and work your way up to be a claims handler, usually needing GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and maths.
Direct application is possible if you have GCSEs, IT skills, and experience in office work or customer service. Some companies may also test your skills in communication and numbers at the interview stage.
You can also join a large insurance firm's training scheme if you've got A levels and relevant work experience, or a degree in a relevant subject, like business studies or maths.
CAREER PROSPECTS
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.