Insurance Investigator

An Insurance Investigator works for a government or private company to assess whether insurance claims are legitimate. They bring a critical eye to files to look for fraud and other reasons why an insurance claim should not be honored. In many cases, insurance investigators may interview involved parties, check on damages, obtain and review medical or automobile repair records, and consult with experts in order to make a decision about the legitimacy of the claim.

Skills Involved

The work of an insurance investigator is centered around details. They must be able to switch gears from interviewing involved parties and taking their statements to poring over documents looking for inconsistencies. Reading comprehension, writing skills, and verbal communication are all key to success. Most also need to have a sense of the medical, mechanical, or construction fields, since the claims may span injuries, accidents, and property damage.

Work Environment

Insurance investigators may work in an office or travel to various locations to conduct investigations. Someone in this career could be on their feet a lot, and spend time interviewing people at accident scenes or visiting repair shops for vehicles. Much of their work may be done alone, though they may work with other insurance investigators and insurance company employees as part of their daily work.

Education and Background

Many insurance investigators start their careers with an associate or bachelor's degree in insurance, criminology, criminal justice, accounting, mathematics, or a related field. In addition to education, most insurance investigators have some experience in fields such as law enforcement, claims adjusting, or auto repair. They may also need to have a license or certification, depending on their state's requirements.

Projects

Projects that an insurance investigator may work on include:

• Investigating a suspicious insurance claim
• Interviewing witnesses and taking statements
• Reviewing medical or automobile repair records
• Conducting surveillance
• Writing reports and recommendations

Career Growth

Insurance investigators may advance to become senior insurance investigators, claims managers, or fraud investigators. Some may also open their own insurance investigation businesses.

Personality Traits

Insurance investigators should be detail-oriented, analytical, and have a strong work ethic. They should also be able to work independently and as part of a team. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are also important.

Self-Guided Projects

There are a number of self-guided projects that students can complete to better prepare themselves for a career as an insurance investigator. These projects include:

• Conducting mock insurance investigations
• Interviewing friends or family members about their insurance claims experiences
• Reading books and articles about insurance investigation
• Attending insurance industry events and conferences

Online Courses

Online courses can be a great way to learn about the insurance industry and prepare for a career as an insurance investigator. Some of the skills and knowledge that you can gain from online courses include:

• Insurance law and regulations
• Insurance claims processing
• Fraud detection and investigation techniques
• Insurance investigation software
• Communication and interpersonal skills

Online courses can provide you with the flexibility to learn at your own pace and on your own time. They can also be a more affordable option than traditional college courses. However, it is important to note that online courses alone may not be enough to prepare you for a career as an insurance investigator. You may also need to have some experience in the insurance industry or take additional courses.