Insurance Jobs - What Are They and How to Get One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

Depending on the type of insurance you want to cover, you have a wide range of job choices in the insurance industry. You could be an insurance salesperson, who is responsible for getting clients to sign up for policies. If you do not have an interest in sales, you could try to be a claims adjuster. An adjuster handles accident or injury claims, forwarding them to the firm so they can disburse funds to the client. Another possible job in the insurance industry is a claims investigator. This job involves you investigating the evidence as described by the claimant to determine whether, under their policy, they are eligible for coverage.

The minimum qualifications needed to get a job as an insurance premium auditor include a bachelor’s degree in accounting, risk management, or a related field. To be more competitive in your field, earn the certifications offered by The National Society of Insurance Premium Auditors. First, you need to complete the APA program, and then you may either complete the CIPA or the CIPTA, which is specialized for auditors who work over the phone. Once you have two years of experience in the field, you can earn the CIA certificate (Certified Internal Auditor).

Being in the insurance field, you have to be willing to deal with people in stressful situations. They may have just lost their home or car or be in need of expensive healthcare. To help them, you need to be knowledgeable and empathetic. In many ways, this is a customer service job, so work to keep the clients happy. People always need insurance, but the presence of computer automation is decreasing the need for human intervention. In an entry-level job, you can expect to work standard office hours. If long days are something you want to avoid, this is an excellent career choice. However, this can change as you rise through the ranks.

The duties of an insurance premium auditor include ensuring the financial records of insurance companies are accurate and in compliance with regulations and legal policy. Your job is to prevent fraud, such as tax fraud, and ensure that both the insurance company and businesses making claims are following all relevant laws. A bachelor’s degree in accounting is required to do this job effectively, and some employers require additional certifications. Other responsibilities include verifying that insurance statistics are accurate, so rates are fair for consumers. You also handle quality control, including the way insurance companies deal with their customers. You must stay updated on changes that occur with premium auditing, such as the many class codes which apply to businesses.