Casualty insurance jobs include the roles of agents, claims investigators and underwriters. The requirements for these jobs vary according to the level of expertise required by the position. For example, a secretary working in a casualty insurance office might need only a high school diploma and secretarial training. Other casualty insurance jobs can require a college degree or licensing.
In general, casualty insurance protects policy holders when accidental injuries or death occur and they are held liable. This kind of coverage is commonly seen in property owner insurance and vehicle insurance. Car accidents and accidents around the home are two common triggers for casualty insurance claims.
Insurance agents specializing in this field are responsible for telling clients about the various kinds of casualty insurance available. They also make recommendations for appropriate coverage. A college degree and sales training or experience usually are required. Depending on where an agent lives, licensing might be another requirement.
Some agents work under a straight commission, meaning that they are paid based on the policies they sell. Other agents are compensated with a salary or a combination of a salary and commission. Employment is available through insurance companies or as an independent contractor.
Agents who excel in casualty insurance jobs usually have strong communication, customer service and sales skills. They also are expected to have thorough knowledge of the various policies offered. A professional-yet-persuasive personality is also required for success in this field.
Underwriters also are employed in casualty insurance jobs. Underwriters estimate the amount of risk involved in issuing a policy. This is done through studying insurance applications and statistical information or various trends. The types of trends studied can include information about crime or neighborhoods or the personal background of an applicant.
Good judgment and analytical skills are needed by underwriters working in casualty insurance jobs. They must have the ability to approve or reject applications. Underwriters often deal with personal information for clients and businesses and therefore also need to handle applications with tact and discretion. A bachelor’s degree in business or finance is usually required.
Claims investigators also hold casualty insurance jobs. Often, claims investigators will look into claims believed to be fraudulent. This can when the policyholder does something to trigger a claim and then reports it as an actual event. Fire and theft are two situations where this can happen.
Of all the casualty insurance jobs, a claims investigator will best suit someone with a knack for research and uncovering facts. Investigations often involve interviewing claimants and witnesses. For this reason, people with a background in private investigations or police work are often well-suited to become claims investigators.
