If you plan to build a career in the insurance sector, you may find the job of a claims handler to be an appropriate choice. Also known as a claims administrator or a claims assessor, the job of the handler is to deal with the individuals who make claims on their insurance policies.

There are a number of sectors in the insurance industry in which you may specialise, such as health and life insurance, travel insurance and home and auto insurance. A claims handler deals with the claims that are within a specified payout limit. You may find claims handler jobs from insurance companies.

What does the job of the claims handler involve? Here are the responsibilities you may have to deal with as a claims handler.

• Note down the details when there are customer reports of claims
• Issue claim forms and provide advice to customers
• Check the claims
• Make sure the premiums have been paid
• Make sure the claim is within the policy coverage
• Accumulate information such as receipts, valuations and photographs
• Advise customers about the consequences of their claims on future premiums
• Arrange payments on simple claims
• Refer complex or doubtful claims to senior claims manager

You may move up to the position of a claims negotiator after you upgrade qualification and acquire experience. This job will require you to investigate more complex claims and negotiate the matter with clients, insurers and solicitors before the payout is agreed to. With time and experience, you may also become a claims manager.

Who employs claims handlers? Insurance companies and brokers require appointing these professionals. You can find these jobs from industry magazines, local and national press, and online resources. You may also register with a specialised recruitment agency to find jobs in claims sector.

The jobs of claims handlers are usually office-based. You may sit in the insurance office or at a contact centre operated by the company. You may work for the standard working hours or in shifts at different times. As a claims handler, you will spend most of your time on the computer and the phone.

The opportunity for learning and growth is ample when you opt for these jobs. The salary packages are quite good as well. When you are starting in this field, you may get salaries between £13,000 and £17,000 per year. This may increase up to £20,000 for experienced handlers and £30,000 for claims negotiators.