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

Insurance Surveyors  survey a building or structure to assess its insurance risks and recommend safety precautions.

They provide insurance underwriters with reports on the improvements that could be made to reduce risk or advice as to whether insurance should be offered at all. These reports form the basis for the terms and conditions of an insurance policy.

Most insurance surveyors work for insurance companies, providing underwriters with detailed technical reports on the risks involved in a particular request for insurance cover. 
 
A surveyor's report outlines any aspects that may affect the insurance premium charged by an underwriter. A surveyor's report may also suggest ways in which risks can be minimised and unsatisfactory factors improved. This could involve installing smoke detectors and sprinkler systems in case of fire, and burglar alarms in case of theft.  
 
The insurance surveyor recommends whether insurers should accept any risk and offer insurance cover, and whether any conditions should be attached to that cover. Surveyors can specialise in different areas, for example engineering or liability.

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 Risk Surveyor- from: N.C.S. [UK]

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

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 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.

 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.

Insurance surveyors are often appointed from the ranks of experienced insurance staff that have developed an interest in this field.

It is usual to have experience in a related area, for example in insurance underwriting, engineering, architecture or science. Please contact the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) s for information on qualifications needed for entry to the Associateship examinations. The representative body for the CII in Ireland is The Insurance Institute of Ireland that also offers additional Irish law and practice focused programs alongside the Associateship. Entry to this job is also common for those with higher qualifications such as degrees.

Contractors providing any of the following services are now required to have a PSA 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.

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, office admin, supervisory 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 administration, financial services, accounting and insurance, pre-apprenticeship, banking, insurance and financial services, business with insurance, e-business studies, banking and 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, Financial Services.

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: risk management, insurance, financial, business studies administration, economics, statistics, computing, law.

Employers also recruit graduates from a wide range of academic subjects. A degree many disciplines is acceptable though risk management, insurance or subjects with insurance or financial options are preferred. Business Studies Administration, Economics, Statistics, Computing and law can provide useful background knowledge.

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: insurance, life and general, data scientists, risk management, insurance.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

If you want to progress into management it is usually necessary to pass the Associateship examination of the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII).

• Insurance Institute of Ireland
• Chartered Surveyors Ireland
• PSA Private Security Authority  Private Investigators are regulated since November 2015.

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €90k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
CPL /Morgan McKinley/ Sigmar/ Lincoln/ Clark/ Osborne/ Excel

Last Updated: July, 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

• LIA

  • LIA House, 183 Kimmage Road West, Dublin 12
  • 01 - 456 3890
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here