Insurance claims handler apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
a university coursea college coursean apprenticeshipworking towards this roleapplying directlya company's trainee scheme
University
You could take a degree before applying for a place on an insurance company's graduate training scheme. Employers recruit from a range of degrees although some give preference to subjects like:
- maths
- business management
- finance
- law
- economics
It can help to get some relevant work experience whilst you're studying, for example through an internship or a year's industry placement. You'll usually need 2 to 3 A-Levels, or the equivalent, for a degree. College
You could take the Chartered Insurance Institute's Foundation Insurance Test award to get a basic understanding of insurance.
You can also do a Level 2 and 3 Certificate in Providing Financial Services.
These will help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to get started in insurance work.
You'll usually need GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths.
Apprenticeship
You could get into this job through a higher apprenticeship as an insurance professional.
This typically takes about 24 months to complete and is a mix of workplace learning and study.
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 Level 6 (degree) apprenticeship.
Work
You may be able to start as an admin assistant or technician and work your way up to be a claims handler. You'll usually need GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and maths.
Direct Application
If you want to apply directly you'll find it useful to have GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) including English and maths. IT skills, experience in office work or customer service is also valuable to get started. Some companies will test your skills in communication and numbers at the interview stage.
Other Routes
You could join a large insurance firm's training scheme if you've got A-Levels and relevant work experience, or a degree in a relevant subject, like business studies or maths.
Further information
You can find out more about working as a claims handler in insurance from the Chartered Insurance Institute and Step Forward.
Insurance claims handler apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- customer service skills
- administration skills
- the ability to work well with others
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- sensitivity and understanding
- a desire to help people
- business management skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Insurance claims handler apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
In your day-to-day duties you could:
- take details when a customer reports a claim
- issue claim forms
- give advice on the claims process
- check insurance claims
- make sure premiums have been paid and that policies cover the claim
- gather information like receipts, photographs or valuations
- arrange payments on straightforward claims
Working environment
You could work in an office or in a contact centre.
Career path and progression - Insurance claims handler apprenticeships
With experience, you could work as a claims negotiator, or be promoted to claims manager.
You could move into other areas of insurance like loss adjusting, broking, account management, or compliance.