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What are employers looking for?
Graduation from high school or college- business, finance, economics, communication, or insurance degrees. Some insurance specialties- engineering, medical, actuarial science, mathematics, or statistics etc are also a good degree. Courses in word processing and business math are good, and the ability to operate computers is essential. On-the-job training is provided by the employer. Most employers look for individuals with ingenuity, communicate well, and should be able to think on their feet. Persistence, good work ethic, and maturity also are important. Customer service representatives and agents need to become licensed. In some states claims adjusters also need to be licensed. Actuaries must pass a series of national examinations to become fully qualified. Completion of all the exams takes from 5 to 10 years. Several years of experience and training can help beginners advance to higher paying positions. Office and administrative support workers may also advance to higher paying claims adjusting positions and entry-level underwriting jobs.
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The insurance industry is as diverse as you are.
Your skills, interests, and educational background can be put to use in a variety of careers available within the insurance industry. Here is a sampling of the careers available within the insurance industry.
Actuary Actuaries study the probability of an insured loss and determine premium rates.
Auto Damage Appriasers Auto damage appraisers usually are hired by insurance companies to inspect the damage to a motor vehicle after an accident and to provide unbiased estimates of repair cost.
Claims Adjusters Claims adjusters work for property and liability insurance carriers or for independent adjusting firms. They inspect property damage, estimate how much it will cost to repair, and determine the extent of the insurance company’s liability.
Claims and Policy Processing Clerks Insurance claims and policy processing clerks process new policies, modifications to existing policies, and claims forms.
Customer Service Representatives Customer service representatives have duties similar to insurance claims and policy processing clerks, except they work directly with customers by processing insurance policy applications, changes, and cancellations over the phone. They may also process claims and sell new policies to existing clients. Examiners Claims examiners are the counterparts of the claims adjuster who works in a life and/or health insurance firm. Review health-related claims to see whether the costs are reasonable based on the diagnosis, interview medical specialists, and consult policy files to verify information on a claim, review causes of death in life insurance claims. Investigators Insurance investigators handle claims in which companies suspect fraudulent or criminal activity, such as suspicious fires, questionable workers’ disability claims, difficult-to-explain accidents, and dubious medical treatment. Investigators often consult with legal counsel and are sometimes called to testify as expert witnesses in court cases.
Loss Control Specialists Loss control representatives inspect the business operations of insurance applicants, analyze historical data regarding workplace injuries and automobile accidents, and assess the potential for natural hazards, dangerous business practices, and unsafe workplace conditions that may result in injuries or catastrophic physical and financial loss.
Marketing Representatives Marketing analysts direct development of new types of policies that might appeal to the public and strategies for selling them to customers.
Sales Agents or Producers Insurance sales agents or producers may work as exclusive agents, or captive agents, selling for one company, or as independent agents selling for several companies. They recommend coverage, assist with claims, ensure customer satisfaction, and obtain referrals.
Underwriters Underwriters evaluate insurance applications to determine the risk involved in issuing a policy. They decide whether to accept or reject an application, and they determine the appropriate premium for each policy.
Other Insurance Occupations: Insurance companies’ lawyers defend clients who are sued, especially when large claims may be involved. These lawyers also review regulations and policy contracts. Human resources and training Nurses and other medical professionals advise clients on wellness issues and on medical procedures. Computer systems analysts, computer programmers, and computer support specialists are needed to analyze, design, develop, and program the systems that support the day-to-day operations. Office and administrative support - secretaries, typists, word processors, bookkeepers, and other clerical workers. Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks handle all financial transactions and recordkeeping for an insurance company.
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