Employment of claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and investigators is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations over the 2002–12 period. Opportunities will be best
for those with a college degree. Numerous job openings also will result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force.
Many insurance carriers are downsizing their claims staff in an
effort to contain costs. Larger companies are relying more on customer
service representatives in call centers to handle the recording of the
necessary details of the claim, allowing adjusters to spend more of
their time investigating claims. New technology also is reducing the
amount of time it takes for an adjuster to complete a claim, thereby
increasing the number of claims that one adjuster can handle. However,
as long as more insurance policies are being sold to accommodate a
growing population, there will be a need for adjusters, appraisers,
examiners, and investigators. Further, as the elderly population
increases, there will be a greater need for healthcare, resulting in
more claims.
Despite recent gains in productivity resulting from technological
advances, these jobs are not easily automated. Adjusters still are
needed to contact policyholders, inspect damaged property, and consult
with experts. Although the number of claims in litigation and the
number and complexity of insurance fraud cases are expected to increase
over the next decade, demand for insurance investigators is not
expected to grow significantly, because technology such as the
Internet, which reduces the amount of time it takes to perform
background checks, will allow investigators to handle more cases.
Competition for investigator jobs will remain keen because the
occupation attracts many qualified people, including retirees from law
enforcement and military careers, as well as experienced claims
adjusters and examiners who choose to get their investigator license.
As with claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators, employment of auto damage appraisers should grow about as fast as the average
for all occupations. Insurance companies and agents continue to sell
growing numbers of auto insurance policies, leading to more claims
being filed that require the attention of an auto damage appraiser. The
work of this occupation is not easily automated, because most
appraisals require an on-site inspection. However, employment growth
will be limited by industry downsizing and the implementation of new
technology that is making auto damage appraisers more efficient. In
addition, some insurance companies are opening their own repair
facilities, which may reduce the need for auto damage appraisers.
Email This Page!