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Insurance loss adjuster

Alternative titles for this job include Loss adjuster

Insurance loss adjusters assess claims made to insurance companies after an incident, like a fire or flood, and check what's covered by the policy.

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£65,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40

You could work

evenings / weekends occasionally

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You can take a degree before applying for a place on an insurance company's graduate training scheme. 

Useful subjects include:

  • business studies
  • finance
  • law
  • surveying
  • engineering
  • construction

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

Your university careers service will be able to help you with this.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship with a loss adjusting firm or insurance company, such as:

  • Insurance Practitioner Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Insurance Professional Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
  • Senior Insurance Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

These take between 1 and 3 years to complete and combine workplace training and study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 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 could move into loss adjusting after getting experience as a claims handler or assistant loss adjuster with an insurance company.

You could also complete qualifications while you're working in the insurance industry through a professional body like The Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join The Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters for professional development opportunities and to build up your contacts within the industry.

Further information

You can find out more about a career in loss adjusting through The Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters.

What it takes

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

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • customer service skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • negotiation skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
  • maths skills
  • excellent written communication skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

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

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As an insurance loss adjuster, you could:

  • visit sites to survey damage
  • interview claimants to find out what's happened
  • gather evidence, like receipts, video footage and photographs
  • request reports from specialists, like building surveyors
  • check that claims against policies are reasonable
  • organise clean-up operations or repairs
  • make further investigations if you suspect fraud
  • negotiate settlements
  • present reports and recommendations to insurers

You may have to give evidence in court in certain cases.

Working environment

You could work in an office or from home.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding and you'll travel often.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could specialise in particular type of claims, like property damage, flooding or motor vehicle accidents.

You could also move into a management position, or work overseas for a global insurance business.

Throughout your career you'll be expected to complete professional development training activities and you could work towards chartered status.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Claims Handler Apprentice (RPC)

  • Wage: Competitive Annually
  • Location: Counterslip, Bristol

Insurance Apprentice Level 3

  • Wage: £19,500 a year Annually
  • Location: Springfield Road, Horsham, West Sussex
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming an insurance loss adjuster?

Search for training courses near you.

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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