Insurance is a safety net most people rely on. Helping to make sure that safety net is in proper order is the job of insurance claims and policy processing clerks. They organize information and documents to keep insurance policies updated and help resolve claims. Policy processing clerks take in new policy applications and make changes to update existing policies. They also review applications to make sure all questions have been answered. The average day includes lots of communication with agents, applicants, policy holders and insurance carriers. Insurance claims clerks need to collect information about claims, compile reports, and send them on to a claims representative to determine what the settlement will be. People in both of these roles need to be detail-oriented, since errors could jeopardize a customer’s coverage just when it’s most needed. A high school diploma or equivalent, and strong typing and computer skills, is required for most insurance claims and policy processing clerks. Some employers may expect some college coursework, an associate’s degree, or more extensive on-the-job experience. And a background in customer service will help you succeed in this industry that relies on excellent relationships with customers.
What they do:
Process applications for, changes to, reinstatement of, and cancellation of insurance policies. Duties include reviewing insurance applications to ensure that all questions have been answered, compiling data on insurance policy changes, changing policy records to conform to insured party's specifications, compiling data on lapsed insurance policies to determine automatic reinstatement according to company policies, canceling insurance policies as requested by agents, and verifying the accuracy of insurance company records.
On the job, you would:
Process and record new insurance policies and claims.
Correspond with insured or agent to obtain information or inform them of account status or changes.
Review and verify data, such as age, name, address, and principal sum and value of property on insurance applications and policies.
Business
customer service
administrative services
Arts and Humanities
English language
Basic Skills
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
talking to others
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Verbal
read and understand what is written
communicate by speaking
Ideas and Logic
order or arrange things
use rules to solve problems
People interested in this work like activities that include data, detail, and regular routines.
They do well at jobs that need:
Attention to Detail
Integrity
Dependability
Cooperation
Initiative
Self Control
You might use software like this on the job:
Data base user interface and query software
Data entry software
Microsoft Access
Medical software
Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS
Medical condition coding software
Electronic mail software
IBM Lotus Notes
Microsoft Outlook
high school diploma/GED or associate's degree usually needed