High School

Recommended high school courses include business and mathematics. Speech and English classes will help you hone your communication skills. Taking a foreign language such as Spanish will come in handy if you need to speak with policyholders who do not speak English fluently.  

Postsecondary Training

College graduates generally are preferred for insurance claims jobs, but persons with special experience may not need a degree. No specific college major is preferred, but certain ones may indicate a possible specialty. For example, an engineering degree would be valuable in industrial claims, and a legal background would be helpful in claims involving workers' compensation and product liability. In most companies, on-the-job training is usually provided. All insurance claims representatives should be comfortable working with computers, so be sure to develop your computer skills in college.

Certification

Some colleges offer certificates in fraud and data analytics,  insurance, fire investigation, and related areas. Contact schools in your area to learn about available programs.  

Other Education or Training

Continuing education classes, webinars, and workshops are provided by America's Health Insurance Plans, The Institutes, Insurance Institute of Canada, International Claim Association, LOMA International, National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters, and the Society of Registered Professional Adjusters. Contact these organizations for more information. 

Certification or Licensing

Two voluntary certification opportunities are available to claims representatives. The Institutes offers a series of courses culminating in a comprehensive examination; passing the exam earns the taker the associate in claims designation. LOMA International and the International Claim Association offer life and health claims credential programs for people interested in working as claims examiners; both programs lead to a professional designation.

Most states require licensing of claims representatives. The requirements for licensing vary and may include age restrictions, state residency, education in such classes as loss adjusting or insurance, character references, and written examinations.

Those who want to pursue careers as insurance claim representatives should first interview people who work in the claims industry to help them prepare early on. It helps to know what facet of the industry you want to be in, as taking classes or gaining work experience in those areas will give you a leg up as an expert in the field. Work on your communications and interpersonal skills. Since much of the work early on will serve as on-the-job training, be sure to be ready to learn from your colleagues.

Claims representatives are in a people-oriented profession. They must be able to communicate effectively to gain the respect and confidence of all involved parties. They should be mathematically adept and have a good memory. Knowledge of legal and medical terms and practice, as well as state and federal insurance laws and regulations, is required in this profession.

Some companies require applicants to take aptitude tests designed to measure mathematical, analytical, and communication skills.