Meet the 2023 Claims Apprentices

Ellie Rose Arch

Assistant claims adjuster, Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty

What is your favourite pizza topping? Mozzarella and basil.

What sauce goes best with fries/chips? Mayonnaise.

If you were stranded on a desert island for a fortnight what two things could you just not live without? Sun cream and a good book.

What is top of your bucket list? I would love to visit an elephant sanctuary in Thailand and work there for a few weeks.

If you had to compete at the Olympics which event would you chose? I would chose to do Dressage as I am learning it with my horse and would love to be able to ride at such a high standard.

Who would play you in a six-part Netflix series based on your life? Sarah Rafferty (Donna in Suits). I think she could portray me well as she is an ESTJ (extraverted, sensing, thinking, judging) personality type, which means she can adapt to situations, can easily fit in and is confident and driven.

Explain why you have what it takes to survive a zombie apocalypse? I am a quick thinker so I would be good at coming up with a plan to get away from the zombie’s. I also don’t get stressed under pressure so I wouldn’t panic.

Which people [living or dead] would you invite to your dream dinner party? I would invite Charlotte Dujardin (she is my sporting idol), Sheryl Sandberg (COO of Facebook) and Karl Lagerfeld (creative director of Chanel).

What song would you like to soundtrack your victory at Claims Apprentice 2023 should you win? On Top Of The World by Imagine Dragons.

Finally, complete this sentence: “Working in insurance claims is the best job in the world because…” …you get to meet so many new people which means you get to make new friends and be sociable. Also not everyday is the same it is so versatile and not every claim is the same which gives you variety within every day. But despite this variety every claim that you look at or read you’re still building on your knowledge and skills sets and improving within your role. Also, from a customer perspective if something goes wrong the claims team is who will make the most impact, as it is the last people that a client will deal with and if a claim is handled efficiently, the customer will most likely stay loyal to the company. So you also play a vital role within the business.

Safa Saeed

Claims apprentice, Zurich Insurance

What is your favourite pizza topping? Olives.

What sauce goes best with fries/chips? Mayonnaise.

If you were stranded on a desert island for a fortnight what two things could you just not live without? A lighter and water.

What is top of your bucket list? To complete my holy pilgrimage.

If you had to compete at the Olympics which event, would you choose? Table tennis, because it is my one of my favourite games to play in my spare time. Plus, I am good at it.

Who would play you in a six-part Netflix series based on your life? Seong Gi Hun, who was in Squid Games. I chose him because throughout the entirety of the Squid Games show I did not think that he would be the one individual to win the games but he did. Therefore, I think his characteristics, mindset and perseverance are very similar to mine.

Explain why you have what it takes to survive a zombie apocalypse? I like to think practically and think of ways to survive as evident throughout my seven day Gold Duke of Edinburgh expedition. (I really did end up looking and feeling like a zombie after seven days in the forest).

Which people [living or dead] would you invite to your dream dinner party? Michael Jackson, Marilyn Monroe, Alan Sugar, Bill Gates and my mum.

What song would you like to soundtrack your victory at Claims Apprentice 2023 should you win? We Are The Champions by Queen.

Finally, complete this sentence: “Working in insurance claims is the best job in the world because…” …no day is the same.

Bazzil Boyce

Claims assistant, North P&I

What is your favourite pizza topping? A New York slice of anchovies, mushrooms and broccoli (not all on one pizza).

What sauce goes best with fries/chips? Two parts ketchup, one part mayo.

If you were stranded on a desert island for a fortnight what two things could you just not live without? My bed and a fishing rod… add a couple of pints and it sounds like a brilliant holiday.

What is top of your bucket list? Get my PADI (diving licence) and go diving in the Great Barrier Reef.

If you had to compete at the Olympics which event would you chose? Pole vault because it looks like a laugh.

Who would play you in a six-part Netflix series based on your life? Tom Hardy because he’s a low key actor and I think if he took the role it would vault him to superstar.

Explain why you have what it takes to survive a zombie apocalypse? Because I could survive anywhere in New York, Oman, Plymouth or Newcastle. ‘Improvise, Adapt, Overcome’ – Bear Grylls.

Which people [living or dead] would you invite to your dream dinner party? Muhammed Ali, George Best, Alexander the Great, Kevin Bridges and Judy Dench.

What song would you like to soundtrack your victory at Claims Apprentice 2023 should you win? American Boy by Estelle and Kanye West

Finally, complete this sentence: “Working in insurance claims is the best job in the world because…” … because every day it presents a new challenge which allows for creative problem solving.

Alan DaBreo

Trainee claims specialist, HDI Global Specialty SE

What is your favourite pizza topping? BBQ chicken with mushrooms and sweetcorn.

What sauce goes best with fries/chips? Mayonnaise,

If you were stranded on a desert island for a fortnight what two things could you just not live without? Chocolate and cake.

What is top of your bucket list? To travel and explore Japan.

If you had to compete at the Olympics which event would you chose? I would choose to do canoeing flatwater because growing up by the sea I use to enjoy spending time out on the water on my kayak.

Who would play you in a six-part Netflix series based on your life? I would say Ryan Reynolds because he is diverse, similar wit, adventurous and entertaining.

Explain why you have what it takes to survive a zombie apocalypse? I feel that I am a great people person, and to survive a zombie apocalypse you would want too and need to team up with a couple of people to ensure you can cover all ground without being part of a large group that would attract too much attention.

Which people [living or dead] would you invite to your dream dinner party? Anne Hathaway, RuPaul, Rebel Wilson, Tom Holland and Queen Latifah.

What song would you like to soundtrack your victory at Claims Apprentice 2023 should you win? On Top of the World by Imagine Dragons.

Finally, complete this sentence: “Working in insurance claims is the best job in the world because…” … you get to be at the forefront of trying to help resolve issues that are affecting the world, specific countries, whether it be individuals or businesses.

Alasdair Bain

Desk surveyor, Aviva

What is your favourite pizza topping? Meat feast.

What sauce goes best with fries/chips? Tomato.

If you were stranded on a desert island for a fortnight what two things could you just not live without? My bike and my phone.

What is top of your bucket list? To travel the world.

If you had to compete at the Olympics which event would you chose? Cycling, as I love all things to do with bikes.

Who would play you in a six-part Netflix series based on your life and why? Martin Compston, as we share some of the same characteristics and are both from Scotland.

Explain why you have what it takes to survive a zombie apocalypse? I am resilient, can adapt to change and can be resourceful.

Which people [living or dead] would you invite to your dream dinner party? Keith Richards, Winston Churchill, Kevin Bridges and Ranulph Fiennes.

What song would you like to soundtrack your victory at Claims Apprentice 2023 should you win? Give Me Shelter by The Rolling Stones

Finally, complete this sentence: “Working in insurance claims is the best job in the world because…” …it gives you the opportunity make a first-hand difference to people’s lives by providing help and support to them if they have been unfortunate enough to have suffer some form of a loss while also providing an create opportunity to grow and develop a career,

Rebecca Wonnacott

Large loss claims handler, Admiral

What is your favourite pizza topping? Red onion.

What sauce goes best with fries/chips? Vegan mayo.

If you were stranded on a desert island for a fortnight what two things could you just not live without? Phone and earplugs.

What is top of your bucket list? Backpack around South America.

If you had to compete at the Olympics which event? Table tennis. My nana is good at table tennis and plays twice a week. We sometimes play together although, I always lose. She would be able to be my coach and give me great pointers, but I probably wouldn’t get past the qualifiers – but will give it a good go.

Who would play you in a six-part Netflix series based on your life? Alexa Demie, she always gives off good vibes and has great style. I think she would do me justice.

Explain why you have what it takes to survive a zombie apocalypse? First, I have a basement in my house, and I would use that as my hideout. I will stock up on food and bottled water. I would then find likeminded people and create a gang to help hide from the zombies. Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.

Which people [living or dead] would you invite to your dream dinner party? Seth Rogan, David Attenborough, Frank Ocean, Gordon Ramsey and Tupac.

What song would you like to soundtrack your victory at Claims Apprentice 2023 should you win? All I Do is Win by DJ Khaled.

Finally, complete this sentence: “Working in insurance claims is the best job in the world because…” …although it can be tough, I can make a positive impact of people’s lives. I’m able to make a difference when customers lives have been turned upside down. It can be challenging at times but ‘people who like what they do, do it better (Admiral founder Henry Engelhardt)’.