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Is Specialty Insurers A Good Career Path? (20 Jobs In Specialty Insurers: Best-Paying + Entry-Level)

By Di Doherty
Jun. 13, 2022
Last Modified and Fact Checked on:

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Is a Career in Specialty Insurance Right for You? (20 Jobs in Specialty Insurance: Best-Paying + Entry-Level)

Yes, a career in specialty insurance is a promising path. The insurance sector is a vast and profitable industry that necessitates sophisticated calculations and expertise to thrive. With the increasing complexity of risks and regulations, there are numerous career opportunities available in specialty insurance.

While many insurance roles are office-based, offering stability and comfort, there are dynamic positions, such as insurance investigators and appraisers, that require fieldwork to assess claims. Additionally, sales roles like insurance brokers and insurance agents provide ample opportunities for interpersonal engagement.

Moreover, the insurance industry generally offers significant upward mobility, allowing professionals to advance their careers and increase their earnings potential.

Here are 20 notable jobs in specialty insurance:

  1. Loss Control Consultant Jobs (Overview)

  2. Risk Assessment Analyst Jobs (Overview)

  3. Insurance Attorney Jobs (Overview)

  4. Liability Analyst Jobs (Overview)

  5. Insurance Investigator Jobs (Overview)

  6. Insurance Sales Representative Jobs (Overview)

  7. Insurance Appraiser Jobs (Overview)

  8. Insurance Broker Jobs (Overview)

  9. Billing and Insurance Coordinator Jobs (Overview)

  10. Liability Claims Manager Jobs (Overview)

  11. Marine Underwriter Jobs (Overview)

  12. Liability Claims Representative Jobs (Overview)

  13. Medical Coder Jobs (Overview)

  14. Insurance Verification Representative Jobs (Overview)

  15. Insurance Underwriter Jobs (Overview)

  16. Insurance Clerk Jobs (Overview)

  17. Appraiser Jobs (Overview)

  18. Insurance Claims Processor Jobs (Overview)

  19. Insurance Specialist Jobs (Overview)

  20. Insurance Agent Jobs (Overview)

10 of the Best Paying Jobs in Specialty Insurance

Specialty insurance offers a variety of job roles, ranging from sales to risk management. As in many professions, higher education and experience often lead to better compensation.

  1. Loss Control Consultant

    Average Annual Salary: $73,000

    Loss control consultants identify and mitigate potential risks within organizations. Their expertise is vital in various industries, requiring prior experience in the relevant field.

    Find Loss Control Consultant jobs near me

  2. Risk Assessment Analyst

    Average Annual Salary: $78,000

    These analysts evaluate the risks associated with business decisions, focusing on operational risks that directly impact insurance rates and coverage decisions.

    Find Risk Assessment Analyst jobs near me

  3. Insurance Attorney

    Average Annual Salary: $75,000

    Insurance attorneys navigate the complexities of insurance law, representing either insurance companies or policyholders in disputes and ensuring compliance with regulations.

    Find Insurance Attorney jobs near me

  4. Liability Analyst

    Average Annual Salary: $81,000

    Liability analysts assess a company’s risks, evaluating vulnerabilities and advising on practices to mitigate potential legal and financial issues.

    Find Liability Analyst jobs near me

  5. Insurance Investigator

    Average Annual Salary: $43,000

    These professionals combat insurance fraud by investigating claims and ensuring their validity, requiring a keen eye for detail and investigative skills.

    Find Insurance Investigator jobs near me

  6. Insurance Sales Representative

    Average Annual Salary: $75,000

    Sales representatives engage with clients, tailoring insurance solutions to meet their needs, requiring strong communication and interpersonal skills.

    Find Insurance Sales Representative jobs near me

  7. Insurance Appraiser

    Average Annual Salary: $46,000

    Appraisers evaluate claims to determine damage and ensure they are valid, requiring attention to detail and knowledge of insurance policies.

    Find Insurance Appraiser jobs near me

  8. Insurance Broker

    Average Annual Salary: $97,000

    Brokers represent clients in selecting the best insurance policies, requiring extensive knowledge of the market and strong negotiation skills.

    Find Insurance Broker jobs near me

  9. Billing and Insurance Coordinator

    Average Annual Salary: $50,000

    This role focuses on managing billing and insurance tasks, particularly within medical settings, requiring strict adherence to regulations and confidentiality.

    Find Billing and Insurance Coordinator jobs near me

  10. Liability Claims Manager

    Average Annual Salary: $61,000

    As a managerial position, liability claims managers oversee claims processing and guide their teams to ensure efficient operations.

    Find Liability Claims Manager jobs near me

For most of the above positions, prior experience in insurance or a related sector is often necessary. If you’re seeking entry into the industry, consider the following list of roles.

10 Entry-Level Jobs in Specialty Insurance

Many entry-level positions in the insurance field require education beyond high school, often a bachelor’s degree, though some roles may accept an associate degree.

  1. Marine Underwriter

    Average Annual Salary: $54,000

    Marine underwriters assess risk related to maritime insurance, requiring knowledge of maritime laws and related operational risks.

    Find Marine Underwriter jobs near me

  2. Liability Claims Representative

    Average Annual Salary: $50,000

    This role requires strong customer service skills, as representatives assist clients in filing claims and navigating the claims process.

    Find Liability Claims Representative jobs near me

  3. Medical Coder

    Average Annual Salary: $44,000

    Medical coders convert healthcare services into standardized codes for billing purposes, making their role essential in the insurance process.

    Find Medical Coder jobs near me

  4. Insurance Verification Representative

    Average Annual Salary: $31,000

    In this position, representatives ensure that clients’ procedures are covered under their policies, requiring strong communication skills.

    Find Insurance Verification Representative jobs near me

  5. Insurance Underwriter

    Average Annual Salary: $61,000

    Underwriters assess the risk posed by insurance applicants to determine policy eligibility and premium levels.

    Find Insurance Underwriter jobs near me

  6. Insurance Clerk

    Average Annual Salary: $33,000

    Clerks manage policy records, ensuring accuracy in applications and modifications, which is crucial for timely claims processing.

    Find Insurance Clerk jobs near me

  7. Appraiser

    Average Annual Salary: $55,000

    Appraisers evaluate the worth of items for insurance purposes, requiring specialized knowledge of the items being appraised.

    Find Appraiser jobs near me

  8. Insurance Claims Processor

    Average Annual Salary: $37,000

    This role involves processing and verifying claims, requiring interaction with clients and internal stakeholders for accurate documentation.

    Find Insurance Claims Processor jobs near me

  9. Insurance Specialist

    Average Annual Salary: $39,000

    Insurance specialists act as intermediaries between clients and insurance companies, assisting in understanding policies and compliance.

    Find Insurance Specialist jobs near me

  10. Insurance Agent

    Average Annual Salary: $46,000

    Agents sell insurance policies and help clients choose appropriate coverage, requiring sales skills and knowledge of various insurance products.

    Find Insurance Agent jobs near me

Why Choose a Career in Specialty Insurance?

Specialty insurance is a crucial component of the economy, as it provides coverage for unique risks that standard policies may not address. Here are some traits to consider if you are contemplating a career in this field:

  • You are detail-oriented. The insurance industry is heavily regulated, requiring adherence to numerous rules and policies, which can be complex.
  • You are organized and precise. Given the legal nature of insurance policies, maintaining accurate records is essential.
  • You enjoy working with data and numbers. Many roles involve calculations related to risk assessment and policy costs.
  • You excel in customer service. Many positions require interaction with clients, often in challenging situations, necessitating professionalism and empathy.

While specific roles may vary, if you resonate with these traits, a career in specialty insurance could be a rewarding choice.

Education and Certification Requirements for a Career in Specialty Insurance

Most careers in specialty insurance require a college degree, with some exceptions offering on-the-job training. Below are recommended fields of study:

  • Insurance. A focused major that covers essential aspects of the insurance industry.
  • Mathematics. A strong choice for those pursuing roles in underwriting or analysis.
  • Statistics. Beneficial for careers involving data analysis and risk assessment.
  • Accounting. Many positions in insurance require financial acumen.
  • Finance. A relevant field due to the financial nature of the insurance sector.
  • Marine Transportation. Ideal for those interested in marine underwriting or specialized insurance roles.

While specific majors can be advantageous, many entry-level roles do not mandate a particular degree, and diverse educational backgrounds can still lead to a successful career in specialty insurance.

Some positions require specific licenses, including:

  • Insurance brokers must be licensed.
  • Insurance agents are required to have licenses.
  • Insurance investigators may need private investigator licenses, depending on state regulations.
  • Insurance attorneys must pass the bar exam and be licensed to practice law.
  • Appraisers need to be state-certified or licensed, depending on their specialty.

Additional certifications that can enhance your qualifications include:

  • Certified Insurance Counselors.
  • Certified Risk Managers.
  • Management Liability Insurance Specialists.

Choosing certifications that align with your focus within specialty insurance can further bolster your career prospects.

What Do Professionals in Specialty Insurance Do?

Professionals in specialty insurance provide coverage for individuals and businesses with unique or high-risk insurance needs. This includes businesses like skydiving schools or professions requiring liability coverage, such as medical practitioners and lawyers. Specialty insurance also encompasses liability for specific industries and unique items like antiques or high-value collectibles.

In essence, specialty insurance mitigates risks by diversifying coverage across various high-risk entities. By insuring multiple high-risk businesses, insurance companies can balance premiums against potential payouts, protecting both the insurer and the insured from catastrophic financial losses.

In summary, if you’re considering a career in specialty insurance, it offers a variety of rewarding opportunities for individuals with the right skills and attributes. With the industry continuing to evolve, now is an excellent time to explore this dynamic field.

Never miss an opportunity that’s right for you.

Author

Di Doherty

Di has been a writer for more than half her life. Most of her writing so far has been fiction, and she’s gotten short stories published in online magazines Kzine and Silver Blade, as well as a flash fiction piece in the Bookends review. Di graduated from Mary Baldwin College (now University) with a degree in Psychology and Sociology.

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