Claims Handler

Exchange Street Executive Search is one of the leading recruiters in the UK for claims handler jobs.

What is a Claims Handler Job?

An insurance claims handler deals with every aspect of an insurance claim on behalf of a client. A claim is usually the result of loss caused by events such as fire, flood, theft, accident or illness.

As a claims handler you will deal with the whole process, from first notice to final payment. This can get complex, and a loss adjuster may also be involved. The claims handler deals with the relevant documentation, ensures that the process runs smoothly, that the insurance company settles in the correct manner, and that the client receives compensation as quickly as possible.

Typical tasks for a claims handler include:

Liaising with the insured party to take full details of a claim

Working with the loss adjuster or insurer to ensure the claim is genuine

Liaising with the broker who placed the risk, and the underwriters

Ensuring a fair settlement for the client in the event of a claim

Communicating with both sides to ensure that the client is receiving good service

Advising clients on insurance issues in general.

As well as claims for personal clients, a claims handler may also deal with commercial and business claims.

Skills & Personal Qualities required for a Claims Handler:

The ability to absorb technical information

An analytical mind

The ability to make decisions

Numeracy

Confidence

Sound judgement

The ability to work to tight deadlines

Willingness to use your own initiative

Good interpersonal and communication skills

Negotiating skills

Entry Requirements for a Claims Handler Job

A claims handler can enter the industry with any degree, although science subjects; engineering; accounting/finance; business/management; economics; law; mathematics and statistics are most useful. An HND in these subjects may also be useful. Relevant work experience with an insurance company could well improve your chances.

A claims handler could enter the profession through an insurance company's graduate training scheme, or through promotion from an administrative job in insurance.

Typical Career Path for a Claims Handler

There are around 750 organisations involved in insurance in the UK which may present opportunities for a claims handler, including general insurers; life assurance companies; Lloyds; re-insurance and health insurance specialists; banks and credit companies, and more besides.

A claims handler can move into other core areas of insurance, such as risk management or broking.

Alternatively, a claims handler can go into re-insurance, or progress into a specialist field such as marine or aviation insurance.

A claims handler who deals with more complex or greater risks will have increased opportunities for transfer to different posts and companies, as will a claims handler gaining professional qualifications and with a willingness to relocate.

Typical Employers for a Claims Handler

Typical employers for a claims handler would include the insurance industry and banks.

The insurance industry is dominated by large financial companies, insurers and re-insurance businesses in Europe and the UK. Most of these firms will look to employ a claims handler across a range of fields as either a graduate or school leaver.

Most major UK banks write a broad range of insurance contracts and may therefore have a requirement for a claims handler.

Salaries and Benefits for a Claims Handler

These figures are only intended as a guide:

Typical starting salaries for a claims handler range from £18,000 - £24,000 plus.

At senior level, a claims handler could earn £40,000 - £100,000.

To see our range of claims handler jobs browse our list here.