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Can you give an example of a time when you had to make a difficult decision in claims processing? How did you approach it?

Insurance Claims Supervisor Interview Questions
Can you give an example of a time when you had to make a difficult decision in claims processing? How did you approach it?

Sample answer to the question

Yes, I can give you an example of a difficult decision I had to make in claims processing. There was a complex case where a policyholder filed a claim for significant damage to their property due to a natural disaster. However, upon investigation, it was discovered that the damage was partially caused by poor maintenance on the policyholder's part. The policy language clearly stated that damage caused by lack of maintenance was not covered. It was a difficult decision because denying the claim would disappoint the policyholder, but approving it would go against company policy. I approached the decision by thoroughly reviewing the policy and gathering all the evidence available. I also consulted with my team and senior management to get their input. In the end, I had to make the tough call to deny the claim, but I did it with empathy and provided a detailed explanation to the policyholder.

A more solid answer

Certainly! Let me tell you about a challenging decision I had to make in claims processing. It was a case where a policyholder had filed a claim for a significant amount of damage to their property. Upon investigation, it was revealed that the cause of the damage was a combination of an unexpected natural disaster and the policyholder's failure to perform necessary maintenance. This presented a dilemma as our policy clearly stated that damage arising from insufficient maintenance was not covered. To approach this difficult decision, I gathered all available evidence including photographs, expert reports, and policy documents. I also consulted with my team members and senior management to get their perspectives. Considering the facts and aligning with our company's guidelines, I made the decision to deny the claim. However, I did not simply inform the policyholder of the denial. I took the time to empathetically explain our decision, sharing all the supporting evidence, and offering guidance on how they could prevent similar situations in the future. By doing so, I ensured transparency and maintained a positive relationship with the policyholder.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides a more detailed description of the difficult decision the candidate had to make in claims processing. It demonstrates their ability to gather and analyze evidence, consult with others, and make a decision aligned with company policies. Additionally, it highlights their communication skills and empathy in explaining the decision to the policyholder. However, the answer could still be improved by providing more specific examples of how the candidate prioritized tasks and worked under pressure during this decision-making process.

An exceptional answer

Certainly, I can share a difficult decision I faced while working in claims processing. There was a complex situation where a policyholder had filed a claim for extensive damage to their property caused by a natural disaster. However, our investigation revealed that the policyholder had failed to disclose a pre-existing structural issue that significantly contributed to the damage. This raised concerns about potential insurance fraud. I approached the decision by carefully reviewing all the available evidence, including inspection reports, photographs, and the policyholder's statements. I also consulted with our in-house legal counsel to ensure compliance with legal regulations. In order to address this delicate situation, I scheduled a face-to-face meeting with the policyholder to discuss our findings. During the meeting, I maintained a calm and professional demeanor, while also expressing empathy and understanding for their situation. I explained the reasons behind our decision to deny the claim and provided guidance on how they could rectify the structural issue and ensure future compliance with their policy. Through effective communication and transparency, we were able to resolve the situation amicably and preserve the integrity of our claims process.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer provides a highly detailed and comprehensive description of the difficult decision the candidate faced in claims processing. It demonstrates their ability to analyze complex situations, consult with legal experts, and handle delicate conversations with empathy and professionalism. The answer also highlights the candidate's commitment to maintaining the integrity of the claims process while prioritizing customer satisfaction. However, the answer could be further improved by including specific examples of how the candidate leveraged their leadership and problem-solving skills during this decision-making process.

How to prepare for this question

  • Familiarize yourself with the company's policies and guidelines regarding claims processing.
  • Review case studies or scenarios involving complex claims to practice analyzing the evidence and making difficult decisions.
  • Develop your problem-solving skills by seeking opportunities to resolve challenging situations in a team or leadership capacity.
  • Practice effective communication techniques, particularly in delivering challenging news or decisions.
  • Stay up-to-date with current trends and regulations in the insurance industry and claims processing.

What interviewers are evaluating

  • Leadership
  • Decision-making
  • Problem-solving
  • Communication
  • Analytical skills

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