Claims Investigator Career Specializations
Generally the successful claims investigator has a law enforcement background though
that is not necessarily true. The competition for these positions is intense as
there are many qualified applicants for each job. The applicant with better educational
credentials usually has an edge over the competition for these positions.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
As a rule the claims investigator may handle many of the same aspects of the claim
as a claims adjuster or examiner, in that they will examine the paperwork, talk
to witnesses and police departments, as well as examine property damage. In addition
to this they may also be required to do personal interviews, and institute surveillance
on individuals where fraud might be suspected.
Work Environment
The claims investigator has variable job responsibilities and where the responsibilities
are performed depends upon the individual case assigned. In some cases they may
spend many hours in the office making telephone calls checking police reports and
other duties. They may also spend many hours in the field interviewing people and
performing surveillance work. A claims investigator will deal with not only standard
paperwork but investigative procedures needed in cases of suspected fraud.
Employment Outlook and Opportunities
Almost all insurance claims investigators are employed by insurance companies and
underwriters.
The employment outlook for the insurance claims investigator is about average growth
according to a US Department of labor report in 2006. This translates to about 9%
growth industry wide. However, as mentioned before competition will be very keen
for existing and new jobs and better prepared and applicant is the more successful
they will tend to be.
How much does a Claims Investigator make - Claims Investigator Salaries and Wages
Earnings for Claims Investigators with 1 to 4 years experience are considered
to be between $35,296 per year and $46,346 per year.
Earnings for Claims Investigators with 5 to 9 years experience are recorded
in the ranges between $40,855 per year to $54,307 per year.
Earnings for Claims Investigators with 10 to 19 years experience are reported
to be between $45,684 per year to $61,953 per year.
How to Become a Claims Investigator
Education for Claims Investigators
There exist no consistent standards from state to state or company to company as
regards educational requirements for a claims investigator career. However 45% of
all investigators adjusters and examiners within the insurance industry possess
a bachelor degree and because of the increasing competition and slow job growth,
it is expected this trend will increase. In addition many companies prefer to hire
claims investigators with a law enforcement or criminal justice background.
Other Qualifications
A claims investigator may work variable hours out of the office, depending upon
a particular cases in the surveillance. It can also require confrontational skills
and sometimes be considered dangerous as well. The good claims investigator should
have good interviewing and interrogations skills.
Career Advancement
A degree is certainly an asset for the claims investigator hoping to advance their
career. Certification and continuing education requirements vary from state to state.
Claims Investigator Resources
National Society of Professional Insurance Investigators