The insurance industry employs a wide array of professionals. Many insurance job opportunities can be offered to people with no previous industry experience, but some do require specialized or expert knowledge. Depending on the job and, in the case of agents and brokers, the ability to close a sale, insurance can be a lucrative career.
When a company or private individual approaches an insurance company for coverage, an actuary will determine the amount of risk involved in covering the applicant. This is one of the insurance job opportunities that requires specialized knowledge. An actuary should understand government regulations, as he or she may end up interacting with government agencies. It is the underwriter who actually determines if an individual or company is worth the risk of coverage. He or she often plays a part in determining the price of the policy or policies requested.
Insurance agents and brokers are go-betweens for the individual or company seeking liability coverage, and the most appropriate insurance company, given the customer’s circumstances. An agent or broker can quote prices, and handles any necessary paperwork. He or she also may be contacted in the event of a claim. Policy processing clerks sometimes work with agents who may inform them of a customer’s cancellation or reinstatement of a policy. Insurance sales managers are responsible for setting sales goals and overseeing sales territories.
One of the insurance job opportunities which typically requires the ability to interact with experts is that of insurance adjuster. He or she may have to confer with engineers, lawyers, doctors, or other professionals. An adjuster negotiates with the insured person to settle a claim. A claims examiner often assists an adjuster when difficulties arise with specific claims, or when a disastrous situation arises, during which a high number of claims are typically made. He or she reviews claims and ensures that the proper rules are applied to each individual case. In general, appraisers specialize in a specific insurance area so they can offer expert input to examiners and adjusters.
An insurance investigator may be called in during the process of assessing a claim so that the insurance company can be reasonably assured that it is not making a payout for a fraudulent claim. He or she may gather background information on a claimant, as well as information from witnesses to the accident or loss in question. An investigator may need to carry out on-site surveillance work to report on any activity that is pertinent to the claim.
One of the most specialized of all insurance job opportunities is that of loss control agent. This kind of insurance professional will often have earned a degree that reflects academic work in a business and/or a technical field. He or she uses this expertise to prevent and remedy hazardous work site conditions. Some loss control specialists in the health insurance industry focus on promoting preventive medical measures.
Some insurance job opportunities can be found with banks that offer coverages. A bank’s personal financial advisor might offer guidance to customers so they can make decisions about appropriate insurance plans for their unique situations. Financial managers at banks oversee insurance services their institution offers, along with other financial services.