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How To Become A Claims Examiner
The California insurance market is constantly in need of qualified claims people, especially in the workers' compensation area. It is not uncommon for Senior Examiners with five or more years "in the chair" to command compensation approaching $70,000.00 per year!
It can be a difficult road as it is often stressful and demanding work. So, how does one place themselves in a position to make this kind of money?
Let's take a look at the characteristics of a top-notch Senior Work Comp Claims Examiner to find out.
Alice (not her real name) began working for a major carrier as a Claims Assistant about five years ago. She knew little about workers' compensation insurance and next to nothing about a claim. What she did know and what her employer recognized at the time was that she was bright, responsible and eager to learn and do a good job.
Choosing the "right" employer also gave her the opportunity to attend company paid training both inside and outside the organization. The insurance company had proven that this investment in their people paid off many times over through retention and enhanced skills. Alice knew that she had nothing to lose and everything to gain by adding more value to her repertoire.
As Alice completed each component of her IEA classes and in-house training programs, she was given more responsibility, first as a MO Examiner, then handling a small caseload of "slip-and-falls".
Throughout her journey, a few things remained consistent. She showed up to work on time. She demonstrated professionalism and good customer service skills to both her clients and her co-workers. She asked for help when necessary and gave help when she could. As simple as this sounds, it is the common thread that paved the way to her eventual successes.
After a couple of years, Alice was placed on a full-indemnity desk with 170 files of varying complexity. She began managing the litigation teams, appearing at WCAB hearings and "banging out cases" at an above average rate.
She then hooked up with a good recruiter. One who knew her local marketplace and would keep her informed of opportunities she would be qualified for. She knew that in order to get beyond the usual four to five percent annual increases, she would have to change environments.
Loyalty was initially an issue for her until she realized that "leaving the nest" was a necessary step, just as it was when she left home for the first time.
Alice took a new job and a twenty percent increase in pay. She made new friends, took on new challenges and even shortened her commute.
So, where is Alice now? After almost three years at her new job, Alice works a senior desk. She mentors Junior Examiners. She works a complex though interesting caseload. And she makes $68,000.00 per year!
A long road, you say? If you ask Alice, she would say no. After five years, she makes more than her husband, who by the way, isn't complaining either.
Come back to this page periodically for more stories about Life In The Claims Lane. You'll read some good stories, like Alice's, and also some "horror stories", as we are all fond of telling.
May The Work Force Be With You!
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