Insurance Surveyor

Insurance surveyors, also known as risk surveyors and risk analysts, conduct surveys on buildings, sites, machinery or transportation items, which require insurance. They produce written reports, which are passed to insurance underwriters, and the information produced will determine the terms and conditions of insurance policies.

Insurance surveyors usually specialise in fire and perils, accidents and liability, engineering or burglary and theft. In their work, they will also advise clients on ways to reduce health and safety hazards and environmental and security risks.

Surveyors usually work normal office hours, Monday to Friday. They may sometimes have to work outside these hours if the job demands it. Surveyors may be based in an office or work from home, but spend much of their time visiting sites they are surveying.

Salaries may range from around £22,000 a year for trainee surveyors to £100,000 for senior specialist surveyors.

An insurance surveyor should:

• be very thorough, observant and attentive to detail
• have a methodical, investigative approach
• communicate well with a wide range of people, both verbally and in writing
• be capable of understanding technical details and plans
• have an interest in commercial work.

Insurance surveyors are employed throughout the UK. They work for insurance companies, insurance brokers, specialist insurance surveying firms, risk management consultancies and specialist engineering insurance companies.

It is usual to have had a few years' experience in insurance, often in underwriting, before training as an insurance surveyor. People enter insurance with qualifications that range from GCSEs to a degree. Some enter through an Apprenticeship in retail financial services. The Diploma in business, administration and finance may be relevant for this work.

Engineering insurance surveyors need relevant engineering qualifications, often at degree level. Some begin on Apprenticeship training in engineering and work their way up to surveying.

Most training is done on the job, first by accompanying experienced surveyors, and then by conducting surveys alone. Surveyors can study for a range of professional qualifications.

Insurance surveyors can go on to specialise in one type of risk. They may be promoted to senior surveyor or head of department. Moving between employers is usual for progression. Experienced surveyors might be able to become a partner in an insurance surveying firm or set up their own consultancy.

Further details