Career Opportunities in Insurance: 7 Options for Insurance Agents
What can you do with an insurance license? It’s a common question, and you might be surprised at the answer. It’s true that most people who get their insurance license start out in sales or customer service. But there are so many other possible career paths for licensed agents.
Getting a property and casualty (P&C) license or life and health (L&H) license can act as a springboard and help you segue into different career opportunities in insurance.
Ahead we’ll explore seven insurance license jobs (beyond sales) and highlight what skill sets and traits you need for each role.
Insurance Claims Adjuster
Claims adjusters are responsible for investigating insurance claims to determine the extent of the insurance company’s liability. They evaluate the damage, review policy information, interview claimants and witnesses, and negotiate settlements.
Most claims adjuster jobs require some prior experience in the insurance industry (usually 2-4 years). This is a good position to pursue after working as a sales agent or customer service representative for a few years. More than half of US states require an adjuster’s license.
National average salary: $62,036
Skills/desired qualities: Strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills; a desire to work with people.
Insurance Claims Clerk
Insurance claims clerks work in administrative roles, assisting with the processing and documentation of insurance claims. They help organize claim files, input data, and communicate with policyholders and other stakeholders to ensure proper claim handling.
Many claims clerk jobs are entry-level positions that don’t require prior experience in the insurance field. Some companies will hire you right after you get licensed and offer on-the-job training.
National average salary: $38,200
Skills/desired qualities: Strong data entry, documentation, and communication skills; a desire to work with people.
Insurance Appraiser
Appraisers assess the value of insured items, such as property or vehicles, to determine the appropriate coverage and premiums. They may also conduct field investigations to assess the extent of damage in the event of a claim and notify investigators of fraudulent claims.
National average salary: $65,555
Skills/desired qualities: Strong documentation and communication skills; analytical ability; a desire to work with people.
Insurance Claims Examiner
Claims examiners are responsible for reviewing and analyzing insurance claims to ensure they comply with policy terms and regulations. They may request additional documentation, work with adjusters, and make decisions regarding the approval or denial of claims.
National average salary: $43,669
Skills/desired qualities: Strong data entry, documentation, and written and verbal communication skills; a desire to work with people.
Insurance Field Inspector
Insurance field inspectors conduct on-site inspections of properties or assets to assess risk factors and verify the accuracy of insurance applications. They provide reports and recommendations to underwriters to help determine policy eligibility and pricing.
National average salary: $69,821
Skills/desired qualities: Comfortable working independently; good analytical skills; strong research, reporting, and communication skills.
Insurance Underwriter
Insurance underwriters assess insurance applications, review policy risks, and determine coverage terms and pricing. They use their knowledge of underwriting guidelines and risk assessment to make informed decisions about policy issuance and pricing.
Most underwriter jobs require a bachelor’s degree. You don’t need an insurance license to become an underwriter, but it’s desirable to have one in the same specialty (e.g., property and casualty). New underwriters usually work as underwriting assistants under an established underwriter and gradually become more independent.
National average salary: $134,893
Skills/desired qualities: Strong math skills; analytical ability; computer skills; attention to detail; strong interpersonal/communication skills.
Insurance Investigator
Insurance investigators conduct inquiries into suspicious or potentially fraudulent insurance claims. They use a variety of investigative techniques, such as interviewing claimants and witnesses, examining documents and evidence, reviewing surveillance footage, and gathering information from law enforcement.
National average salary: $58,883
Skills/desired qualities: Strong analytical, investigative, and communication skills; ability to assess information objectively.
These are just a few examples of the diverse career opportunities available in the insurance industry. The specific duties and requirements may vary depending on the type of insurance (e.g., property and casualty, life, health) and the company’s policies and practices.
Study for Your Insurance Licensing Exam with America’s Professor
There are so many career opportunities in the insurance industry, from sales jobs to claims adjusters. Having a license is required for many types of insurance jobs. But even if it’s not, being licensed is desirable to employers and will put you at an advantage.
America’s Professor offers top-quality education to help you prepare for your insurance licensing exam. Whether you’re thinking about getting a property and casualty (P&C) license, a life and health (L&H) license, or an adjuster’s license, our comprehensive study courses will teach you everything you need to know to pass your exam.
Enroll in a course today and be on your way to starting a career in the lucrative insurance industry!