Claim Processor Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a claims processor. Feel free to use our claims processor job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a claims processor.
Who is a Claim processor?
A claims processor is someone who assesses insurance claims for an insurance company. Insurance claims are formal requests for payment from an insurance company’s customers.
Claims processors, sometimes known as claims clerks, are employed in the insurance sector and are in charge of processing insurance claims. They examine claim submissions, collect and verify data, communicate with insurance agents and beneficiaries, and process claim payouts.
When a consumer or policyholder purchases an insurance policy, they are paying an insurance provider to safeguard them against financial loss.
Certain unexpected incidents that can have a substantial financial impact on an individual or their family are covered by insurance plans. If a policyholder is affected by one of these covered occurrences, they can file or submit an insurance claim to have their insurance company assist them in covering the costs of the bills or repairs. Car accidents, home burglary, and injuries are examples of these situations.
From gathering personal information from potential policyholders for the insurance application to analyzing claim filings, an insurance processor or claims processor is in charge of the entire claims process. They interact with insurance agents and beneficiaries frequently to execute claim payouts accurately and quickly. In addition to handling customer inquiries, calculating claim values, issuing payments, and guaranteeing the correctness of insurance company records, insurance claims processors must have a complete awareness of policies, regulations, and coverage restrictions. Individual insurance carriers, as well as insurance companies, firms, and corporations, employ policy processing clerks.
Individuals and corporations file claims with insurance companies and claims processors are in charge of processing those claims. They examine these claims to see if they match the insurer’s standards, and then handle them accordingly.
Claims processors may also be in charge of making sure that all of the data in a claim is correct and complete. If necessary, this includes contacting claimants directly to obtain further information about their cases.
Although some may work from home, most claims processors operate in an office setting. They usually work a 40-hour week, although to keep up with the pace, some may work evenings or weekends. Claims processors must pay strict attention to detail and fulfill deadlines, which can be demanding. They may also have to deal with disgruntled consumers who are dissatisfied with the outcome of their claims.
Claims processors are employed in the insurance business and are responsible for handling insurance claims. They examine claims, gather and verify information, communicate with insurance agents and beneficiaries, and process claim payouts. They contact insurance agents and beneficiaries, as well as fill out claim forms and other paperwork. They are in charge of reviewing claims and validating the information contained in them.
Claims processors keep track of insurance policy and claim information in computer systems and calculate claim amounts while determining policy coverage. Claims processors must guarantee that all claim payments are processed by federal, state, and company requirements and procedures. Claims processors must have at least two years of claims processing or related experience, as well as a working knowledge of the insurance sector and relevant federal and state rules.
Below are the claims processor job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a claims processor job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of a claims processor include the following:
- Obtain essential information regarding insurance claims by interviewing claimants.
- Examine insurance policy documentation for coverage limits, exclusions, and other conditions that may have an impact on the claim.
- Process settlement proposals from insurance companies to settle claims on their behalf.
- communicate with attorneys on behalf of the insurance company or agent.
- Calculate the claimant’s damages and estimate the amount of compensation due.
- Examine claims for mistakes and inconsistencies, such as wrong dates or amounts.
- Use policy provisions and state legislation to determine if claims are valid.
- Use data from a variety of sources, such as medical records, police reports, and property appraisals, to calculate loss amounts.
- Respond to claimants’ questions about the status and progress of their claims.
- Create reports that detail claims settlements and denials.
- Maintain contact with insurance agents and beneficiaries.
- Create claim forms and supporting documents.
- Review and verify information in claim filings.
- Record and retain insurance policy and claim information.
- Calculate claim amounts and determine policy coverage.
- Perform various clerical responsibilities.
- Compile claim forms and other associated documentation.
- Communicate with insurance agents, policyholders, beneficiaries, and others regularly.
- Examine claim submissions, and check and verify personal information such as names, addresses, ages, assets, and other information.
- Assist with insurance processing, and follow company policies as well as local, state, and federal guidelines.
- Issue premiums, modifications, refunds, and more, evaluate insurance policy coverage and compute relevant claim amounts.
- Maintain accurate customer information by keeping track of policy records and doing data entry
Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree in business administration or a similar discipline is preferred, but a high school diploma or GED is required.
- Knowledge of computer programs for data entry, recordkeeping, and insurance claims is quite valuable.
- Must have years of experience answering phone calls and emails in a high-volume context, such as in a customer service representative role.
- Knowledge of CRM, basic computer systems such as Microsoft Office, and/or risk assessment tools.
- At least two years of claims processing or equivalent experience is required.
- Working understanding of the insurance sector, as well as relevant federal and state regulations, is required.
- Ability to work under time constraints.
Essential Skills
- Attention to detail: A claims processor must have excellent attention to detail because most of their work entails examining lengthy and detailed paperwork. They are in charge of making sure that every detail of an insurance claim is correct so that all parties involved can get or give the proper amount.
- Customer service: Because claims processors interact with customers daily, they must possess exceptional customer service abilities. Customers must be guided through the insurance claims procedure by those in this position. Because claims processors occasionally work with consumers who have had a traumatic experience, such as a car accident or a death in the family, they must be calm, empathetic, kind, and friendly.
- Communication skill: Claims processors must not only provide crucial insurance information to clients, but they must also coordinate with peers like insurance agents and investigators. A claims processor’s ability to communicate effectively and simply in both verbal and written form might help them work more efficiently.
- Organizational skill: Claims processors must keep all of their documentation structured because they deal with a variety of insurance claims from different individuals and families. If a consumer files an insurance claim, it is advantageous if a claims processor can quickly locate their data to verify their identity and insurance history.
- Problem-solving: Issues might arise during the insurance claim process, and professionals in this role can quickly address and resolve them. By double-checking records, questioning consumers, and communicating with coworkers, claim processors can practice problem-solving.
- Analysis skills: Whether you’re looking at the risks a client confronts or comparing multiple insurance options to obtain the best coverage for your consumer, analyzing data is a vital element of insurance.
- Numeracy: Some claim processor positions require higher mathematical skills than others. Actuaries use statistics and computer modeling, whereas claims handlers only need a basic understanding of numbers.
How to Become a Claim Processor
- Earn a degree: To work as a claims processor, most insurance firms need you to have a high school education or GED. While most insurance companies give on-the-job training, you could improve your chances of landing a claims processing job by earning a vocational, associate’s, or bachelor’s degree. Consider getting a degree in business, accounting, computer technology, or medicine to obtain abilities that will help you succeed in this position and impress future employers.
- Develop your computer abilities: While claims processors use paper to record and manage insurance claims, they also rely significantly on computers and digital databases. If you want to work as a claims processor, you need to improve your computer skills. Learn how to use basic computer applications and word processing programs. Discover the various types of data input software and how to utilize them. You can also study information technology (IT) skills, such as how to troubleshoot and solve computer problems.
There are numerous ways to expand your technological knowledge. Apply for a data entry internship or employment that requires you to collect and analyze data. You could also take data entry and management courses online. Developing your technological abilities could help you stand out to possible employers.
- Make your resume: Prepare a strong insurance resume before applying for a claims processor position. Include any related work experience where you have gained knowledge with skills that can help you process insurance claims. If you’ve worked in the food service industry, for example, you may have developed customer service and communication abilities that you may highlight on your resume. A cover letter might be required by the job posting. This is your chance to demonstrate to the employer why you want to work there and why you’d be a great fit for the position. Use the cover letter to demonstrate your communication abilities. Check it with a buddy to make sure it flows properly and is free of errors.
- Practice your interviewing techniques: Before applying for a claims processing position, practice your interviewing skills. Because people skills are required for this position, be personable and warm during the interview. Practicing answers to potential interview questions will boost your confidence and raise your job prospects.
- Apply for a position as a claims processor: You can begin applying for claims processing jobs after you feel fully prepared. This type of labor is important to many different insurance companies. If you’re interested in working in the insurance industry, further options include insurance agent and insurance investigator. The qualities that make you a good claims processor candidate could also prepare you for jobs in marketing, sales, and accounting
Where to work as a Claim Processor
Many different types of insurance firms use claims processors, including:
- Health: One of the most frequent types of insurance is health or medical insurance, which covers the costs of routine medical tests, surgeries, emergency operations, hospital stays, and other healthcare services. Insurance claims for sickness and injuries may be reviewed by a health insurance claims processor. Dental and vision services are sometimes included in this sort of insurance.
- Car insurance, often known as auto or motor insurance, is purchased by individuals to protect themselves from financial losses stemming from car accidents, such as car repairs and injuries. When evaluating an automobile insurance claim, a claims processor may look at details including the accident time and place, the police report on who caused the accident, and the policyholder’s driving record.
- Home insurance, often known as homeowner’s insurance: Protects an individual’s private residence from calamities such as fire or theft. An owner who rents out their property to others, on the other hand, can get landlord’s insurance, which includes coverage for things like responsibility for a tenant’s accident.
- Travel insurance: They protect policyholders against risks such as trip cancellations, baggage loss, and medical problems while traveling abroad.
- Life insurance: They can help with funeral and burial costs after a loved one passes away. Long-term obligations such as mortgage and tuition bills might also be helped by life insurance for surviving family members.
- Unemployment insurance: They give financial assistance to persons who have lost their jobs while looking for new ones. During economic downturns and other public crises, unemployment payments can assist families in surviving.
- Disability insurance: They provide financial assistance to people who are unable to work or earn an income due to a disability. Injuries and illnesses are examples of short-term and long-term disabilities.
- Long-term care insurance: This sort of insurance covers the costs of giving long-term or nursing home care to a person, usually the elderly. Long-term care is normally reserved for persons over the age of 65 who have a chronic illness and require ongoing assistance.
Claim Processor Salary Scale
Claims Processor salaries in the United States range from $25,000 to $57,400, with a median of $43,706. Insurance Claims Processors at the senior level earn between $43,772 and $48,253, with the top 83 percent earning $57,400.
The average income for an entry-level insurance claims processor In the United Kingdom (1-3 years of experience) is £19,759. A senior-level insurance claims processor (8+ years of experience) on the other hand, earns an average of £30,424.