Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement:
High school graduation is considered adequate preparation for most insurance processing clerk positions. Employers view favorably previous office experience and familiarity with computers. Most new workers begin as file clerks and move into insurance processing positions as they demonstrate their ability. However, persons with considerable clerical experience may begin processing insurance policies immediately. Some experienced insurance policy processing clerks may be promoted to a clerical supervisor position. Advancement to a claim representative or an underwriting technician position is possible for clerks who demonstrate potential, have had college training, or have taken specialized courses in insurance. Many companies offer home-study courses that allow their employees to gain the necessary knowledge to advance.

Job Outlook:
Employment of these clerks is expected to grow faster than the average as computerization increases their importance in providing customer service to the increasing number of policyholders. It is estimated that there will be approximately 583,000 insurance policy processing clerks by 2005. This industry, particularly the health insurance component, is less sensitive to cyclical swings in the economy than most industries.

Sources of Additional Information:

General information about careers as a claim representative or an insurance processing clerk is available from the home offices of many life and property and liability insurance companies.

Information about career opportunities in these occupations may be obtained from: