An insurance inspector is typically an employee of an insurance company. The inspector evaluates the property that an insurance company is going to insure in order to minimize the insurance company's risk. Generally, the process to become an insurance inspector consists of three to four steps. First you have to acquire the educational background you need, then you can look for and find a job, and finally you have to keep up with your educational requirements to stay abreast of the changes in the insurance industry.
Some employers require a college degree before you can become an insurance inspector. Other companies will take previous experience working in the insurance field in lieu of a degree. Other employers do not have educational or experience requirements, but instead will train you on how to become an insurance inspector and perform your job duties while working for the company.
For employers that do require an educational background, you have two options: you can either earn a certificate or a degree in engineering. Again, which program is more appropriate really depends on the insurance company that plans on hiring you after you become an insurance inspector. To earn a degree, you typically have to attend a four-year college or university, while community colleges often offer certificate programs in engineering.
The best way to assess which educational background you need, if any, is to research the insurance companies, government agencies or corporations that will hire you after you become an insurance inspector. Review job boards or contact insurance companies directly to inquire about possible job openings and the requirements to work for the company as an inspector.
If you already meet the requirements, then you can go through the application process. If you do not meet the requirements, then you now have a list of requirements that you must work on being able to meet.
Finally, even after you become an insurance inspector, you should plan on taking continuing education courses and classes. These ongoing courses allow you to stay abreast of the changes in the laws and regulations in both the insurance and the construction industries. Professional organizations and certificate programs offer these ongoing continuing education courses to you.
In the US, some of the organizations include the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters Society, which offers the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program and the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). These courses may be required by your employer after working at the company for a certain amount of time or may be required upfront in order for you to become an insurance inspector.
