Insurance claims handler

Entry Requirements:

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.

Entry requirements:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

You could take the Chartered Insurance Institute's Foundation Insurance Test award to get a basic understanding of insurance.

You can also do a Level 2 and 3 Certificate in Providing Financial Services.

These will help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to get started in insurance work.

Entry requirements:

• GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths

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.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

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 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and maths.

DirectApplication

If you want to apply directly you'll find it useful to have:

• GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) including English and maths
• IT skills
• experience in office work or customer service

Some companies will test your skills in communication and numbers at the interview stage.

OtherRoutes

You could 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.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• customer service skills
• administration skills
• the ability to work well with others
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• sensitivity and understanding
• a desire to help people
• business management skills
• the ability to read English
• knowledge of English language
• active listening skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• thinking and reasoning skills
• maths knowledge
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• excellent written communication skills
• concentration skills
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Insurance claims handlers help people who are making claims on their insurance policies.

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

Location : You could work in an office or in a contact centre.

Salary:

Starter : £17,000
Experienced : £50,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends on shifts

Career Path:

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.