20 Shelter Insurance Companies Interview Questions and Answers

Shelter Insurance Companies is a leading provider of property and casualty insurance in the United States. Shelter offers a wide range of insurance products, including auto, home, life, and business insurance.

If you’re interviewing for a job at Shelter, you can expect to be asked a variety of questions about your qualifications, work history, and availability. In this guide, we’ve assembled a list of Shelter interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

Shelter Insurance Companies Interview Process

The interview process at Shelter Insurance Companies can vary depending on the position you are applying for, but generally speaking, it is a lengthy and detailed process. For most positions, you will first have an initial phone screening, followed by an in-person interview that can last up to three hours. During the in-person interview, you will meet with multiple managers and supervisors who will ask you a variety of questions about your experience and skills. In some cases, you may also be asked to take an aptitude test or complete a background check. Overall, the interview process is thorough and designed to help assess whether or not you would be a good fit for the company.

1. What is your experience with insurance?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your experience with insurance and how you’ve used it in the past. If you have no prior experience, consider talking about an instance where you had to file a claim or use your insurance.

Example: “I’ve never worked at an insurance company before, but I do have some personal experience with filing claims. When I was younger, my family’s home caught on fire. We filed a claim with our insurance company, which helped us get back on our feet after the incident. It was a difficult time, but having that support from our insurance company made things much easier.”

2. How would you describe your customer service style?

Customer service is an important part of working in the insurance industry. Your interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your customer service skills and how you would interact with their clients. To answer, think about a time when you provided excellent customer service. Try to describe what you did and why it was effective.

Example: “I believe that providing great customer service starts with having empathy for others. I try to put myself in my customers’ shoes and understand what they’re going through. When I speak with them on the phone or in person, I make sure to listen carefully to what they have to say. This helps me address their concerns and find solutions.”

3. Describe a time when you had to deal with an angry customer and how you handled the situation.

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your customer service skills. They want to know how you would react in a situation where someone is upset and how you can use your communication skills to calm them down.

Example: “I once had a client who was unhappy with the insurance company I worked for because they denied their claim. The client called me multiple times, but I always remained polite and professional when speaking with him. Eventually, he calmed down and we were able to discuss his concerns calmly. He understood that our company only denies claims if there is no coverage. After explaining this to him, he agreed to file another claim.”

4. Do you have any sales experience?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have experience working with clients and selling products or services. If you do, they may ask you to describe a time when you sold something successfully. If you don’t have sales experience, you can talk about your communication skills and how you helped others make decisions in previous jobs.

Example: “I worked as an insurance agent for five years before moving to this area. I enjoyed helping my clients find affordable coverage that suited their needs. In one instance, I had a client who was looking for flood insurance but didn’t want to pay too much for it. After talking with them about their situation, I found out that they lived near a river and were at risk of flooding. We decided on a policy that would cover them in case of a flood.”

5. If hired, what would be your approach to selling insurance?

This question is an opportunity to show your sales skills and how you would approach selling a product. You can answer this question by describing the steps you would take when approaching potential clients, including what information you would gather about them and how you would use that information to create a personalized pitch.

Example: “I would start by asking questions to learn more about my client’s current insurance situation. I would ask for their name, address, phone number and email address so I could send them a follow-up message with some additional information. Then, I would research the company they currently have coverage with and compare it to our company’s offerings. I would then write a personalized message explaining why our company offers better coverage at a lower price.”

6. Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced environment?

Working in a shelter insurance company can be fast-paced, especially during tax season. Employers ask this question to make sure you’re comfortable working in an environment like this. In your answer, explain that you enjoy being busy and productive. Explain how you stay organized and focused when you have many things to do at once.

Example: “I love working in a fast-paced environment because it makes me feel more productive. I am very good at staying on top of my work and getting things done quickly. When I’m in a rush, I find that I get even more efficient than usual. I also think that I perform better under pressure. I know that the job is going to be hectic sometimes, so I am prepared for that.”

7. Have you ever worked on a team where there were disagreements between members? How did you handle it?

This question can help an interviewer understand how you work with others and resolve conflicts. Use your answer to highlight your conflict resolution skills, communication abilities and teamwork capabilities.

Example: “In my last position as a claims adjuster for a property insurance company, I worked on a team of five other adjusters. While we all had different personalities, we were able to communicate well with each other and collaborate on projects. One day, one of the adjusters was having a hard time working on a project because she was sick. She asked if she could take the rest of the day off, but our manager said no. The adjuster ended up leaving early that day, which caused some tension between her and our manager.

I spoke with the adjuster who left early and explained why our manager denied her request. She understood and apologized to our manager. After that incident, I made sure to always ask my teammates if they’re feeling ill before asking them to work overtime.”

8. Tell me about a time that you had to make a difficult decision.

This question can help an interviewer learn more about your decision-making skills. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a situation where you had to make a tough call and the results of that choice.

Example: “When I was working as a claims adjuster for my previous employer, we were experiencing a high volume of claims from one area of our coverage area. After looking into the issue, I found out that there was a problem with some of the contractors who were repairing homes after a storm. This meant that many homeowners would need repairs on their homes again. While it was difficult to tell these homeowners that they needed additional repairs, I knew that it was important to do what was right.”

9. Why do you want to work at Shelter Insurance Companies?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand why you are a good fit for their company. Use your answer to highlight any personal or professional experiences that make you passionate about this role.

Example: “I want to work at Shelter Insurance Companies because I am passionate about helping people in need. In my last position, I helped clients find affordable insurance plans so they could afford medical care. This inspired me to pursue a career in insurance, as I realized how much of an impact I was making on others’ lives. Now, I’m ready to take on more responsibility and lead a team of professionals.”

10. We are looking for people who can work independently as well as part of a team. Which do you prefer?

This question is an opportunity to show your potential employer that you can work both independently and as part of a team. When answering this question, it’s important to emphasize the skills you have that make you a good team player while also mentioning some of your independent work habits.

Example: “I prefer working on my own because I find it easier to focus when there aren’t other distractions around me. However, I know that sometimes teamwork is necessary for completing certain tasks. In those situations, I am always willing to help out my coworkers or managers with whatever they need.”

11. Can you tell us about a time when you had to solve a problem that was not straightforward? How did you approach the problem?

This question can help an interviewer understand how you approach challenges and solve problems. Use your answer to highlight your critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities and ability to adapt to challenging situations.

Example: “When I was working as a claims adjuster for a large insurance company, we had a client who filed a claim after their car window was broken by a baseball that flew into it while they were driving down the road. The driver said he didn’t know where the ball came from or who threw it, so we couldn’t determine if the driver was at fault. After talking with the client further, however, we determined that the driver was actually watching a baseball game on his phone when the ball hit his windshield. We then used this information to deny the claim.”

12. What do you think is the most important quality for someone who works in insurance?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to assess your critical thinking skills and how you apply them to your work. When answering this question, it can be helpful to identify a specific quality that you value in yourself or others and explain why it’s important.

Example: “I think one of the most important qualities for someone who works in insurance is empathy. I’ve found that when an agent understands what their clients are going through, they’re better able to help them find solutions. Empathy also helps agents understand how to best communicate with customers so they feel heard and understood.”

13. What are some of your strengths and weaknesses?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your personality and how you view yourself. They want to know that you are confident in your abilities, but also aware of areas where you can improve. When answering this question, be honest about what you’re good at and what you need to work on. Try to focus on strengths that relate to the job.

Example: “I am a very organized person who is always prepared for any situation. I have an excellent memory, which helps me remember important details when working with clients. My weakness is that sometimes I get so focused on my work that I forget to take breaks. This has led to some health issues in the past, so I’ve learned to set reminders throughout the day to remind myself to take short breaks.”

14. What type of insurance are you most interested in?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have a passion for insurance and whether it aligns with their company’s offerings. If you’re unsure of what type of insurance they offer, explain that you are open to learning about any new types of policies.

Example: “I am most passionate about property insurance because I enjoy working with numbers and problem-solving. However, I’m also interested in life insurance as I would like to learn more about how it works and how it can benefit my clients. I think it’s important to be knowledgeable about all types of insurance so I can provide the best advice to my clients.”

15. What made you decide to apply to Shelter Insurance Companies?

This question can help an interviewer learn more about your intentions for applying to their company. They may ask this question to see if you researched the company before submitting your application. When preparing for this interview, make sure to read through the job description and any other information they provide on their website. This will give you a better idea of what they’re looking for in an ideal candidate.

Example: “I applied to work at Shelter Insurance Companies because I’m passionate about helping others. Your mission statement is inspiring, and it’s clear that you have a genuine interest in making a positive impact on people’s lives. After reading through your career page, I learned that you offer many different ways to support your clients. For example, you have a dedicated team of customer service representatives who are available 24/7 to answer questions or address concerns.”

16. What would you say is your greatest strength and weakness?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s important to be prepared with an answer. When answering this question, try to focus on your strengths rather than weaknesses.

Example: “My greatest strength is my ability to work well under pressure. I have had many projects where I was given a deadline and needed to complete the project by that date. In these situations, I am able to stay focused and get the job done. My weakness would be that sometimes I can be too hard on myself when things don’t go as planned. However, I am working on learning how to balance being self-critical while also recognizing my accomplishments.”

17. What is your experience with handling money and operating a cash register?

This question is often asked to determine your experience with handling money and operating a cash register. It’s important for you to be honest about your experience, as it can help the interviewer understand if you’re ready for this role or if you need more training. If you have no experience, consider volunteering at a local shelter or nonprofit organization that accepts donations.

Example: “I’ve worked in retail since I was 16 years old, so I’m very comfortable with handling money and operating a cash register. In my last position, I had to handle large sums of money on a daily basis, which helped me develop my skills even further. However, I am open to taking additional courses to learn new ways to manage finances.”

18. How would you describe your communication skills?

This question can help the interviewer assess your ability to communicate with clients and other employees. Use examples from past experiences where you had to explain complex information in a clear way that was easy for others to understand.

Example: “I have always been good at explaining things clearly, which is why I enjoy tutoring math students. In my last position as an insurance agent, I helped customers who were confused about their policies. I would first ask them questions to get more details about what they needed help with. Then, I would use analogies or metaphors to make it easier for them to understand how their policy worked.”

19. What kind of schedule are you able to work?

This question is a way for the interviewer to learn more about your availability. If you have any scheduling conflicts, it’s important to share them with the interviewer so they can decide whether or not you’re a good fit for their company.

Example: “I am available to work full-time Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. I do not have any evening or weekend availability at this time.”

20. What is your experience with claims processing?

This question can help the interviewer understand your experience with a specific aspect of working in insurance. When answering, it can be helpful to mention any unique or challenging aspects of processing claims and how you handled them.

Example: “In my last position as an underwriter, I was responsible for reviewing all incoming claims and determining whether they were valid. If so, I would then determine what percentage of the claim should be covered by the company’s policy. This process required me to review many different types of claims, including those related to property damage, personal injury and more. In this role, I learned how to handle complex situations while still following the guidelines set forth by the company.”