Unraveling Career Paths: Life After Being An Insurance Adjuster

If you're looking for a career change after working as an insurance adjuster, there are several paths you can explore. With your background in insurance, you can leverage your transferable skills and knowledge to pursue a variety of positions in similar fields. Here are some options to consider:

- Specialize in an area of insurance: You can choose to specialize in a specific type of insurance that strongly appeals to you, such as health, home, auto, or life insurance. This allows you to become an expert in that field and provide specialized services to your clients.

- Business careers: Your experience in marketing and selling insurance products can be valuable in business careers. You can explore roles in sales, business development, or marketing within the insurance sector or related industries.

- Legal field: A background in insurance is well-suited for roles such as a paralegal or legal assistant. In these positions, you can assist attorneys in legal research, investigations, and claim assessments.

- Actuarial science: If you have a strong foundation in mathematics and statistics, you can pursue a career as an actuary. Actuaries help insurance companies calculate risks and set premium rates by analyzing statistical data related to death, illness, or catastrophic events.

- Human resources: With your knowledge of insurance policies and employee benefits, you can transition into human resources roles, specializing in areas like employee benefits, recruitment, training, or payroll.

- Customer service: If you enjoy interacting with people and helping them, customer service roles in various industries could be a natural fit. Your communication skills and experience in handling customer inquiries and complaints will be valuable in these positions.

These are just a few examples of the career paths you can explore after working as an insurance adjuster. Each option may have specific educational requirements, so be sure to research the necessary qualifications for your desired field.

Customer Service Representative

A background in insurance can open up many career paths, including that of a customer service representative. This role involves providing a valuable connection between insurance customers and policy providers.

To succeed as a customer service representative, you should have a friendly and professional demeanor, good communication skills, and the ability to stay calm under pressure.

A high school diploma is sufficient for customer service jobs, although some positions may require a college degree. Interpersonal and organizational skills are more important than credentials. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, customer service representatives earn an average of $34,710 per year. However, job growth in this field is expected to be slower than average due to the automation of many customer service functions.

Claims Representative

A claims representative is an agent or specialist who works for insurance companies to investigate and settle claims. They act as intermediaries between customers and insurance companies, evaluating the facts surrounding a customer's claim and determining whether the loss is covered or should be compensated. Claims representatives ensure that no fraudulent claims are paid out and that the company is compliant with state regulations.

To become a claims representative, you typically need a high school diploma or GED, and some roles may require a college degree. It is also beneficial to have a bachelor's degree, as it can set you apart from other candidates and equip you with valuable skills for the role. Claims representatives should also have strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills, as well as attention to detail and a good work ethic.

Auto Damage Adjuster

An auto damage adjuster is responsible for evaluating insurance claims and determining appropriate settlements. They assess the damage done to vehicles and decide on the automotive repair costs that insurance companies pay. This involves providing an estimate of the costs of parts and labour based on standard industry prices, and working with repair shops to determine a final cost. They also prepare insurance forms recording these costs and other recommendations.

To become an auto damage adjuster, a high school diploma or equivalent is required, though some insurance companies prefer a bachelor's degree or experience in the insurance industry. Some employers may also require completion of a training program. Strong communication and customer service skills are necessary, as well as the ability to stay up-to-date with the latest tools used for auto adjusting and some negotiation skills for insurance settlements.

The salary range for auto damage adjusters is between $50,000 and $114,000 per year, with a median total pay of $82,484 in the insurance industry. The job outlook for this career is expected to be relatively flat over the next ten years, with a possible decrease of 1% in demand. However, insurance adjusters are always in demand in any economy since claims remain steady regardless of economic factors.

Some specific job postings for auto damage adjusters include:

• Auto Damage Adjuster II at Acceptance Insurance, with an estimated salary of $48.8k - $61.7k per year
• Auto Damage Adjuster at CUSTARD Insurance Adjusters, with an estimated salary of $51,278 - $65,000 per year
• Auto Claims Appraiser/Insurance Appraiser at Allcat Claims Service, with an estimated salary of $50,000 - $75,000 per year
• Field Auto Collision Adjuster at Allstate, with an estimated salary of $57,500 - $94,625 per year

Field Adjuster

A field adjuster, or field claims adjuster, assesses the damage reported in an insurance claim and determines how much the claimant should be compensated. Field adjusters travel to meet with the claimant and view the subject of the claim. They verify that the claimant has a valid policy and investigate the circumstances leading up to the event and the resulting loss or injury.

To become a field adjuster, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some positions may require a bachelor's degree or higher. Proficiency in industry-standard claims software is also important for this role. Field adjusters need to be licensed in their state, and additional licenses may be required depending on the specific job requirements and location.

The salary range for field adjusters can vary depending on experience, location, and the company, but it typically falls between $50,000 and $110,000 per year.

Property Claims Adjuster

A property claims adjuster is a specialised insurance inspector who assesses property damage and determines how much an insurance company should pay based on the policy terms of coverage. They investigate and evaluate insurance claims related to property damage or loss, working for insurance companies and travelling to the properties involved in the claim.

The role requires excellent knowledge of insurance policies and regulations, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently and manage time effectively. It can be a challenging role, requiring frequent travel and time away from home, and dealing with unhappy customers. However, it offers the opportunity to work independently and remotely, with potential for job advancement and career growth.

To become a property claims adjuster, a high school diploma or GED certificate is required, and prior experience in the insurance industry is beneficial. Entry-level adjusters receive on-the-job training, and depending on the state, a license or certification may be needed. The role typically pays between $52,500 and $78,500 per year.

Frequently asked questions