Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Insurance Surveyor Roles – 2025

As an insurance surveyor, you play a crucial role in assessing risks and determining the value of insurance policies. In this guide, you will find a list of relevant questions and answers to help you showcase your expertise in evaluating properties, vehicles, and other assets. Use these questions to demonstrate your technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and alignment with the company's values and goals.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about your previous experience as an insurance surveyor.
  Answer: I have been working as an insurance surveyor for the past 5 years. In my previous roles, I have conducted surveys for a variety of properties, including residential buildings, commercial establishments, and industrial sites. I have also evaluated vehicles, such as cars, trucks, and heavy machinery.
• 2. How do you stay updated on the latest industry trends and practices?
  Answer: I make it a point to attend industry conferences, workshops, and seminars regularly. I also stay connected with other insurance surveyors and stay updated through industry publications and online resources.
• 3. How do you handle difficult clients or situations?
  Answer: I always try to remain calm and professional when dealing with difficult clients. I make sure to listen to their concerns and find a solution that meets their needs while still following industry regulations and company policies.
• 4. How do you prioritize and manage your workload?
  Answer: I use a system of prioritization based on the severity of the risks and deadlines. I also make sure to communicate with my team and managers to ensure that we are all on the same page and efficiently managing our workload.
• 5. Can you tell us about a time when you identified a fraudulent insurance claim?
  Answer: I came across a case where a business owner was making fraudulent claims for damages to his property. I noticed discrepancies in his documentation and requested further investigation. Ultimately, it was revealed that the damages were self-inflicted to claim insurance money.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 6. What factors do you consider while evaluating a property's insurability?
  Answer: I consider the location, type of property, construction materials, security measures, and any potential hazards or risks associated with the property.
• 7. How do you determine the replacement value of a property?
  Answer: I consider the cost of labor and materials required to rebuild the property, as well as any external factors that could affect the cost, such as inflation or changes in building codes.
• 8. How do you assess the risk associated with a property or asset?
  Answer: I evaluate the property's condition, adherence to building codes and safety regulations, and any potential hazards in the surrounding area that could affect the property's risk level.
• 9. How do you handle conflicting reports from different surveyors on the same property?
  Answer: I would review all reports and conduct another survey to confirm the findings. If there are still discrepancies, I would consult with other experts or escalate the issue to my superiors for further guidance.
• 10. Can you tell us about your experience with conducting insurance surveys for vehicles?
  Answer: I have experience evaluating a wide range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and boats. I am familiar with vehicle safety regulations and have knowledge of common issues and risks associated with different types of vehicles.

Situational Questions

• 11. How would you handle a situation where a client has not provided enough information for a complete survey?
  Answer: I would first try to communicate with the client and request any missing information. If that is not possible, I would use my expertise and available resources to make an educated assessment and document any limitations in the report.
• 12. How would you handle a situation where a property owner disagrees with your valuation and risk assessment?
  Answer: I would first listen to the owner's concerns and try to understand their perspective. Then, I would present them with the data and reasoning behind my assessment and work towards finding a mutually agreeable solution.
• 13. How would you handle a situation where you discovered a risk or safety issue that was not initially disclosed during the insurance application process?
  Answer: I would document the issue and inform the client of the findings. I would also advise them on the necessary steps to address the issue and potentially revise their insurance policy to cover the risk.
• 14. How would you handle a situation where a property owner requests changes or updates to the insurance policies based on your report?
  Answer: I would review the request and assess if the changes are necessary and in line with industry regulations. If so, I would document the changes and inform the relevant parties, such as the insurance company and the client.
• 15. How would you handle a situation where you have found that a property or asset is not insurable?
  Answer: I would inform the client of the findings and explain the reasons why the property is not insurable. I would also offer advice and recommendations for addressing the issue, such as making necessary repairs or improvements to meet the insurability criteria.

Behavioral Questions

• 16. Can you tell us about a time when you had to handle a difficult situation or client in your previous role as an insurance surveyor?
  Answer: In one case, I had to deal with an aggressive property owner who was not cooperating during the survey. I remained calm and professional, explaining the importance of the survey and our procedures. Eventually, they calmed down and the survey was completed successfully.
• 17. How do you ensure that your surveys are accurate and up-to-date?
  Answer: I have a strict quality control process in place where I review my reports and seek feedback from my team members. I also regularly update my knowledge and skills through professional development and industry updates.
• 18. Can you tell us about a time when you identified a potential risk that was overlooked by other surveyors?
  Answer: While conducting a survey for a commercial property, I noticed a faulty electrical system that had not been identified in previous surveys. I brought this to the attention of the client and they were able to address the issue before it caused a potential hazard.
• 19. How do you handle multiple projects and tight deadlines?
  Answer: I prioritize my workload and plan my time effectively. I also communicate with my team and managers to delegate tasks and ensure that we are all working towards meeting our deadlines.
• 20. Can you tell us about a time when you had to make a difficult decision based on your survey findings?
  Answer: While conducting a vehicle survey, I found that the vehicle had significant damage that would render it unsafe to operate. I had to make the difficult decision to recommend that the vehicle be declared a total loss, which the owner was not happy about. However, after explaining the safety risks, they understood and agreed to the decision.