Claims adjuster

You would investigate damage to people’s property or to businesses. You’d decide how much money the insurance company should pay in compensation.

You’d look into large or complicated claims on behalf of an insurance company.

You would usually specialise in either domestic household claims from individuals or commercial claims by businesses.

They could be claiming compensation for anything from damage due to a fire or a flood, to loss because of theft or fraud.

You would:

• visit sites to see the damage

• interview customers about the claim

• gather evidence, such as security camera footage and police reports

• request detailed reports from specialists, like building surveyors

• check that the policy will cover the loss and that the customer is claiming a reasonable amount

• organise clean-up or salvage operations, or arrange large-scale building repairs

• make further investigations if you suspect fraud

• give evidence in court in fraud cases

• complete relevant paperwork

• present a report to the insurers, with recommendations on how much should be paid out

• advise claimants on how to avoid further losses

You might carry out several inspections a day. With more complicated claims, it could take you several days to process one claim.

• Chartered Insurance Institute - professional body for the global financial services profession