Occupation · SOC 43-9041
Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks
Process new insurance policies, modifications to existing policies, and claims forms. Obtain information from policyholders to verify the accuracy and completeness of information on claims forms, applications and related documents, and company records. Update existing policies and company records to reflect changes requested by policyholders and insurance company representatives.
Median wage
$48,450
$36,900–$73,100
Projected growth
-3.7%
Declining
Annual openings
-950
per year
Employed (US)
229,070
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
88 mapped
Core skills
Reading ComprehensionTime ManagementSpeakingActive ListeningCritical ThinkingSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationService Orientation
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceAdministrativeEnglish LanguageComputers and Electronics
Technology & tools
Accounting softwareData base user interface and query softwareBilling and invoicing softwareInstant messaging softwareMedical software
Representative tasks
Prepare insurance claim forms or related documents, and review them for completeness.Calculate amount of claim.Post or attach information to claim file.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Insurance claim forms — complete and review for basic errors under direct supervisor guidance in a clerical office environment.Claim file records — post and attach supporting documents following established procedures in an entry-level processing role.Claims data — enter and retrieve information using database software under close supervision in an administrative setting.Insurance policy terms — read and identify basic coverage provisions with supervisor support in a standard office environment.Claim amounts — calculate straightforward totals using provided formulas and basic arithmetic tools in a processing unit.Completed claims — transmit to designated queues or payment departments following step-by-step workflow instructions.Missing claimant information — contact insured persons by phone or email using scripted prompts in a supervised office role.New policy records — process and log into tracking systems following a defined checklist in an administrative support role.Office filing systems — organize physical and digital claim documents according to established naming and sorting conventions.Email and messaging software — use to communicate routine claim status updates under direct instruction in an office setting.
developing
Insurance claim forms — prepare, review, and correct for completeness with minimal oversight across routine claim types.Claim payment amounts — calculate accurately using standard rate tables and billing software in a moderate-volume processing environment.Policy coverage details — review independently to determine applicability to standard submitted claims in a daily processing workflow.Claim files — update and maintain using document management software while meeting established turnaround time requirements.Insured parties and third parties — contact proactively to gather missing or clarifying information for pending claims without supervisor prompting.New insurance policies — process and record into company systems consistently and accurately across multiple policy types.Claims database — search and retrieve relevant records to support claim reviews and resolve routine discrepancies in an office environment.Time-sensitive claim batches — prioritize and manage workload using scheduling tools to meet daily processing targets.Routine claim irregularities — identify and escalate appropriately using judgment developed through on-the-job experience.Spreadsheet software — use to organize and track claim status data across an assigned portfolio of accounts.
proficient
Complex insurance claim forms — prepare and review autonomously, resolving non-routine completeness issues across diverse claim categories.High-value or disputed claim amounts — calculate with precision by applying policy terms, coverage limits, and applicable deductions independently.Insurance policy language — interpret across multiple coverage lines to make accurate and consistent coverage determinations without escalation.Multi-source claim information — synthesize from claimants, medical software, and financial records to build comprehensive claim files.Outstanding or problematic claims — transmit with detailed documentation and case notes to support downstream payment or investigation decisions.Difficult or sensitive claimants — engage with clarity, active listening, and service orientation to resolve information gaps efficiently.End-to-end policy and claim workflows — manage across the full processing lifecycle, identifying and correcting system or procedural errors.Data integrity issues in claims databases — detect through routine monitoring and correct using query software to maintain accurate records.Emerging claim patterns or recurring errors — identify through critical analysis and communicate findings to supervisors with supporting evidence.Cross-functional claim inquiries — coordinate responses between agents, adjusters, and billing teams using email and messaging tools effectively.
advanced
Claims processing standards and procedures — develop and refine for the team to improve accuracy, efficiency, and regulatory compliance.New clerks and processing staff — mentor and train on claim form preparation, policy review, and data entry best practices.Workflow bottlenecks and error trends — analyze using database and spreadsheet tools to drive systemic improvements across the processing unit.Coverage determination guidelines — establish and communicate to ensure consistent policy interpretation across all clerks in the department.Technology and software tools — evaluate and champion adoption of new document management, billing, or database systems to modernize operations.Quality control processes — design and oversee to maintain high standards of claim file completeness and data accuracy department-wide.Escalated or complex claims — provide authoritative review and final disposition guidance that resolves cases beyond the scope of peers.Interdepartmental communication protocols — standardize to ensure timely and accurate transmission of claims between processing, legal, and payment teams.Performance metrics and productivity targets — set, monitor, and report on for the claims processing team to departmental leadership.Compliance and audit requirements — lead preparation efforts by ensuring all records, processes, and documentation meet regulatory and organizational standards.
Also known as
71 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Client Process SpecialistPersonal Lines Insurance Customer Service Representative (Personal Lines Insurance CSR)Cancellation ClerkUnderwriting AssistantEnrollment RepresentativePolicy Issue ClerkPolicy Change ClerkUnderwriting ClerkRevival ClerkInsurance Authorization SpecialistAuto Liability Claims Rep (Automotive Liability Claims Representative)Claims AdjudicatorBodily Injury Claims Representative (Bodily Injury Claims Rep)Cyber Insurance Policy SpecialistPolicy-Change ClerkDocument ProcessorClaims Clerk IOpen Claims Representative (OCR)Medical Insurance SpecialistPolicy CheckerInsurance Policy Issue ClerkInsurance ProcessorClaims Service Representative (Claims Service Rep)Insurance Verification SpecialistClaims Technician (Claims Tech)Policy AnalystSpecial-Certificate DictatorClaims ClerkClaims AssociateClaims Clerk IIInsurance Examining ClerkInsurance SpecialistReinsurance ClerkReimbursement CounselorInsurance AssociateReviewerInsurance Processing ClerkInsurance AssistantCommercial Lines Underwriting AssistantAgency Service Representative (Agency Service Rep)