Becoming An Insurance Assessor: Your Guide To The Australian Industry

An insurance assessor, also known as a claims assessor, is a professional who evaluates insurance claims to ensure the claimant receives justifiable compensation. There are no formal qualifications required to become an insurance assessor, but there are steps you can take to improve your job application. This includes acquiring certifications, gaining work experience, and applying for an entry-level position.

No formal qualifications required

While there are no formal qualifications required to become an insurance assessor in Australia, there are several steps you can take to improve your chances of landing a job in this field. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Acquire certification: Although not mandatory, obtaining a Certificate IV in General Insurance (FNS41415) can provide fundamental skills in evaluating risk and interpreting policies. This certification can usually be completed in six to twelve months and is a good starting point for a career in insurance assessment.
• Gain work experience: Consider applying for junior or entry-level positions within insurance companies. These roles often have fewer requirements and can provide valuable on-the-job training. Working as a junior assessor will allow you to gain specific industry knowledge and advance your career.
• Build relevant skills: Develop the skills needed to excel as an insurance assessor. Strong communication, attention to detail, analytical abilities, and empathy are all crucial for this role. You can improve these skills through practice, such as engaging in frequent discussions, playing memory games, and actively listening to others.
• Network and connect: Building relationships within the industry can increase your chances of finding employment. Attend industry events, join relevant online groups, and connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. Networking can help you stay informed about job opportunities and gain mentorship.
• Consider further education: While not necessary, a bachelor's degree can enhance your skills and employability. Degrees such as a Bachelor of Business (Insurance) or a Bachelor of Business (Insurance Law) can provide advanced knowledge in insurance management processes and help you stand out to potential employers.
• Apply for jobs: Once you feel ready, start applying for insurance assessor positions. Update your resume to highlight any relevant experience, certifications, and skills. Use online job boards and reach out to your network to find suitable job openings.

Remember, while there are no mandatory qualifications, taking these steps can improve your job prospects and help you develop the skills needed to succeed as an insurance assessor.

Gain certification

Although there are no formal qualifications required to become an insurance assessor in Australia, certifications can strengthen your knowledge and skills, and make your job application more competitive.

An entry-level qualification to consider is the Certificate IV in General Insurance (FNS41415). This course can provide you with the foundational knowledge to gain employment in the insurance industry. It typically takes six months to one year to complete, depending on the volume and complexity of the curriculum.

If you're interested in specialising in a particular area of insurance claims assessment, such as medical, automotive, or property claims, there are additional certifications to explore. These include the Certificate IV in Life Insurance (Claims Stream) (FNS41515) and the Diploma of General Insurance (FNS51115).

You can also consider undertaking tertiary studies in a related field, such as a bachelor's degree in business or engineering. While not mandatory, a degree can provide you with advanced skills in insurance management processes and enhance your employment opportunities.

Furthermore, gaining membership or accreditation as a Chartered Loss Adjuster or Insurance Claims Assessor with professional bodies such as the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) or the Australian Institute of Chartered Loss Adjustors (AICLA) can boost your employability.

Remember, while certifications can improve your chances of becoming an insurance assessor, practical work experience and building essential skills are also crucial for your career development in this field.

Gain work experience

Gaining work experience is a crucial step in becoming an insurance assessor in Australia. While formal qualifications are not required, practical experience in the field can provide specific and advanced industry knowledge. Here are some tips to gain valuable work experience:

• Start with entry-level positions: Look for junior or entry-level roles within insurance companies. These positions often have less stringent requirements, allowing you to get your foot in the door and gain valuable on-the-job training. Working as a junior assessor or claims assessor under the supervision of a Chartered Loss Adjustor or senior assessor is a great way to learn the ropes.
• Network and build connections: Attend industry events, join professional organisations, and utilise online platforms to connect with potential mentors and employers in the insurance industry. Networking can open doors to internships, traineeships, or entry-level positions.
• Consider internships and traineeships: Some insurance companies offer internships or traineeships that can provide valuable hands-on experience. These opportunities can give you an insight into the day-to-day work of an insurance assessor and help you build connections in the industry.
• Gain experience in a related field: If you're just starting, consider gaining experience in a related field, such as insurance broking, claims handling, or customer service. This will allow you to develop transferable skills and a better understanding of the insurance industry as a whole.
• Take on diverse responsibilities: Once you secure an entry-level position, embrace diverse tasks and responsibilities within your role. This will help you develop a well-rounded skill set and a deeper understanding of the insurance assessment process.
• Seek mentorship: Look for mentors within the industry who can guide and support your professional development. Mentors can provide valuable insights, advice, and connections that can enhance your work experience.
• Continue learning: Stay up to date with industry developments, regulations, and best practices. Consider undertaking additional studies or certifications, such as the Certificate IV in General Insurance, to strengthen your knowledge and skill set.

Remember, gaining work experience is a gradual process, and it's important to be proactive, adaptable, and eager to learn. By taking on new challenges and seeking out opportunities, you'll be well on your way to becoming a successful insurance assessor in Australia.

Consider a bachelor's degree

Although a bachelor's degree is not a requirement to become an insurance assessor, it can be beneficial to your application. A bachelor's degree can provide you with advanced skills in insurance management processes and enhance your resume, making you a more competitive candidate for insurance assessor roles.

There are several bachelor's degrees that can be useful for a career as an insurance assessor, including a Bachelor of Business (Insurance) or a Bachelor of Business (Insurance Law). These degrees can provide a strong foundation in insurance-related subjects and help you develop the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the role.

In addition to the specialised knowledge gained through a bachelor's degree, pursuing a degree can also offer other advantages. For example, a bachelor's degree typically takes three to four years to complete, giving you ample time to gain a deep understanding of the field and build a solid network of industry connections. This can be especially beneficial if you are looking to move into senior or managerial positions within the insurance industry.

Furthermore, a bachelor's degree can also provide you with transferable skills that are valuable in the insurance industry. For instance, a degree can help you develop strong analytical skills, which are essential for assessing insurance claims and policies. It can also improve your communication skills, allowing you to effectively interact with policyholders, insurance providers, and other stakeholders.

While a bachelor's degree is not mandatory, it can be a valuable asset when pursuing a career as an insurance assessor in Australia. It demonstrates your commitment to the field and can open doors to more advanced roles and higher salaries.

Apply for an insurance assessing job

Once you have gained the necessary qualifications and experience, you can start applying for insurance assessor roles. You can find insurance assessor jobs advertised on online job boards such as the Indeed Job Board and SEEK.

Before applying, ensure your resume is up to date with your qualifications, skills and work experience. You may also want to consider applying for membership or accreditation as a Chartered Loss Adjustor or Insurance Claims Assessor with the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) or the Australian Institute of Chartered Loss Adjustors (AICLA).

When applying for insurance assessor roles, you may want to consider the following:

• The type of insurance assessing you want to do: Insurance assessors can specialise in a particular area such as medical, automotive or property claims.
• Your location: The salary for insurance assessors can vary depending on location. For example, the average salary for an insurance assessor in Parramatta, NSW is $115,000 per year, whereas in Melbourne, VIC it is $85,779 per year.

Frequently asked questions