Insurance claims inspector : Training

Training is usually undertaken on the job and is generally structured and supported by formal training courses, often in-house. Once appointed, you will generally have two years' intense on-the-job training followed by a further two to three years' experience in underwriting risk and negotiating claims. Training areas include:

• investigating the scene of an incident, claims management, liability investigation;
• taking statements, the claims handling process, insurance practice;
• personal insurance practice, commercial insurance practice, life and disability claims;
• negotiation with specialists, such as solicitors.

Studying to become an associate member of the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) is generally preferred rather than required. Associateship usually takes between two and three years and enhances opportunities for career development.

Individual insurance companies may provide their own ongoing training courses in areas such as personal safety and communication skills. The CII Claims Faculty provides information on training and current professional issues. It is important to keep up to date with legislation and developments in the field. Training and professional development in specific areas, such as safety, may also allow insurance claims inspectors to specialise later on in their career.