In some careers, the educating never stops. For many, a job that offers a constantly evolving learning process in which it's necessary to keep up with the ever-changing industry is exactly what's needed to keep both the job and the mind fresh.
To someone unfamiliar with the industry, an insurance claims adjuster might appear a seemingly unlikely candidate for the above statements to ring true. However, this multifaceted field has a lot to offer those dedicated to rising above and beyond the work required of them. The job is comparable to that of a detective: investigating cases and deciding whether or not they're covered under the claimant's policy.
Change is constant
"You've got to have a willingness to learn... a desire to learn," stresses Derrick Alcock, a claims representative with the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) at State Farm. "You've got to be adaptable to change." While a specific degree or diploma isn't necessary to get into the field, if you don't stay competitive, and therefore marketable, you're going to fall behind. Alcock's resume is astounding: over 40 courses and seminars completed, as well as multiple memberships to different insurance adjusters associations. Willingness to learn indeed.
Alcock specifically mentions the Chartered Insurance Professionals (CIP) and Fellow Chartered Insurance Professionals (FCIP) programs, which are offered through theInsurance Institute of Canada. According to the Institute's website, CIP and FCIP are the industry's standard of excellence and professionalism. Their mission statement says it all: "The CIP Society's mission is to foster and promote the education, experience and ethics of our members."
As to how Alcock came to work in the SIU at State Farm, he credits his strong interpersonal communication skills, and his analytical, detailed way of looking at things. After graduating with a B.A in Administrative and Commercial Studies from theUniversity of Western Ontario, he noticed a job advertisement for a claims adjusting position with State Farm. "I honestly didn't know what a claims adjuster was," he readily admits.
After a year and a half as an auto claim representative, Alcock realized his ability to recognize questionable claims. When a position in the SIU opened, he jumped on it. Currently, he works primarily in both auto and fire related investigations, handling everything from staged accidents to suspicious thefts and fires.
Separating fact from fiction
Alcock states an example in which a woman reported a vehicle stolen from the Windsor area. After providing the date and time the vehicle went missing, he worked with customs officials to determine that the vehicle had crossed into Detroit three days before it had been reported stolen. Added to that, a lock expert was consulted and determined that the car could not have been moved without the keys."We took her in for a statement... she quickly walked away from the claim."
Samantha Leclair, a claims representative in the Casualty and Litigation Unit with The Economical Insurance Group, seconds the sentiment that the industry is in a state of constant change. "There are always new things to learn," she explains. "As case law is continuously evolving, and legislation and rules of civil procedure change from time to time, being able to adapt is very important." Because she liaises with medical and legal professionals, law enforcement agencies and customers in her day- to-day work, she stresses the importance of good communication skills. Speaking with people who have been in the field for 30 years, she says, they always say they're in a state of constant learning.
As a casualty and litigation adjuster, Leclair investigates, negotiates and settles potential claims for negligence against policy holders for which they may be liable in civil law. She will occasionally request assistance from the SIU department for the investigation portion of the claim handling. "The results of their investigations give us the ability to make the correct coverage determination, thereby reducing the cost of insurance for all policy holders."
In an age where seemingly everything we own needs to be insured, from the obvious cars and homes, to electronics and jewelry, it's reassuring to know that those working to protect our property stay up to date, ensuring we get what's owed to us after a claim is opened. They keep with the times, and are constantly evolving. It might just be the perfect career for you would-be Sherlock's out there.
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