CII IF4 study plan
CII IF4 · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Insurance claims handling process
Map the full claims lifecycle from first notification of loss through to settlement, recovery and file closure, and write a one-page flow diagram from memory
Define the roles of the policyholder, broker, loss adjuster, claims handler, insurer and reinsurer in a claim, and state who does what at each stage
Distinguish notification of loss from formal claim submission, and list the information a handler must capture at first notification
Explain how policy coverage, excesses, limits and conditions are checked against a reported loss before any liability decision is made
Your checkpoint
A one-page claims lifecycle diagram plus a 300-word glossary of the parties and their responsibilities
Insurance claims handling process
Describe the regulatory and conduct obligations that apply during claims handling, including treating customers fairly, prompt and fair settlement expectations, and complaint escalation routes
Explain the duty of utmost good faith and how misrepresentation or non-disclosure at claims stage is investigated and handled
Outline fraud indicators at notification and how suspected fraudulent claims are referred and investigated
Summarise data protection, confidentiality and record-keeping requirements that govern claim files
Your checkpoint
A 500-word briefing note on conduct, fraud and data obligations at claims stage, with at least eight specific duties listed
Insurance claims handling process
Explain the role and appointment of loss adjusters, including when a full adjusting appointment is warranted versus desk handling
Describe how evidence is gathered: statements, photographs, expert reports, police and fire reports, and medical evidence
Outline how quantum is established for property damage, business interruption and liability claims
Explain the use of reserves, why they are set and revised, and how reserving affects reporting
Your checkpoint
An evidence and quantum checklist covering three claim types, plus a worked reserve-setting example with figures
Insurance claims handling process
Explain subrogation and salvage rights and when each applies
Describe recovery routes including third-party recovery, reinsurance recovery and uninsured loss recovery
Outline how contribution and indemnity operate between insurers in multi-insurer claims
Explain how recoveries are recorded and pursued after settlement
Your checkpoint
A 400-word explanation of subrogation and recovery with one worked scenario showing a recovery calculation
Insurance claims handling process
Distinguish repudiation, declinature and settlement offers, and explain the communication required for each
Describe how complaints, disputes and referrals to the Financial Ombudsman Service are handled after a claim decision
Outline the litigation and alternative dispute resolution routes available where a claim cannot be agreed
Explain the handler's authority limits and when referral to senior authority or legal counsel is required
Your checkpoint
A decision-tree summary covering accept, negotiate, decline and dispute, with the correct communication for each outcome
Insurance claims handling process
Work through the claims sections of the IF4 syllabus, identifying any topic not yet covered and filling the gaps
Explain total loss, partial loss, reinstatement and betterment in property claims
Describe liability claims handling including negligence, employer's liability and public liability considerations
Outline personal injury claims handling including medical assessment and quantum negotiation
Your checkpoint
A gap-analysis sheet listing every syllabus learning outcome with a confidence rating and a remediation action
Insurance claims handling process
Answer at least 60 exam-style questions under timed conditions and record accuracy by topic
Review every incorrect answer and write the correct reasoning for each
Practise structuring longer written answers with a clear point, explanation and application to scenario
Rehearse definitions and key terms without notes
Your checkpoint
A timed mock paper completed with a score and a written log of every error and its correction
Insurance claims handling process
Re-test weak areas identified in week 7 and confirm improvement
Complete a second full timed mock under exam conditions
Consolidate a one-page revision sheet of key definitions, stages and obligations
Plan exam-day timing and question-order strategy
Your checkpoint
Second mock score above the pass threshold plus a final one-page revision sheet
Milestones
Week 2: Can describe the full claims lifecycle and the conduct, fraud and data duties without notes, scoring at least 80% on a self-set 20-question recall test
Week 4: Can explain reserving, evidence gathering and recovery routes in writing, with a worked calculation for each, and has covered the first half of the syllabus
Week 6: Gap analysis shows every syllabus learning outcome rated, with no outcome left at low confidence without a remediation action
Week 8: Second timed mock completed above the pass threshold, with all week 7 errors re-tested and resolved