How to Be an Insurance Arbitrator

Insurance arbitrators have experience with insurance law.

When two insurance companies have a dispute over which is responsible for handling a claim, the people they represent may elect to settle the matter through arbitration. An insurance arbitration is when a neutral third party -- an arbitrator -- goes over the details of the case and makes a decision that cannot be appealed. It is typically easier and cheaper than going to court, making good arbitrators a valuable asset. While anyone can call herself an arbitrator, you must have experience with both the law and insurance companies to make a name for yourself.

Instructions

1. Earn a law degree. Specialize in an insurance-related field of law, like insurance fraud, to give yourself the expertise you may need to be a well-qualified arbitrator.

2. Work either for a law firm that specializes in insurance-related cases or as a legal representative of an insurance company. These types of firms give you the professional experience that may be required of an arbitrator.

3. Apply for a position as an arbitrator with an arbitration service firm. While some arbitrators work for insurance companies, others work in independent firms that specialize in arbitration -- with your background in the law and insurance, you are well-qualified.

4. If you work for an insurance company, speak with someone in your human resources department about becoming an arbitrator. Sometimes two insurance companies that are in a dispute look to a third insurance company to supply an arbitrator, and that person could be you.

References

• Auto Insurance Claim Advice: Arbitration
• Free Advice: Arbitration
• Moat Associates: Insurance Arbitration
• NAMIC Arbitration: Become an Arbitrator

Resources

• American Arbitration Association