Claims Handler Jobs in the UK: Career Guide, Salary, Skills & Opportunities

 Claims handler jobs are among the most in-demand roles in the UK insurance industry. Claims handlers are responsible for managing insurance claims from start to finish, ensuring customers receive fair, accurate, and timely claim settlements. With the continued growth of the UK insurance sector and increasing claim volumes, claims handler jobs offer long-term career stability and excellent progression opportunities.

Whether you are starting your career or looking to move into the insurance industry, becoming a claims handler is a strong career choice in the UK.

What Is a Claims Handler?

A claims handler is an insurance professional who processes and manages insurance claims on behalf of policyholders. They act as the main point of contact between the customer, insurers, and third parties throughout the claims process.

Claims handler jobs exist across multiple insurance sectors, including:

• Motor insurance

• Home and property insurance

• Travel insurance

• Health and life insurance

• Commercial and business insurance

• Liability and personal injury claims

Claims handlers typically work for insurance companies, brokers, third-party administrators, and claims management firms.

Key Responsibilities of Claims Handler Jobs

Claims handler duties vary depending on the type of insurance and employer, but common responsibilities include:

• Receiving and reviewing insurance claims

• Verifying policy coverage and claim eligibility

• Collecting evidence, documents, and statements

• Communicating with customers, garages, contractors, and insurers

• Assessing liability and claim value

• Authorising payments or escalating complex claims

• Maintaining accurate claim records

• Ensuring compliance with UK insurance regulations

Strong communication and organisational skills are essential in claims handler roles.

Skills Required for Claims Handler Jobs

To succeed in claims handler jobs in the UK, employers look for the following skills:

• Excellent customer service and communication

• Attention to detail and accuracy

• Problem-solving and decision-making skills

• Time management and ability to handle workloads

• Basic knowledge of insurance policies and procedures

• IT and digital system skills

Empathy and professionalism are particularly important when dealing with customers during stressful situations.

Qualifications and Training in the UK

Most entry-level claims handler jobs in the UK do not require a specific degree, making them accessible to a wide range of candidates. However, professional qualifications can improve career prospects:

• Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) qualifications

• Cert CII or Dip CII

• Insurance apprenticeships

• Employer-provided training programmes

Degrees in business, law, finance, or risk management can also be beneficial but are not mandatory.

Claims Handler Salary in the UK

Claims handler salaries in the UK depend on experience, location, and specialisation.

• Entry-level claims handler: £22,000 – £26,000 per year

• Experienced claims handler: £28,000 – £38,000 per year

• Senior claims handler / technical specialist: £40,000 – £50,000+ per year

Claims handlers working in commercial, liability, or complex claims may earn higher salaries.

Types of Claims Handler Jobs

The UK insurance market offers a variety of claims handler roles, including:

• Motor claims handler – vehicle accident and damage claims

• Property claims handler – home and commercial property losses

• Travel claims handler – medical and trip disruption claims

• Liability claims handler – injury and legal liability cases

• Commercial claims handler – business and corporate insurance claims

Specialising in a niche area can improve long-term earning potential.

Where to Find Claims Handler Jobs in the UK

Claims handler jobs are available across the UK, with strong demand in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and Glasgow. Popular places to search include:

• UK job boards such as Indeed, Reed, and Totaljobs

• Insurance company career websites

• Specialist insurance recruitment agencies

• LinkedIn and professional insurance networks

Many employers now offer hybrid and remote claims handler roles.

Career Progression for Claims Handlers

Claims handler jobs offer clear career growth paths. With experience and qualifications, professionals can progress into:

• Senior or technical claims handler roles

• Claims team leader or supervisor positions

• Claims manager roles

• Loss adjuster or claims investigator roles

• Underwriting, compliance, or risk management positions

Ongoing professional development through CII is strongly encouraged in the UK insurance sector.

Future Outlook for Claims Handler Jobs

The future of claims handler jobs in the UK remains strong. While automation supports routine tasks, skilled claims handlers are essential for complex decision-making, customer support, and regulatory compliance. Growth in digital claims systems has also created new specialist roles.

Why Choose Claims Handler Jobs?

Claims handler jobs offer:

• Strong job security in the UK market

• Competitive salaries and benefits

• Entry-level access with career progression

• Opportunities across multiple insurance sectors

• Transferable skills within financial services

For individuals who enjoy problem-solving, customer interaction, and structured professional environments, claims handler jobs are an excellent career choice.

Conclusion

Claims handler jobs in the UK provide stable, rewarding career opportunities with long-term growth potential. With minimal entry barriers, professional training options, and strong demand across the insurance industry, this role is ideal for both beginners and experienced professionals. As the UK insurance market continues to expand, claims handler careers remain a reliable and future-proof option.