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Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks

Typical education: High school diplomaLower pressure

What they do

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.

Kinds of work

  • Conventional: Organizing information, following clear procedures and working with data and details.
  • Enterprising: Leading, persuading, selling and starting new projects or businesses.

Lower pressure: How much pressure workers in this job report: deadlines, conflict, dealing with upset people, the cost of mistakes, responsibility for others' safety, competition and long hours. It varies a lot from one employer to the next. Source: U.S. Department of Labor worker surveys.

Pay, tasks and more

Salary

United States $49,230 Median per year · $23.67/hr Most earn $37,560–$73,590

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025.

What you might do

  • Prepare insurance claim forms or related documents, and review them for completeness.
  • Provide customer service, such as limited instructions on proceeding with claims or referrals to auto repair facilities or local contractors.
  • Transcribe data to worksheets, and enter data into computer for use in preparing documents and adjusting accounts.
  • Compare information from application to criteria for policy reinstatement, and approve reinstatement when criteria are met.
  • Interview clients and take their calls to provide customer service and obtain information on claims.
  • Correspond with insured or agent to obtain information or to inform them of account status or changes.

Job outlook

United States
2% fewer jobs by 2035, declining · about 17,500 openings a year

Openings include new jobs and jobs left by workers who retire or change careers. Projections: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Bright Outlook": U.S. Department of Labor.

Where they work

  • Insurance agencies and brokerages26.4%
  • Direct insurance (except life, health, and medical) carriers23.3%
  • Other insurance related activities13.3%
  • Direct health and medical insurance carriers11.5%
  • Management of companies and enterprises2.6%

Share of all workers in this career. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix.

Experience before this job: 1 to 2 years

Some people start through an apprenticeship: paid training on the job, often with classes. Search apprenticeships on Apprenticeship.gov (opens in a new tab) ↗

Career path

How people usually get into this career, from school to their first job and beyond.

Typical education: High school diplomaExperience before this job: 1 to 2 years

This is usually not a first job straight out of school. Most people start with a high school diploma, then spend about 1 to 2 years in a related customer-facing or office role before moving into claims and policy processing.

  1. High school diploma

    4 years

    Build strong reading, math, typing, and computer skills, since this work involves accurate forms, records, and databases.

  2. Customer Service Representative

    1-2 years

    Answering customer questions and handling account requests teaches you how insurance and billing information is organized and how to verify details with people.

  3. Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerk

    Ongoing

    You enter and check new policies, policy changes, and claim forms, making sure the information is accurate and complete.

Where it can lead

  1. Claims Adjuster

    2-4 years of experience first

    You move from processing claims to investigating them, reviewing damage or losses, and deciding how much to pay; this often requires additional training and may require a state license depending on where you work.

  2. Claims Supervisor

    3-5 years of experience first

    You oversee a team of processors, set workflow and quality standards, and handle the trickier files that need a manager's review.

What you can do now

Ideas for high school and college students.

In high school

  • Take business, computer, or keyboarding classesTyping speed and comfort with office software are everyday skills in claims and policy work.
  • Take math and English classesChecking numbers and writing clear notes or emails are central to verifying claim and policy information.
  • Get a part-time job in customer service or retailHelping people with questions and problems builds the patience and communication this career needs.
  • Volunteer in an office or with a community group that keeps recordsOrganizing sign-in sheets, forms, or donor records gives you practice with accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Join a club like DECA, FBLA, or a school business club if your school has oneThese groups build business, teamwork, and presentation skills that employers value.

In college

  • Take courses in business, insurance, or financeEven a few classes on insurance basics or business fundamentals help you understand the policies and claims you would handle.
  • Get a campus job in an office, library, or student services deskWorking with forms, records, and students builds the accuracy and customer skills that clerks use daily.
  • Pursue an internship at an insurance agency or claims officeSeeing real policy and claims work firsthand helps you decide if this path fits you and gives you a reference.
  • Build spreadsheet and data entry skillsLearning Excel or similar tools makes you a stronger candidate for records-focused roles.
  • Consider an insurance-related certificate if your school or local community college offers oneA short course in insurance basics can make your resume stand out when you apply for entry-level roles.

Tips for getting started

  • Look for entry-level customer service or office jobs at insurance companies, banks, or medical offices; the experience transfers well and often leads to internal moves.
  • Get comfortable with spreadsheets and basic data entry, since accuracy and speed with records matter a lot in this job.
  • Learn to explain forms and policy terms in plain language; being able to help people understand their paperwork is a valuable skill.

Related jobs that often lead here

Related jobs a step up

Education, experience and related careers: U.S. Department of Labor. The step-by-step path, where it can lead and what you can do now were written by AI as typical examples; many people take other ways.

College majors that lead here

Majors: U.S. Department of Education and BLS (CIP–SOC crosswalk). Earnings and debt: College Scorecard, typical across U.S. colleges.

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