Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
•   Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
•   Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Working Life

The Loss Adjuster is appointed by the insurer to deal with an insurance claim on their behalf.

The Loss Adjuster investigates claims by interviewing the claimant and witnesses, consulting police and hospital records and inspecting property damage to the extent of the company’s liability.

They advise both the insurance company, and the policy-holder, on repair and replacement techniques. 

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Prepare insurance claim forms or related documents, and review them for completeness.
• Calculate amount of claim.
• Post or attach information to claim file.
• Transmit claims for payment or further investigation.
• Contact insured or other involved persons to obtain missing information.
• Review insurance policy to determine coverage.
• Process and record new insurance policies and claims.
• Organise or work with detailed office or warehouse records, using computers to enter, access, search or retrieve data.
• Provide customer service, such as limited instructions on proceeding with claims or referrals to auto repair facilities or local contractors.
• Correspond with insured or agent to obtain information or to inform them of account status or changes.

Further Information

• Insurance Loss Adjuster- from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Entrants commence in this role as Trainee Loss Adjuster and can progress to Senior Loss Adjuster.

To register as a student member of the Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters (CILA), you will need to have a professional qualification in a relevant subject. Examples are insurance, accountancy, law, engineering or surveying. You'll also need to have two years' experience with a firm of chartered loss adjusters before being eligible to sit the Institute's examinations.  
 
The majority of entrants have professional qualifications and relevant work experience, although some do enter directly from school or college with Leaving Certificate (or equivalent) or a degree. To enter without a relevant qualification you would generally begin work with a company of loss adjusters and study for the qualifications of the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). Students who pass the CII's examinations may go on to study for the CILA's qualifications, as part of Inst of Insurance Ireland.  
 
Training is usually provided on-the-job. Those with professional qualifications take three to four years to study for CILA's examinations. Those with the Leaving Certificate or degrees take six or seven years to qualify. Subjects include principles and practice of insurance in connection to loss adjusting, property claims, accident and liability claims and commercial claims.  

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: business admin, customer service, management.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: business banking and insurance, financial services and insurance, e-business and insurance, accounting, insurance.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Insurance, Accounting, Finance, Sales Apprenticeships.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: business, international commerce, economics, math, statistics, accounts, finance.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: sales, business, accounts, management, math, statistics, financial advice, data and insurance, risk management and insurance.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

The regulation of Private Investigators came into effect from the 1st November 2015. Contractors providing any of the following services are now required to have a licence:

People who provide services as debt collectors, tracing agents, summons servers, loss assessors /adjusters, security consultants or other occupations where part of their activities fall within the new legal definition of private investigation.

PSA Private investigators reg details.

International Financial Services Skillnet Network 

Financial Services Union

The 30% club: Growth Through Diversity 

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €38k - €90k

Salaries vary by employer, location, duties, role, experience, and sessional shift pattern & conditions.

Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Morgan McKinley/ CPL/ Sigmar/ Lincoln/ Abrivia/ Osborne

Last Updated: March, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Brokers; Insurance underwriters; Finance and investment analysts; Finance and investment advisers.  

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment levels have grown annually since 2018, with particularly strong growth between 2021 and 2022 of an additional 5,500 persons. Almost all employment is concentrated in the financial activities sector. The share of non-Irish citizens employed, at 23%, was above the national average of 19% and was the highest share across the business/financial occupations.

The CSO Census data for 2022 shows that finance and investment analysts/advisers account for the largest share of employment in this group at over 70%, with insurance underwriters and brokers making up the remainder. Employment permits issued primarily related to various financial analyst roles in the financial sector. Although employment grew strongly in 2022, a 20% fall in online job adverts (particularly for finance/investment analysts) would signal that this growth rate may slow.

• Insurance Institute of Ireland

  • Insurance Centre, 5 Harbourmaster Place, IFSC, Dublin 1, D01 E7E8
  • (01) 645 6600
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Insurance Ireland

  • Insurance Centre, 5 Harbourmaster Place, IFSC, Dublin 1, D01 E7E8
  • (01) 676 1820
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters

  • Warwick House, 65/66 Queen Street, London EC4R 1EB, UK
  • +44 (0)20 3861 5720
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here