AboutClaims Guy Expertise I am currently an Auto Claims Manager for a large insurance company. I have 18 years experience in the industry, having worked as a Claims Adjuster, Injury Settlement Negotiator, Claims Manager, SIU/Fraud Investigator, and Compliance Officer......I can answer questions related to any aspect of Automobile insurance claims and coverages. I can provide an inside look at how insurers operate. I always treat my customers fairly and want to help make sure you are treated fairly. However, please keep in mind that being treated fairly according to the law does not guarantee that you will get what you want. I can also answer some questions regarding Homeowner's and other types of insurance claims. I have handled all types of auto insurance claims and coverages. I am NOT an automotive repair expert but can give advice re how insurers handle complex repair issues. Please keep in mind that every state has its own set of laws pertaining to rules of the road, liability, and insurance. No one is an expert on every state. I am most familiar with laws in Maryland, DC, West Virginia, and Virginia, but will attempt to answer questions for other states.
Experience I am currently an Auto Claims Manager for a large insurance company. I have 18 years experience in the industry, having worked as a Claims Adjuster, Injury Settlement Negotiator, Claims Manager, SIU/Fraud Investigator, and Compliance Officer.
Education/Credentials I have a B.S. in Finance and have completed the AIC and CPCU designations.
Question A career question for the experts: I'm 53 yrs. old, retiring from 32 yr job. Is auto claims adjuster a good choice for a career change? I don't need 50k a year (25 to 30 is good) and I'll already be getting a good pension.
But I don't have a background in the automobile industry, but can pick-up anything.
Thanks
Answer We have hired several people in your position. But there are some things to consider.
The job of an auto claims rep is very demanding and challenging. You normally have a very heavy work load. You will be talking to dozens of people every day and this can be exhausting. You will need to learn a lot regarding policy details, laws, legal issues, repairs, and customer service. Some insurers have good training programs, but you will be asked to learn a lot quickly and be thrown into it. The beginning will be hard, but then over a couple months it all starts to make sense and you feel more comfortable.
Are you willing to put yourself through that at this stage in your life? Some insurers pay better than others. Large insurers normally pay better, but not all. GEICO and Progressive do not pay as well, but State Farm and Nationwide pay better. Allstate is in the middle. In my area, starting salaries for a claim rep are in the high $30's with regular pay increases putting you in the upper 40's to low 50's after a couple years. But the cost of living is higher in my state.
You do not need automotive experience normally. Most new hires are younger and looking to build a career. With a big carrier, there is plenty of opportunity to grow.
I have seen some people in your position flourish, and others flounder and quit. It depends on your skill set and motivation level. You will need to be very organized, have good common sense, ability to make a decision without floundering, and strong communication skills. If you don't have these skills, I would stay away as you will be miserable.
This info is for auto claim reps, where I work. Other jobs include auto repair estimators, which is less demanding. Also, being a homeowners claim rep is generally not as demanding as auto, since you deal with less volume. Good luck!
