How do you become an insurance claims representative in NYC?
Is there something specific that you have to study? or a license you need to get?
Most insurance companies require a 4 year college degree.
20+ years ago – you could be an adjuster with just a high school diploma. But today…..very few companies will even talk to you if you don’t have a 4 year degree.
The only exception to this — is companies will often hire body shop managers w/o a degree to work as vehicle damage appraisers. In this case, their experience as a body shop manager or owner will be enough.
Or if you do not have a college degree but have years of experience working as an adjuster – companies will consider you.
But with no experience– a 4 year degree is a must.
Now….it does not matter what the degree is in. I have worked with theater majors, dance majors, business, math, history…etc. If you are going to be working in injury claims – a biology, sports physiology, etc can be very helpful.
It’s easiest to get on with one of the big national carriers. Just start pounding the pavement and applying. If you know anyone in the field….give them a call. The big companies tend to have the most turn over….and therefore, are the easiest to get on with.
However, not all insurance companies are the same. So, if you get on with one of these big carriers and they are awful to work for (and some of them definitely are).. then stick it out for 2 years — get your experience and then try to get on with a better company.
Once a company hires you…they will train you and they will get you signed up for the licensing exam and any study you need. You don’t have to have the license in advance.
Being an adjuster is a hard job. Not everyone is cut out for it. I think all us adjuster are probably just a little bit off.
You work your fanny off..long hours- what ever it takes to get the job done….for little to no thanks…..catch a whole lot of grief and are generally stressed. If someone is talking to you…it’s because something rotten happened to them. – their car is wrecked, house is damage, spouse is hurt. They are going to take it out on someone and you’re it. But every now and then…something happens and you know why you do it.
Adjuster’s don’t do the job for pats on the back. It’s good pay…but you’ll never be rich. So, we don’t do it for the money.
We do it because we want help. We want to serve. We want to be there when things are at their worst. Like I said, it’s not for everyone.
You need to be organized, have good customer service skills, be able to think on your feet, think outside the box and solve problems. You will never be bored. You will always be challenged.
All in all….I love it and wouldn’t do anything else.
Good Luck
October 28th, 2009 at 11:22 pm
You need a license from the state, and if you want to get hired by an insurance company, you need a bachelor’s degree in anything.
If you want to go with an outside adjusting firm like Crawford & Co, it’s paid on piecework basis, and it’s really hard to make enough to live off of.
References :
agent, 21+ years
October 28th, 2009 at 11:36 pm
Most insurance companies require a 4 year college degree.
20+ years ago – you could be an adjuster with just a high school diploma. But today…..very few companies will even talk to you if you don’t have a 4 year degree.
The only exception to this — is companies will often hire body shop managers w/o a degree to work as vehicle damage appraisers. In this case, their experience as a body shop manager or owner will be enough.
Or if you do not have a college degree but have years of experience working as an adjuster – companies will consider you.
But with no experience– a 4 year degree is a must.
Now….it does not matter what the degree is in. I have worked with theater majors, dance majors, business, math, history…etc. If you are going to be working in injury claims – a biology, sports physiology, etc can be very helpful.
It’s easiest to get on with one of the big national carriers. Just start pounding the pavement and applying. If you know anyone in the field….give them a call. The big companies tend to have the most turn over….and therefore, are the easiest to get on with.
However, not all insurance companies are the same. So, if you get on with one of these big carriers and they are awful to work for (and some of them definitely are).. then stick it out for 2 years — get your experience and then try to get on with a better company.
Once a company hires you…they will train you and they will get you signed up for the licensing exam and any study you need. You don’t have to have the license in advance.
Being an adjuster is a hard job. Not everyone is cut out for it. I think all us adjuster are probably just a little bit off.
You work your fanny off..long hours- what ever it takes to get the job done….for little to no thanks…..catch a whole lot of grief and are generally stressed. If someone is talking to you…it’s because something rotten happened to them. – their car is wrecked, house is damage, spouse is hurt. They are going to take it out on someone and you’re it. But every now and then…something happens and you know why you do it.
Adjuster’s don’t do the job for pats on the back. It’s good pay…but you’ll never be rich. So, we don’t do it for the money.
We do it because we want help. We want to serve. We want to be there when things are at their worst. Like I said, it’s not for everyone.
You need to be organized, have good customer service skills, be able to think on your feet, think outside the box and solve problems. You will never be bored. You will always be challenged.
All in all….I love it and wouldn’t do anything else.
Good Luck
References :
Insurance Adjuster 12 years