Australian insurers are grappling with a shortage of skilled staff, including claims assessors for home and contents cover, according to recruitment company Hays.

The industry also needs more motor assessors and commercial property claims assessors, its June-quarter trends report says.

Life insurers also face a scarcity of skilled staff, especially among senior claims consultants, senior claims assessors and senior to principal underwriters.

“As noted, the skills shortage remains an issue in Australia’s insurance sector,” Hays says.

“More jobseekers are looking for training and quality assurance roles, which reduces the pool of available and suitable candidates for claims, underwriting and assessment roles.”

On senior and principal life underwriters, Hays says: “There are simply not enough new underwriters joining the industry and undergoing training to fill these roles.”