An insurance clerk maintains files and records, tracks policy renewals, compiles statistical data, and provides customer service. They may also assist with general office support tasks and do not require special training or education.
An insurance officer is responsible for maintaining files and records relating to life, health, home, business, fire, and automobile insurance. These documents typically include information about policy terms, account activity, and claims. The employee is regularly asked to assist with general office support tasks.
An insurance clerk’s responsibilities typically include tracking policy renewal dates and contacting customers who are late on their coverage payments. She routinely prepares receipts and vouchers for payments and records payments in a manual log or computer database. If changes are made to the policy or if payment terms change, it is often necessary for you to note these actions in the customer’s file. Compiling amortization schedules is a task regularly assigned to an employee of this type of business.
In some companies, the employee is regularly asked to compile statistical data for reports requested by regulatory agencies or controlling companies. They often reflect industry trends, demographics, or customers’ insurance buying habits. Reports and summaries of department-specific activities distributed for internal review are often requested from the insurance secretary.
The insurance clerk’s job often changes depending on the needs of clients and office staff. If the client’s needs are minimal, she may be asked to archive records or clean up archives. Other administrative support duties that may be assigned include answering the phone or composing mail.
If customer activity is intense, the employee focuses on meeting customer needs and answering questions. She regularly quotes rates, calculates claims, and is generally authorized to pay minor claims to customers. Other customer service duties include routinely contacting customers for information missing from their files, complaints and applications. She can also recommend sources to help resolve issues outside the scope of the insurance industry. These references may include agencies that rate or recommend insurance attorneys, automotive repair companies, or other consumer-oriented businesses.
If a customer has a problem that the insurance officer cannot resolve on their own, they may request assistance from their supervisor or a claims adjuster. These issues are usually related to increased premium rates, denials of coverage, or payments due to the customer that are not forthcoming. It may be necessary for the employee to conduct extensive research to resolve discrepancies to customer satisfaction.
The job does not require special training or formal education. Typically, a high school diploma or equivalent is required. Experience in the insurance industry is desirable. In lieu of industry experience, background work in an office environment that required computer knowledge and organizational skills is preferred.
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