{"id":39227,"date":"2026-06-11T13:27:08","date_gmt":"2026-06-11T03:27:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fuserecruitment.com\/?p=39227"},"modified":"2026-06-12T16:36:02","modified_gmt":"2026-06-12T06:36:02","slug":"when-catastrophes-keep-coming-how-insurers-are-building-claims-teams-that-last","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fuserecruitment.com\/blogs\/when-catastrophes-keep-coming-how-insurers-are-building-claims-teams-that-last\/","title":{"rendered":"When Catastrophes Keep Coming: How Insurers Are Building Claims Teams That Last"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The frequency and severity of weather events in Australia have changed. What were once described as one-in-fifty-year events are now occurring with regularity.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The 2022 eastern Australia floods, successive storm seasons across Queensland and New South Wales, and repeated cyclone events in the north have each tested the claims handling capacity of the sector. Each one exposed the same structural limitations.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The response has followed a familiar pattern: surge resourcing, temporary contractor uplift, extended hours, and staff burnout. What has changed is the recognition that this pattern is no longer sustainable as a permanent operating model.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The high-severity environment is not temporary. It is the baseline, and workforce planning for claims needs to reflect that. This article examines what that means for employers building claims teams, and for the professionals those teams depend on.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Why Is Claims Capacity Under Pressure in Australia Right Now?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The volume problem is structural. The\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/insurancecouncil.com.au\/resource\/new-data-shows-long-term-cost-of-extreme-weather\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Insurance Council of Australia&#8217;s Catastrophe Resilience Report 2023-24<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0recorded almost 157,000 claims and\u00a0$2.19\u00a0billion\u00a0in insured losses from declared extreme weather events in a single year, with 66,000 more claims than the\u00a0previous\u00a0period. The 2022 floods alone\u00a0remain\u00a0the costliest extreme weather event in Australian history. Each event produces a claims spike that\u00a0draws on\u00a0the same finite pool of qualified assessors, loss adjusters, builders, and claims handlers. When events overlap geographically or in time, that pool is exhausted before the peak is reached.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The supply problem compounds it.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Claims\u00a0handling is a skilled function. An experienced property assessor, complex liability handler, or large loss manager cannot be\u00a0trained\u00a0in weeks. The capability is built over years of:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Exposure to varied claim types<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Negotiation and coverage interpretation<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Relationship management with repairers, legal panels, and policyholders<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When experienced people leave through burnout, retirement, or\u00a0move\u00a0into risk and consulting, replacing them at the same level takes years.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The regulatory environment adds a third pressure.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Since the Hayne Royal Commission response,\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.asic.gov.au\/about-asic\/news-centre\/find-a-media-release\/2020-releases\/20-300mr-asic-releases-draft-information-sheet-for-insurance-claims-handling\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">insurance claims handling has been a regulated financial service<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0requiring an AFS\u00a0licence. Combined with\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.afca.org.au\/members\/rg271\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">ASIC&#8217;s dispute resolution requirements under RG 271<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and AFCA scrutiny of outcomes, capacity decisions now carry compliance consequences.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The chain is direct: understaffed teams produce slower\u00a0outcomes,\u00a0slower outcomes produce complaints, and complaints attract regulatory attention.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">What Does a High-Severity Claims Environment Require\u00a0from\u00a0a Workforce?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Four capabilities matter most when volumes spike.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Volume management.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0The ability to triage,\u00a0prioritise, and manage a growing caseload without losing quality or compliance discipline. This is not about working faster. It requires systematic thinking about what needs human attention and what can move through streamlined channels. Professionals who have worked through\u00a0previous\u00a0catastrophe events bring pattern recognition that newer staff cannot replicate.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Coverage interpretation under pressure.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0High-severity events generate complex coverage questions at volume:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Flood versus stormwater determination<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Business interruption triggers<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Total loss thresholds<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Policy wording disputes<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">These need resolution at pace without creating liability exposure. The professionals who can do this reliably are among the least replaceable in the sector.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Policyholder communication in distress.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Catastrophe claims involve people who have lost homes and businesses. The claims professional is often their first consistent point of contact. Empathy under pressure, clarity about process, and the ability to manage difficult conversations about coverage limitations are core operational requirements. They directly affect complaint rates, AFCA referrals, and brand reputation.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Repairer\u00a0and supplier management.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Claims\u00a0resolution in property depends on a supply chain that is under the same pressure as the claims team. Builder capacity, material delays, and geographic access are all variables the claims professional must manage while keeping those relationships productive.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Repairer\u00a0and supplier relationship management.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Claims resolution in property depends on a functioning supply chain that is under the same pressure as the claims team. Builder capacity constraints, material delays, and geographic access issues are all variables claims professionals must manage. Maintaining productive relationships with repairers and suppliers under pressure is operationally significant.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"2\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">How Are Insurers Approaching Surge Hiring, and What Are the Risks?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The contingent workforce model is the most common surge response. Insurers and loss adjusting firms bring in contractors, temporary staff, and third-party claims managers to absorb volume spikes.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Done\u00a0well,\u00a0it provides flexibility. Done poorly, it introduces inconsistent capability, limited institutional knowledge, and quality control problems that compound under pressure.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The risks of poorly managed surge hiring are specific:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Contractors unfamiliar with an insurer&#8217;s policy wordings and systems take longer to reach productive output, and in a surge that lag matters<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Coverage decisions made by under-briefed temporary staff create liability exposure<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Policyholders who deal with multiple handlers across a claim report worse experiences and lodge more complaints<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A more effective approach.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Pre-qualified contractor panels,\u00a0maintained\u00a0between events through regular briefings and system access, paired with a clear integration protocol for deployment. Insurers who invest in contractor relationships outside of surge conditions get better performance when conditions deteriorate.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Panel agreements with specialist claims recruiters offer a related advantage. When an event is declared and volume builds, deploying pre-screened, insurance-experienced professionals within days rather than weeks is operationally meaningful. The time between event declaration and productive deployment is one of the most consequential variables in surge management.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">On offshoring.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Some insurers have moved first notification of loss and administrative tasks offshore.\u00a0The results are mixed, and the approach carries customer experience risk in catastrophe conditions, where communication demands are highest and tolerance for friction is lowest.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"2\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">What Retention Strategies Are Working in High-Pressure Claims Environments?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Burnout in\u00a0claims is a documented and growing issue. Sustained high volume, emotionally demanding interactions, and limited recovery time between events drive experienced people out of the sector. When the most experienced leave, the institutional knowledge loss is disproportionate to the headcount.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Four levers consistently make a difference.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Workload design.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Sustained overtime is a short-term fix that produces medium-term attrition. Deliberate caseload management works better, including structured case allocation, clear escalation pathways, and protected capacity for complex work.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Progression clarity.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Professionals who cannot see a development pathway tend to exit when the market is\u00a0favourable, and it is\u00a0favourable\u00a0now. Insurers who map how capability translates into progression, whether into large loss, technical claims, or team leadership,\u00a0retain\u00a0more of their mid-career people.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Psychological support.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0The vicarious exposure to loss in catastrophe claims is not trivial. Structured debrief processes, access to employee\u00a0assistance\u00a0programs, and acknowledgement of the emotional demands of the work are all\u00a0retention-relevant.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Market-aligned\u00a0remuneration.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Experienced professionals in property loss adjusting, large loss, or complex liability have options. Insurers who have not reviewed their benchmarks against current rates are losing people to competitors who have.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">How Should Insurers Structure Their Claims Workforce for Long-Term Resilience?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The core shift is from reactive to anticipatory workforce planning.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Most insurers build their staffing models around historical average volumes with a surge buffer. That model underperforms when severity is\u00a0elevated\u00a0and events are frequent. A more resilient model starts\u00a0from\u00a0expected surge demand and builds toward it, rather than treating surge as the exception.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Plan in granular terms, not just\u00a0headcount.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Resilient planning answers questions most insurers cannot currently answer with data:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How many assessors are needed for a category three event in a specific geography?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What is the realistic deployment capacity of the contractor panel at any given time?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What is the minimum permanent capability\u00a0required\u00a0to\u00a0maintain\u00a0coverage quality during a surge?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Cross-train\u00a0to build internal flexibility.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Property and motor claims need different technical knowledge, but the foundations of coverage interpretation, customer communication, and supplier management transfer. Cross-trained teams can redirect capacity within an event. Siloed teams cannot.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Use technology realistically.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Automated triage, digital\u00a0lodgement, and straight-through processing free up human capacity for complex work. But the net effect on headcount depends on the claims mix. Insurers who expect technology to substitute for experienced professionals in high-severity conditions are\u00a0generally disappointed.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Plan with recruitment partners, not just during a crisis.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Knowing what experienced professionals are available, at what lead time, and under what conditions is a planning input most insurers lack until they need it urgently.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">What Does the Claims Job Market Look Like for Professionals Right Now?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Demand for experienced claims professionals is high and is not expected to soften. The factors driving it are structural, not short-term:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"8\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Elevated weather event frequency<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"8\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Expanding regulatory requirements<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"8\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A pipeline shortage of experienced practitioners<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Professionals with property assessment, large loss, liability, or complex claims management backgrounds are in a market that\u00a0favours\u00a0them. The most competitive candidates combine technical knowledge with\u00a0strong communication\u00a0and analytical skills. Coverage interpretation capability, AFCA process familiarity, and experience with complex multi-party claims all command attention.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The current market offers real\u00a0optionality.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Permanent roles, contract positions in\u00a0specialised\u00a0operations, and roles within loss adjusting firms and third-party managers each offer different conditions, income structures, and trajectories. It is worth thinking\u00a0through\u00a0which model suits your career stage and risk tolerance before accepting the most convenient offer.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If volume pressure, limited development, or inadequate support are affecting your experience, the market provides alternatives. Experienced claims professionals are not obliged to remain in conditions that do not serve them.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">How Fuse Recruitment Supports Claims Teams and Professionals<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The intersection of climate risk and workforce planning is one of the more complex operational challenges in Australian insurance. Employers who treat it as a recruitment problem with a staffing solution tend to cycle through the same surge and burnout pattern. Those who treat it as a workforce design problem, requiring deliberate planning,\u00a0retention\u00a0investment, and informed recruitment partnership, build something more durable.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Fuse Recruitment works with insurers, loss adjusters, and claims operations across Australia, on both permanent and contingent workforce needs. We place property and motor claims assessors, loss adjusters, large loss and liability specialists, and claims operations leaders, and we support clients with workforce planning, talent mapping, and surge capacity strategy.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Whether you are building claims capacity ahead of the next event or considering your next move within the sector,\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fuserecruitment.com\/contact-us\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">speak with the Fuse Recruitment team<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The frequency and severity of weather events in Australia have changed. What were once described as one-in-fifty-year events are now occurring with regularity.\u00a0 The 2022 eastern Australia floods, successive storm seasons across Queensland and New South Wales, and repeated cyclone events in the north have each tested the claims handling capacity of the sector. Each&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20,"featured_media":39225,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","footnotes":""},"categories":[109],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-39227","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-insurance"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fuserecruitment.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39227","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fuserecruitment.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fuserecruitment.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fuserecruitment.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/users\/20"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fuserecruitment.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=39227"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.fuserecruitment.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39227\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":39231,"href":"https:\/\/www.fuserecruitment.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39227\/revisions\/39231"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fuserecruitment.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/media\/39225"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fuserecruitment.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=39227"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fuserecruitment.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=39227"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fuserecruitment.com\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=39227"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}