Becoming An Insurance Assessor: A Comprehensive Guide

An insurance assessor, also known as a claims assessor, is a professional who evaluates insurance claims to ensure the claimant receives justifiable compensation. There is a scarcity of skills in this profession, and while there are no formal qualifications required to become an insurance assessor, there are some steps you can take to improve your job application.

No formal qualifications are required, but study helps

While no formal qualifications are required to become an insurance assessor, you can take steps to improve your job application and gain a competitive advantage.

One option is to acquire a certificate, such as the Certificate IV in General Insurance, which can provide fundamental skills in evaluating risk and interpreting policies. This qualification can also help you gain employment in the insurance industry. The Certificate IV usually takes six months to a year to complete, depending on the complexity and volume of study.

Another route is to gain work experience in a junior assessor role or a similar position within an insurance company. Junior positions typically have fewer requirements, so applying for an entry-level role can be a good starting point. Through practical work experience, you can develop specific and advanced industry knowledge. Some companies may also offer opportunities for advancement into the role of an insurance assessor.

If you're looking for more advanced skills, consider a bachelor's degree. While it's not necessary for the role, a degree in a related field, such as a Bachelor of Business (Insurance) or a Bachelor of Business (Insurance Law), can provide a strong foundation in insurance management processes. A bachelor's degree typically takes three to four years to complete, depending on whether you choose to pursue honours.

Additionally, you can explore short courses or online courses specifically designed for insurance claims assessors. These courses are often developed in collaboration with industry practitioners and can assist in professionalising your role as an assessor. They may include a combination of assignments, online assessments, and exams to evaluate your understanding of the material.

Gain work experience in an entry-level role

To gain work experience in an entry-level role as an insurance assessor, you can start by looking for job openings for junior assessors or similar roles within insurance companies. These junior positions typically have less stringent requirements, so you can leverage your existing level of expertise to apply for one of these roles.

Once you have secured a junior position, focus on developing specific and advanced industry knowledge by gaining practical work experience. You may also have opportunities to advance to the role of an insurance assessor, depending on the company's structure. For example, you could start out as a Claims Assessor working under the supervision of a Chartered Loss Adjustor or Claims Assessor.

There are also short courses you can take to gain a qualification in insurance assessing, such as the Certificate IV in General Insurance, which can provide you with the knowledge to gain employment in the insurance industry. This certificate usually takes six months to a year to complete, depending on the complexity and volume of study.

In addition to the Certificate IV in General Insurance, you could also consider the following qualifications:

• Certificate IV in Life Insurance (Claims Stream)
• Diploma of General Insurance
• UCT Life Insurance Claims Assessors' Short Course

Develop communication skills

To become an insurance assessor, you'll need to have excellent communication skills. This is because you'll be required to communicate with a range of people, including policyholders, insurance providers, and third parties. Strong communication skills will help you absorb information accurately, ensuring that your advice and review of insurance claims are correct.

• Engage in frequent discussions: Talk to people from diverse backgrounds and with different perspectives. By doing so, you will enhance your ability to convey information clearly and effectively to a wide range of audiences.
• Develop active listening skills: Focus on actively listening to others during conversations. This means paying attention not only to what they are saying but also to non-verbal cues and body language. By actively listening, you can better understand their perspective and build stronger relationships.
• Practice empathy: Put yourself in the shoes of the person you are communicating with and try to understand their feelings and perspectives. This is especially important when dealing with policyholders, as insurance claims can often involve incidents that negatively impact their mental or physical state. Empathy will help you respond to them with respect and understanding.
• Improve your written communication: Insurance assessors often need to communicate in writing, so it's important to develop your writing skills. Practice writing clearly, concisely, and in a way that is easy for your audience to understand.
• Build rapport: Effective communication is about building rapport and trust. Focus on establishing a good relationship with the people you are communicating with. This can be done through open body language, maintaining eye contact, and showing genuine interest in what they have to say.
• Ask clarifying questions: When communicating, don't be afraid to ask questions to clarify information. This demonstrates your engagement in the conversation and ensures that you have a full understanding of the topic being discussed.
• Adapt your communication style: Different situations and audiences may require different communication approaches. Learn to adapt your communication style to suit the context and the person you are interacting with. For example, you may need to use more formal language when dealing with certain stakeholders.

Improve your attention to detail

To become an insurance assessor, you will need to develop strong attention to detail. This will help you produce error-free work and is a skill that is desirable for companies. Here are some tips to improve your attention to detail:

Get Organised

The first step is to get organised. Make sure all your appointments are on your calendar so that you know what demands your attention each day. Straighten your desk and remove any distractions. Keep a pen and paper nearby to make lists and check off tasks as you complete them.

Maintain a Routine

Create a daily routine and set aside time each day to focus on specific tasks. This will improve your ability to stay focused and reduce the likelihood of distractions, which could cause delays or errors in your work.

Make Quality a Priority

Adopt a mindset that prioritises quality. If your workload is impacting your ability to produce quality work, talk to your manager or find ways to implement a quality control strategy.

Play Focus-Enhancing Games

Exercising your brain can increase your focus. Try using memory cards, puzzles, or other games to improve your focus and, in turn, your attention to detail.

Learn to Meditate

Meditation has been shown to improve your mental health, memory, and attention to detail by reducing stress and calming your mind.

Take Breaks

Studies show that taking breaks every 90 minutes to two hours will improve your focus and attention to detail.

Focus on One Task at a Time

Multitasking impacts your ability to give your full attention to a project. Focus on one task at a time to give each project your complete attention.

Read Books

Reading can improve your concentration, provide more general knowledge, and develop critical thinking skills.

Spend Less Time on Social Media

Social media notifications are designed to distract you. Turn them off to increase your attention span and produce better work.

Take Your Time

Rushing leads to mistakes. Ask for an extension if you need one—late work is better than sloppy or incorrect work.

Use the Pomodoro Technique

This time management technique involves dividing your day into blocks of intense focus interspersed with frequent breaks. This can improve the quality of your work and prevent mental exhaustion.

Develop Analytical Skills

Learn to tell a story using all available data. Be creative and become an expert problem-solver.

Be Observant

Develop your observational skills to gather information and improve your ability to interact with others.

Work on Your Active Listening

Give your undivided attention when someone is speaking to you. Carefully consider what they are saying before formulating a response.

By following these steps, you can significantly improve your attention to detail, making you more effective in your role as an insurance assessor.

Consider a bachelor's degree for advanced skills

While a bachelor's degree is not a requirement to become an insurance assessor, it can be beneficial if you're looking to gain advanced skills and knowledge in insurance management processes. A bachelor's degree typically takes three to four years to complete and can provide a strong foundation for a career in insurance assessment.

When considering a bachelor's degree, look for programs that offer majors or specializations in fields such as Business (Insurance) or Business (Insurance Law). These degrees will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to evaluate insurance claims, assess risks, and make informed decisions. You will also gain a comprehensive understanding of the legal and regulatory framework within which the insurance industry operates. This can be particularly advantageous when dealing with complex claims or negotiating with insurance providers.

During your degree, you will have the opportunity to develop essential skills such as critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving. These skills will enable you to effectively interpret policies, identify relevant policy aspects, and make informed recommendations. Additionally, you will enhance your communication skills, which are crucial when interacting with policyholders, claimants, and other stakeholders.

The curriculum of a bachelor's degree program will cover a range of relevant topics. You can expect to study modules such as the basics of insurance, claims handling procedures, professional behaviour, and financial literacy. Some programs may also offer practical components, such as internships or industry placements, allowing you to gain hands-on experience in the field.

It is worth noting that, in addition to a bachelor's degree, there are other educational pathways you can explore. For instance, you could consider shorter certificate programs, such as the Certificate IV in General Insurance or the UCT Life Insurance Claims Assessors' Short Course, which can provide a solid foundation for a career in insurance assessment. However, a bachelor's degree will offer a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the field, preparing you for senior or managerial roles in the insurance industry.

Frequently asked questions