Insurance Investigators, Loss Adjusters and Risk Surveyors

Insurance Investigators, Loss Adjusters and Risk Surveyors conduct investigations into insurance claims to ensure their validity, inspect and assess the damage and loss to insured properties and businesses, estimate insurance costs, and inspect insured properties to evaluate conditions affecting underwriting standards.

  • The Job
  • The Facts
  • Related Courses

What the job involves

  • Examining scenes of incidents resulting in insurance claims to determine causes and effects
  • Interviewing witnesses and claimants to obtain details required to assess the validity of claims and identify the parties responsible for accidents, damage and loss, and preparing statements and reports
  • Inspecting damaged buildings, equipment and motor vehicles and estimating the cost of repairs
  • Estimating business losses resulting from fire, theft and other business disruptions
  • Reporting the extent of damage and estimated costs to the insurer
  • Inspecting property, buildings and operations of commercial and industrial establishments to assess physical conditions and work practices
  • Evaluating the adequacy of security, fire and related systems
  • Preparing reports and recommending action to reduce risks
  • Compiling data which influence the determination of premium rates

Key values of workers in Insurance Investigators, Loss Adjusters and Risk Surveyors

  • Independence

    Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

  • Working Conditions

    Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

  • Relationships

    Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

  • Achievement

    Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

  • Recognition

    Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

Top skills required for workers in Insurance Investigators, Loss Adjusters and Risk Surveyors

  • Active Listening

    Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

  • Critical Thinking

    Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

  • Speaking

    Talking to others to convey information effectively.

  • Judgment and Decision Making

    Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

  • Writing

    Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.