Insurance risk surveyors inspect buildings, vehicles and other items to be insured, identify risks and advise on risk improvement. They also prepare reports that influence insurers' decisions on risk acceptance and premiums.

ANZSCO ID: 599613
    

Alternative names: Insurance Risk Consultant; Insurance Risk Adviser

Specialisations: Insurance risk surveyors typically specialise in

• fire

• theft

• engineering insurance

• accidents

• public liability

 

Knowledge, skills and attributes     

To become an insurance risk surveyor, you would need:

• an understanding of building regulations

• commercial awareness

• an understanding of occupational health and safety regulations

• strong attention to detail

• a methodical approach to information gathering - organisational skills

• diplomacy, good communication and negotiation skills - communication skills to explain complex ideas to people from a variety of backgrounds

• a tactful but assertive manner

• excellent IT skills

• strong time management skills

• the ability to work effectively under pressure

• problem-solving skills

• teamwork as well as the ability to work independently

      
(Source: Reassured)

Duties and Tasks

As an insurance risk surveyor, you would :

• examine buildings and building systems to assess the risks to the building and/or its contents

• assess the possible risks to staff and customers to a place of business

• examining scenes of incidents resulting in insurance claims to determine causes and effects

• interviewing witnesses and claimants to obtain details required to assess the validity of claims and identify the parties responsible for accidents, damage and loss, and preparing statements and reports

• inspecting damaged buildings, equipment and motor vehicles and estimating the cost of repairs

• estimating business losses resulting from fire, theft and other business disruptions

• reporting the extent of damage and estimated costs to the insurer

• inspecting property, buildings and operations of commercial and industrial establishments to assess physical conditions and work practices

• evaluating the adequacy of security, fire and related systems

• preparing reports and recommending action to reduce risks

• compiling data which influence the determination of premium rates

• make sure that companies have introduced security, safety and occupational health procedures to minimise risk

• assist companies to identify and put in place the correct risk management plans

• write reports for insurance underwriters.

 

(Source: Target Jobs)

 

Working conditions

You would usually work standard office hours, Monday to Friday. Part-time work is often available.

You would work both in an office and at the sites you were inspecting. This may include working outdoors in all weather conditions and at heights.
You would usually work for insurance companies, insurance brokers, specialist surveying firms or government authorities.

 

Education and training/entrance requirements

Insurance risk surveyor are often insurance underwriters, or qualified surveyors or engineers, with specialised skills.

A degree is usually required for entry into the profession, though it is not absolutely essential. Qualifications in subjects such as business studies, law, management, insurance, mathematics, risk management, economics or engineering can be helpful. Previous insurance industry/underwriting experience is strongly advised. Some graduates enter risk surveying immediately after graduating and some large insurance companies run graduate schemes. It is advisable to gain professional insurance qualifications, such as those with the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), as this will aid career prospects.

It is possible for school leavers to become insurance risk surveyors by starting in an entry-level position with a risk management team, such as an admin role.

 

Employment Opportunities
  

Typical employers of insurance risk surveyors:

• General insurance or reinsurance companies

• Local authorities

• Specialist surveying firms

• Insurance risk management departments

• Life insurance or assurance companies and brokers
  

(Source: Your Career)

 

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Material sourced from
Web Archive Only - CareerHQ [Insurance Risk Surveyor; ]
Skills Gateway Queensland [Insurance Risk Surveyor; ]
Target Jobs [Insurance Risk Surveyor; ]
Your Career [Insurance Risk Surveyor; ]