Insurance loss adjuster

You could take a degree before applying for a place on an insurance company's graduate training scheme. Relevant degrees include:

• business studies
• finance
• law
• surveying
• construction

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

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

You may be able to start by doing a higher apprenticeship for insurance professionals or a senior insurance professional degree apprenticeship.

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

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

You could move into loss adjusting after getting experience as a claims technician or assistant loss adjuster with an insurance company.

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

You could apply to join a company's graduate training scheme if you've got a degree. Most subjects are accepted though you may have an advantage if you've studied business, law, maths or economics.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters for professional development and training opportunities.

Further information

You can find out more about working and training in loss adjusting through the Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters and the Chartered Insurance Institute.

You'll need:

• customer service skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• knowledge of English language
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to use your initiative
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Your day-to-day duties could include:

• visiting sites to survey damage
• interviewing customers
• gathering evidence, like security camera footage or police reports
• requesting reports from specialists, like building surveyors
• checking that policies cover losses and customers are claiming a reasonable amount
• organising clean-up operations, or arranging building repairs
• making further investigations if you suspect fraud
• giving evidence in court
• presenting reports and recommendations to insurers
• advising claimants on how to avoid further losses

You could work in an office or from home.

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

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