SOUTH AFRICA · SALARY IN RANDS

Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators

What the work involves, the skills employers want, and how to get started in South Africa.

  • Claims Adjuster
  • Claims Analyst
  • Claims Examiner
  • Claims Representative
  • Claims Specialist
  • Corporate Claims Examiner
  • Field Claims Adjuster
  • General Adjuster

What do Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators do?

Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators play a crucial role in the insurance industry by assessing and evaluating claims made by policyholders. They are responsible for determining the validity of claims and the amount of compensation to be awarded. This role involves a combination of investigating claims, interviewing relevant parties, collecting evidence, and reviewing policies to ensure that claims are handled fairly and according to the terms of the insurance policy.

Claims Adjusters typically work for insurance companies, where they investigate insurance claims, evaluate the damage, and determine the payment amount. They gather information by talking to claimants, witnesses, and experts, as well as reviewing documents and reports. Their goal is to arrive at a settlement that aligns with the company’s policies and guidelines.

Claims Examiners, on the other hand, are often responsible for reviewing the decisions made by claims adjusters. They analyze claims, examine the evidence presented, and ensure that claims are processed correctly and in compliance with legal and company regulations. Examiners may also suggest changes or improvements in processes for efficiency and compliance.

Investigators, sometimes referred to as claims investigators, delve deeper into dubious or complex claims. They might conduct background checks, surveillance, or take legal action when fraud is suspected. Their primary objective is to uncover fraudulent activities and protect the insurance company's interests while maintaining ethical standards.

Overall, the careers of Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators require a balance of analytical skills, communication abilities, and a strong understanding of insurance principles and laws. They contribute significantly to the integrity of the insurance system by ensuring that claims are settled fairly and accurately.

What the work actually is

  • Examine claims forms and other records to determine insurance coverage.
  • Analyze information gathered by investigation and report findings and recommendations.
  • Pay and process claims within designated authority level.
  • Investigate, evaluate, and settle claims, applying technical knowledge and human relations skills to effect fair and prompt disposal of cases and to contribute to a reduced loss ratio.
  • Verify and analyze data used in settling claims to ensure that claims are valid and that settlements are made according to company practices and procedures.

Skills employers expect

Skills

  • Reading Comprehension Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  • Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
  • Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Judgment and Decision Making Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Abilities

  • Written Comprehension The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  • Oral Comprehension The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Oral Expression The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • Deductive Reasoning The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Inductive Reasoning The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Knowledge

  • Customer and Personal Service Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
  • English Language Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Administrative Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
  • Mathematics Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
  • Computers and Electronics Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

🚀 Find Your Dream Job with JobCopilot

AI-powered job search that matches you with opportunities tailored to your skills and career goals.

Start Job Search

How people get into it

Education of new hires

Bachelor's degree
High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
Some college, no degree

A normal week

  • Working with Computers
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization
  • Getting Information
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Tools used on the job

Technology

  • Data base user interface and query software Claims processing administration and management software · Microsoft Access · Tropics Claims Reserve Management · Xactware Xactimate
  • Video conferencing software Zoom
  • Document management software Datanex ClaimTrac · Document management system software · Hyland OnBase Enterprise Content Management · InSystems Calligo Document Management System
  • Expert system software Axonwave Fraud and Abuse Management System · Bill review software · LexisNexis RiskWise · StrataCare StrataWare eReview
  • Computer aided design CAD software 4n6xprt Systems StiffCalcs · ARSoftware WinSMAC · PhotoModeler · Visual Statement Investigator Suite

Tools

  • Portable data input terminals Data collectors · Field computers · Handheld computers
  • Automotive computer systems Event data recorders
  • Theodolites Total stations
  • Personal digital assistant PDAs or organizers Personal digital assistants PDA
  • Measuring wheels for distance Measure markers

Who it suits

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

✨ JobCopilot - Smart Job Matching

Find jobs that match your skills with AI-powered search

Search Jobs Now

Does this career fit you?

A free assessment matches your answers to careers, and shows the salary that goes with each one.

Start free

Questions people ask

How much do Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators earn in South Africa?

Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators salaries in South Africa vary by experience, province and employer.

What do Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators do?

Examine claims forms and other records to determine insurance coverage, Analyze information gathered by investigation and report findings and recommendations and Pay and process claims within designated authority level.

How do I know if this career fits me?

Take the free Assessify career assessment. It matches your answers to careers and shows the South African salary next to each one.