Careers in Insurance

Insurance Underwriter

Insurance underwriters decide whether to provide insurance and under what terms. They evaluate insurance applications and determine coverage amounts and premiums.

Insurance underwriters work indoors in comfortable offices. Most work full time.
Employers prefer to hire candidates who have a bachelor’s degree. However, insurance-related work experience and strong computer skills may be enough. Certification is necessary for advancement to senior underwriter and underwriter manager positions

The median annual wage of insurance underwriters was $59,290 in May 2010.
Employment of insurance underwriters is expected to increase 6 percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than the average for all occupations. New types of automated underwriting software allow workers to process applications more quickly than before, reducing the need for underwriters.

Claim Adjusters, Appraisers, Examiners, and Investigators

Claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and investigators evaluate insurance claims. They decide whether an insurance company must pay a claim, and if so, how much.

Most claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and investigators work full time. They often work outside the office, inspecting damaged buildings and automobiles.

A high school diploma or equivalent is typically the minimum requirement to work as an adjuster, examiner, or investigator. However, employers sometimes prefer to hire applicants who have a bachelor’s degree or some insurance-related work experience or vocational training. Auto damage appraisers typically have a 2-year vocational award or work experience in identifying and estimating the cost of automotive repair.

The median annual wage of claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators was $58,620 in May 2010. The median annual wage of insurance appraisers of auto damage was $56,230 in May 2010.

Employment of claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and investigators is expected to grow 3 percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than the average for all occupations. Growth should be particularly strong in health insurance as a result of federal legislation mandating insurance coverage.

Automotive Body and Glass Repairers

Automotive body and glass repairers restore, refinish, and replace vehicle bodies and frames, windshields, and window glass.

Repairers usually work in well-ventilated body shops in order to disperse dust and paint fumes. They sometimes work in awkward and cramped positions, and their work can be physically demanding. Most repairers work full time, and overtime and weekend hours are common.

Most employers prefer to hire repairers who have completed a formal training program in automotive body repair or refinishing. Still, many new repairers begin work without formal training. Industry certification is becoming increasingly important. It is important to be aware of how insurance works as many of the repairers are subject to insurance claims.

In May 2010, the median annual wage of automotive body and related repairers was $38,130, and the median annual wage of automotive glass installers and repairers was $33,160.

Employment of automotive body and glass repairers is expected to grow 19 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Those with formal training and industry certification should have very good job opportunities.

Personal Financial Advisor

Personal financial advisors give financial advice to people. They help with investments, taxes, and insurance decisions.

Most personal financial advisors work in the finance and insurance industry or are self-employed. They typically work full time and may meet with clients in the evenings or on weekends.

Personal financial advisors typically need a bachelor's degree. A master’s degree and certification can improve chances for advancement in the occupation. Personal financial advisors who directly buy or sell