Insurance claims assessors perform a central role during the processing of insurance claims. Clients, however, often know very little about what those in this profession do, and only meet them after unfortunate events that force them to make insurance claims. Here are some insights into this profession that will provide a better understanding of their roles and professional services.
To begin, it is important to know that there are different ways companies utilize the services of assessors. There are two types of assessors:
- Assessors that belong to external companies, who outsource themselves to insurance companies and brokers.
- Assessors who are appointed internally, meaning they are employed directly by the insurance company they assess for.
Training
Generally, assessors will do much of their learning on the job, although some formal certifications are available, including the Institute of Loss Adjusters. Much of the expertise come from the amount of time an assessor has spent with a company, and depending on where they work, assessors will have different skill sets. For instance, a building assessor will need to know the methods and costs of creating a structure, while an assessor who delves into vehicle claims will need an entirely different set of expertise. Because of this, formal qualification is usually viewed as less important than experience.
Primary Functions of an Assessor
Many wonder if an assessor’s only role is to assess damages. However, an insurance assessor can also play a role in appraising the initial risk. They can assess potential risks before they ever cause an issue, and then set up risk management tactics. While performing claims assessment, the assessor will focus on the logistics of the situation (what happened, the location, when, and how the incident occurred). They will then determine whether the scenario fits within the scope of what the insurance covers, and what the cost will be to make necessary repairs. Even after the claim is assessed and repaired, the same assessor can take the role of helping the prevention of future issues.
What Makes a Good Assessor?
Logic skills are what usually separate the best assessors from the sub-par. Those who understand processes step by step, and work accordingly with what they observe, are the most effective at their jobs. A good assessor looks beyond the details that are on the surface; this requires them to probe and ask the right questions. Also, their strong communication abilities allow them to build rapport with customers while they gather all necessary information.
Knowing what an insurance assessor can offer you will allow you to take full advantage of all the services you are currently paying for. Whether for business, home, or auto insurance, an expert assessor can assist you in preventing and remedying negative happenstances. It is important to know how to identify a strong assessor. Those with strong communications abilities who have been experts for multiple years will be able to make a complete and effective report that will lead to the resolution of all your issues in a timely manner. Remember, second opinions are always an option for insurance companies if the initial report is not satisfactory.
Florin is a freelance writer and foodie whose work has been featured in blogs, websites, magazines, and TV ads.