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Insurance claims handler

Alternative titles for this job include Claims administrator, claims settler, claims technician, claims assessor

Insurance claims handlers help people who are making claims on their insurance policies.

Average salary (a year)

£17,000 Starter

to

£50,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Insurance claims handler

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly
  • a company's trainee scheme

University

You could take a degree before applying for a place on an insurance company's graduate training scheme. Employers recruit from a range of degrees although some give preference to subjects like:

  • maths
  • business management
  • finance
  • law
  • economics

It can help to get some relevant work experience whilst you're studying, for example through an internship or a year's industry placement.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

College

You could take the Chartered Insurance Institute's Foundation Insurance Test award to get a basic understanding of insurance.

You can also do a Level 2 and 3 Certificate in Providing Financial Services.

These will help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to get started in insurance work.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could get into this job through a higher apprenticeship as an insurance professional.

This typically takes about 24 months to complete and is a mix of workplace learning and study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You may be able to start as an admin assistant or technician and work your way up to be a claims handler. You'll usually need GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and maths.

Direct Application

If you want to apply directly you'll find it useful to have:

  • GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) including English and maths
  • IT skills
  • experience in office work or customer service

Some companies will test your skills in communication and numbers at the interview stage.

Other Routes

You could join a large insurance firm's training scheme if you've got A levels and relevant work experience, or a degree in a relevant subject, like business studies or maths.

More Information

Further information

You can find out more about working as a claims handler in insurance from the Chartered Insurance Institute and Step Forward.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • customer service skills
  • administration skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • a desire to help people
  • business management skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day duties you could:

  • take details when a customer reports a claim
  • issue claim forms
  • give advice on the claims process
  • check insurance claims
  • make sure premiums have been paid and that policies cover the claim
  • gather information like receipts, photographs or valuations
  • arrange payments on straightforward claims

Working environment

You could work in an office or in a contact centre.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could work as a claims negotiator, or be promoted to claims manager.

You could move into other areas of insurance like loss adjusting, broking, account management, or compliance.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Underwriting UK Graduate Apprenticeship Programme

  • Wage: £33,000 a year Annually
  • Location: 2 Cornwall Street, Birmingham
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

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