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Primary Job Function Descriptions

The following are common insurance job descriptions. In practice, they may differ based on company or level of experience of the employee.

Top Executive: Highest position, responsible for day-to-day operations. Oversees all aspects of the company, coordinates all departments. Reports to the Board of Directors. May be called CEO, General Manager, Secretary/Treasurer.

Office Manager: Processes policy endorsements. Manages agents, office billings, commission statements, and receptionist.

Office Assistant/Secretary: Performs various duties to support general manager, may include data entry, policy processing, bookkeeping, claims, etc., as needed.

Senior Accountant: Oversees and manages the cash flow of the company by maintaining and monitoring the financial resources as required. Performs functions to analyze and maintain general accounting records. Prepares and balances statements and journal entries, and works with more complex financial transactions.

Accountant: Applies principles of accounting and statistical analysis to maintain the company's general accounting records and systems. Compiles and prepares data for journal entries and financial statements. Analyzes information for statements and reports and assists with preparation.

Supervisor, Billings and Collection: Supervises daily activities of the billing and collections associates to ensure smooth workflow and efficient processing of billing and collections activities. Works with customers to resolve difficult problems.

Senior Programmer/Analyst: Analyzes, designs, and maintains computer mainframe programs, applications and procedure automation to be utilized for report generation, access, inquiry, and update by system users. Performs all phases of applications systems analyses and design. Knowledgeable of at least one computer programming language.

Programmer/Analyst: Performs functions to maintain PC hardware and design, code and debug programs for less complex software applications. Helps provide solutions in making technical logic meet the needs of the users. Knowledgeable of at least one computer programming language.

Systems Programmer: Performs analytical, technical and administrative functions to maintain system quality and ensure continuous operation. Prepares, tests, codes, and debugs system programs. Analyzes and develops program flow and logic. Prepares documentation, updates and modifies specifications. Knowledgeable of basic computer logic and specifications and parameters for storing data.

Network Administrator/Manager: Manages and controls the flow of new technology into the workplace that deals with multiple computer platforms, networks, and operating systems. Installs, upgrades, and configures PC applications on the file servers for office automation. Ensures that security procedures are implemented and enforced. Troubleshoots network to isolate, diagnose, and resolve network problems. Trains users on network use and procedures and prepares related documentation.

Casualty Actuary, Entry-Level: Is enrolled in a casualty actuarial program and has completed 0-2 exams. Has the responsibility for establishing and controlling actuarial rates, rating structures, and systems. Will analyze and recommend needed loss and expense reserve levels. Will review existing rates and revisions needed.

Actuary: Duties are those performed at the top non-supervisory actuary level. Exclude those where supervision or management is the primary responsibility.

Outside Adjuster, Entry-Level: The entry-level position (0-2 years experience) which may include the trainee level.

Outside Adjuster, Intermediate: Investigates all lines of claims including personal, commercial, property and/or casualty as assigned by supervisor, but excludes positions having responsibility for a single specialist line such as Ocean Marine or Surety. Obtains medical reports, appraisals, statements from witnesses, etc. Estimates property value. Settles claims within prescribed limits. Significant portion of duties is performed outside the office. Has 2-5 years experience.

Outside Adjuster, Senior: Duties are those performed at the top non-supervisory level. Has 5+ years experience.

Inside Adjuster, Entry-Level: The entry-level position (0-2 years experience) which may include the trainee level.

Inside Adjuster, Intermediate: Investigates claims through correspondence or telephone, as assigned by supervisor. Obtains appraisals and other needed information from insureds, claimants, witnesses, and other interested parties by telephone and correspondence. Interviews those insureds, claimants, witnesses, and other interested parties who appear in person. Advises insured as to proper course of action. Analyzes information obtained in order to evaluate claims; determines coverages; extent of loss or liability; settles claims within prescribed limits. Ensures that drafts are issued as claim payments and that liability releases for adjusted claims are obtained. Duties do not include supervisory responsibilities. Has 2-5 years experience.

Inside Adjuster, Senior: Duties are those performed at the top non-supervisory level. Has 5+ years experience.

Claims Supervisor: Responsible for the supervision of a unit of claims adjusters, both inside and/or outside, involved in either specialized lines or all lines. Responsible for the investigation and settlement of all claims assigned to unit. Responsible for the selection and training of unit personnel and the initiation of personnel actions such as salary adjustments, performance ratings, promotions, etc. Advises adjusters on involved cases and extends settlement authority to adjusters as necessary after reviewing case files. May establish reserves and make recommendations to superior on cases exceeding personal authority.

Claims Manager: Directs and coordinates administrative and technical functions of the claims operation. Recommends workloads and standards, conducts training sessions, determines settlement authority for claims personnel.

Claims Representative: Investigates and resolves property liability and/or physical damage claims, including personal injury claims, workers' compensation and medical payments. Done either by telephone or field investigation, negotiation.

Claims Examiner, Intermediate: Manages the settlement of complex, high-value claim files. Gives technical direction to adjusters on the file (either salaried or independent) but does not administratively supervise adjusters. Does supervise files (not employees). Has greater settlement authority than an adjuster. Extends settlement authority to adjuster. May establish reserves. May, or may not, review closed claims files. May encompass more than one level of claims examiner in some companies.

Claims Examiner, Senior: Duties are those at the top non-supervisory level, where the most senior files are generally assigned.

Loss Control Representative, Entry-Level: On-site inspection of the risk, evaluations of all insured buildings, reports to the insured all hazards found providing written reports with recommendations to upgrade the property to prevent losses and/or personal injuries. Follows up to confirm hazards have been corrected.

Loss Control Representative, Intermediate: Receives work assignments from supervisor, conducts surveys, investigates risk exposures/accidents, analyzes risk experience and make recommendations and follows through to assist insureds in maintaining their loss control programs. Position involves both property and casualty exposures, excluding Boiler and Machinery. May encompass more than one level of loss control representative.

Loss Control Representative, Senior: Duties are those at the top non-supervisory level.

Loss Control Representative Supervisor: Responsible for all inspection reports prepared in unit and scheduling all inspection assignments. Coordinates unit's activities with underwriting and other functions. Responsible for the selection and training of unit personnel and the initiation of personnel actions such as salary adjustments, performance ratings, promotions, etc.

Loss Control Manager: Exercises independent judgment and initiative, makes recommendations that may influence company operations. Position has one or more Loss Control Supervisors reporting to it, and may, in large offices, have an Assistant Manager or Administrative Assistant.

Marketing Representative, Entry-Level: Carries out general functions of marketing department; may assist marketing manager with advertising, product development, etc.

Marketing Representative: Assists marketing manager and completes marketing functions as assigned.

Marketing Manager: Develops and implements marketing strategies. Responsible for the entire marketing function and for the management of all marketing personnel in an office. All marketing personnel report to this position.

Field Representative: This position could be a combination of a Marketing Representative, Claims Supervisor, Collection Agent, and Underwriting Supervisor.

Product Development/Research Specialists: Propose, design, manage and complete research projects concerning company products, markets or operations and coordinate the product evaluation process.

Commercial Lines Rater, Entry-Level: The entry-level position that may include the trainee level.

Commercial Lines Rater, Intermediate: Classifies, rates, and determines new business endorsements and renewal premium for casualty and/or property accounts. Uses such manuals, rating plans, schedules, equipment, and information as necessary to determine premium for a given casualty or property risk. May perform training, analysis, and master record coding as required to establish, update, or cancel policy records. May perform billing breakdowns and analysis of premium activity. May work directly with one or more commercial lines underwriters on specific accounts. May work with automated rating systems.

Commercial Lines Rater, Senior: Duties are those performed at the top non-supervisory level. May work with automated rating systems.

Customer Service Representative: Answers written, telephone, or face-to-face inquiries regarding coverage, rating, billing procedures. Updates rating information and verifies accuracy of policy information. May solicit expiration dates and increased or additional coverage. If position includes sales functions, appropriate agent's license(s) would be required. Reports to Senior Customer Service Representative.

Customer Service Representative, Senior: Duties are those at the top non-supervisory level. Answers written, telephone, or face-to-face inquiries regarding coverage, rating, billing procedures. Works with a greater degree of independence than a Customer Service Representative, and may handle situations involving a moderate level of difficulty. Updates rating information and verifies accuracy of policy information. May solicit expiration dates and increased or additional coverage. If position includes sales functions, appropriate agent's license(s) would be required.

Underwriting Assistant: Provides underwriting assistance and general clerical administration for applicable line of business underwriter(s).

Personal Lines Underwriter, Trainee: This is an entry-level position.

Personal Lines Underwriter, Intermediate: Accepts, declines, or modifies offerings of personal lines submitted by producers, including fire and extended coverage, liability, burglary, plate glass, inland marine and/or automobile. Evaluates risks according to location, physical and moral hazards, underwriting precedent, and experience. Checks information received concerning risks: inspection reports, credit reports, producer's advices, etc. Recommends risk improvements if indicated. Reviews and takes appropriate action on binders and delinquent reports; also maintains correspondence suspense file. May examine loss experience of producers in territory and take appropriate action. Reviews all correspondence, daily reports, endorsements, inspection and credit reports, and publications pertaining to responsibility. Serves as consultant to production, rating, and claims adjusting personnel as required. Submits complex and unusual risks and risks exceeding personal underwriting authority to senior underwriter or supervisor for approval. May encompass more than one level of personal lines underwriter in some companies.

Personal Lines Underwriter, Senior: Duties are those performed at the top non-supervisory level.

Personal Lines Underwriter Supervisor: Responsible for the supervision of a personal lines underwriting unit involved in the underwriting of single or multiple lines of business. Oversees the acceptance, declination, and rating of risks. Unit normally would not exceed more than ten subordinate underwriters in addition to supporting clerical personnel. Is responsible for the selection and training of unit personnel. Is responsible for initiating personnel actions concerning unit personnel such as salary adjustments, performance ratings, promotions, etc. Is responsible for the coordination of unit's activities with other departments and groups.

Personal Lines Underwriter Manager: Responsible for all Personal Lines underwriting functions in the field office and for coordination of Personal Lines underwriting with other departments. Position has one or more Personal Lines Underwriting Supervisors reporting to it, and may, in large offices, have an Assistant Manager or Administrative Assistant. Personal Lines Underwriting Manager advises subordinates on complicated risks and makes underwriting decisions on risks exceeding their authority.

Commercial Lines Underwriter, Entry-Level: The entry-level position that may include the trainee level.

Commercial Lines Underwriter, Intermediate: Accepts, declines, or modifies offerings of commercial lines submitted by producers, including fire and extended coverage public liability, workers' compensation, burglary, plate glass, inland marine, automobile, and auto fleets. Evaluates risks according to susceptibility of damageability in light of nature and location of property and operations, physical and moral hazards involved, and underwriting precedent and experience. Checks information received concerning risks: inspection reports, credit reports, producer's advices, etc. On some classes, selects policy to fit situation and determines premium rate to be charged. Recommends risk improvements if indicated. Reviews and takes appropriate action on binders and delinquents reports; also maintains correspondence suspense file. Places treaty and facultative reinsurance where appropriate. May examine loss experience of producers in territory and take appropriate action where necessary. Reviews all correspondence, daily reports, endorsements, inspection and credit reports, and publications pertaining to responsibility. Serves as consultant to production, rating and claims adjusting personnel as required. Submits more complex and unusual risks and risks exceeding personal underwriting authority to senior underwriter or supervisor for approval. May encompass more that one level of commercial lines underwriter in some companies.

Commercial Lines Underwriter, Senior: Duties are those performed at the top non-supervisory level.

Commercial Lines Underwriter Supervisor: Responsible for the supervision of a commercial lines underwriting unit involved in the underwriting of single or multiple lines of business. Oversees the acceptance, declination, and rating of risks. Unit normally would not exceed more than ten subordinate underwriters in addition to supporting clerical personnel. Is responsible for the selection and training of unit personnel. Is responsible for initiating personnel actions concerning unit personnel such as salary adjustments, performance ratings, promotions, etc. May assist field representatives in the acquisition and retention of large accounts.

Commercial Lines Underwriter Manager: Responsible for all Commercial Lines underwriting functions in the field office and for coordination of Commercial Lines underwriting with other departments. Position has one or more Commercial Lines Underwriting Supervisors reporting to it, and may, in large offices, have an Assistant Manager or Administrative Assistant. Commercial Lines Underwriting Manager advises subordinates on complicated risks and makes underwriting decisions on risks exceeding their authority.

Multiple Lines Underwriter, Trainee: Evaluates and classifies new business applications, reviews renewal accounts and endorsement requests, determines compliance with current guidelines, accepts/rejects applications based on company guidelines, screens applications for completeness, obtains missing information. Provides agents with information and materials.

Multiple Lines Underwriter, Intermediate: Evaluates and classifies new and renewal business applications. Assists in new product development pricing, performs inspections and claim reviews, maintains assigned loss ratio. Communicates internally and externally.

Multiple Lines Underwriter, Senior: Prepares plans, develops budget, evaluates staffing needs, interviews and hires underwriting staff, monitors staff performance, development, and training. Sets operational priorities, monitors market conditions. Manages underwriting and loss prevention functions.