Insurance risk surveyor : Job description

Insurance risk surveyors determine the possible financial risk posed by offering insurance cover for items, properties or sites. They provide underwriters with detailed reports about necessary improvements to reduce the risk or if insurance can be offered. These reports form the basis of the terms and conditions for the insurance policies.

Insurance risk surveyors, also known as risk consultants, risk control surveyors and risk control advisers, work for general insurance companies, brokers or firms of specialist surveyors. They normally specialise in one of the following areas:

• fire and perils - including plans, construction and fire protection systems;
• accidents and liability - looking at possible risks to employees and customers;
• engineering insurance - covering mechanical and industrial plants;
• burglary and theft - checking business premises for security and storage methods.

Typical work activities

Insurance risk surveyors can work in a general capacity or may specialise in a particular area such as fire, health and safety, theft or public liability. Typical responsibilities include:

• collating and assessing risk information on site;
• using templates to record assessments and collecting photographic evidence;
• preparing and proofreading detailed reports and presentations for underwriters;
• making recommendations to underwriters about required improvements;
• advising clients on-site and discussing opportunities and requirements to reduce the level of risk, or introducing the need for risk improvement programmes;
• allocating quality grades to the client once improvements have been completed;
• accompanying underwriters on site visits to help them understand the practicalities of the site;
• liaising with other professionals, e.g. underwriters, brokers, client representatives, inspectors of health and safety and fire officers;
• keeping up to date with technical aspects affecting risks, e.g. trade processes, legislation, hazardous materials.