Occupation Profile for Insurance Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators

opportunity | video

Investigate, analyze, and determine the extent of insurance company's liability concerning personal, casualty, or property loss or damages, and attempt to effect settlement with claimants. Correspond with or interview medical specialists, agents, witnesses, or claimants to compile information. Calculate benefit payments and approve payment of claims within a certain monetary limit.

Signficant Points

  • Employment is expected to increase moderately, but many job openings will arise from the need to replace workers who retire or leave for other reasons.
  • Licensing and continuing education requirements vary by State.
  • College graduates have the best opportunities; competition will be keen for jobs as investigators because this occupation attracts many qualified people.
 

Tasks

  • Core — Analyze information gathered by investigation, and report findings and recommendations.
  • Core — Examine claims forms and other records to determine insurance coverage.
  • Core — Negotiate claim settlements and recommend litigation when settlement cannot be negotiated.
  • Core — Interview or correspond with claimant and witnesses, consult police and hospital records, and inspect property damage to determine extent of liability.
  • Core — Interview or correspond with agents and claimants to correct errors or omissions and to investigate questionable claims.

Activities

  • Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.