Everyone needs insurance. While we may not be overjoyed each time we pay our premiums, we’re thrilled when our insurance companies come through for us after we have suffered some type of loss or have gone through an episode of poor health. Insurance professionals are the backbone of the insurance system, ensuring that people have the right policies and assisting with claims when needed. If you love to dive and are looking for a related career, consider working in insurance. Here is some helpful information to help you get started.
Sales and Customer Service Representatives
Companies that provide travel insurance, equipment insurance, personal insurance, and other types of insurance for divers need qualified customer service representatives and sales personnel. In order to be considered for a position with one of these companies, you must normally be a certified diver, preferably with a minimum level of Dive Master or equivalent. In addition, a background with a focus on customer service, sales, or promotion is a major plus. If you’re thinking “Not me…I could never be in sales!” then think again. Divers call insurance companies because they need the service provided. Services basically sell themselves; all you need to do is guide prospective and current clients through a variety of processes. If you don’t like people, consider a different career; but, if you’re gregarious, this might just be a great way to start a career in diving insurance.
Insurance Adjuster
Just as cars involved in accidents need to be seen by insurance adjusters, so do boats and other items of value that end up being lost underwater at diveable depths. Often, salvage companies hire commercial divers to act as insurance adjusters; with some claims being in the millions of dollars, it is important that adjusters be well educated regarding marine equipment of various types. These professionals help to determine what can be salvaged and what cannot. They help to verify claims, since some unscrupulous individuals do scuttle vessels and sink other types of property in an effort to make a profit, thus raising rates for everyone.
Any time there is an accident at sea in which property or lives are lost, divers working as marine insurance adjusters are dispatched to the scene. While some cases, such as worker’s compensation cases, will not require that you put your diving skills to work, others will require you to head beneath the surface for a better look. Using the best in modern technology, including sonar and ROV’s, these professionals’ help to determine which claims can be substantiated. If you’re a qualified technical diver with a desire to work in commercial diving, this is a great way to put your skills to work.
Insurance professionals make great salaries and often receive excellent benefits as well. Various levels of education are available through a variety of different marine insurance institutions and diving insurance institutions. While you may find that you’ll need to travel for some jobs, and while you may need to move to a well-populated coastal area for others, the rewards are well worth the effort.