Catastrophe Field Claims Specialist

Catastrophe Field Claims Specialist - The AAA Auto-Club Group

This catastrophe field claims specialist will cover territories in Detroit Michigan, Chicago Illinois, or Minneapolis Minnesota. Eligible candidates must live within commutable areas of these locations for consideration.

Reports to: Claim Manager as appropriate

What you will do:

Work under minimal supervision with a high-level approval authority to handle complex technical issues and complex claims.

Claim handling responsibilities will include the following: reviewing assigned claims, contacting the insured and other affected parties, setting expectations for the remainder of the claim process, and initiating documentation in the claim handling system. Complete complex coverage analysis. Ensure all possible policyholder benefits are identified. Create additional sub-claims if needed. Complete an investigation of the facts regarding the claim to further and in more detail determine if the claim should be paid, the applicable limits or exclusions and possible recovery potential. Conduct thorough reviews of damages and determine the applicability of state law and other factors related to the claim. Evaluate the financial value of the loss. Approve payments for the appropriate parties accordingly. Refer claims to other company units when necessary (e.g., Underwriting, Recovery Units or Claims Special Investigation Unit). Thoroughly document and/or code the claim file and complete all claim closure and related activities in the assigned claims management system. Utilize strong negotiating skills.

Employees assigned to Auto Physical Damage ("APD") claim unit will handle complex claims involving settling Total Losses, inspecting vehicles and preparing estimates of damage. If in the DRS Examiner role, manage Direct Repair Shops for compliance with our program. Additional responsibilities may include the following: determining cause of damage, establishing liability, and identifying subrogation potential. Monitor repairs and approve car rental expense. Oversee APD Litigation cases. Manage the litigation process including attorney and budget management, participation in mediation activities and determining the appropriate settlement position. May assist Claim Manager with file reviews and training.

Claim Specialists assigned to Homeowner/CAT claim unit handle claims valued over $25,000 (for the inside desk role) and over $100,000 (for field role). Investigate claims requiring in-depth coverage analysis. When handling claims in the field, must prepare damage estimates using claims software. Review estimates for accuracy. May monitor contractor repair status. May assist Claim Manager with file reviews and training.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

How you will benefit:

• A competitive yearly salary between $67,000 - $80,000
• ACG offers excellent and comprehensive benefits packages, including:
• Medical, dental and vision benefits
• 401k Match
• Paid parental leave and adoption assistance
• Paid Time Off (PTO), company paid holidays, CEO days, and floating holidays
• Paid volunteer day annually
• Tuition assistance program, professional certification reimbursement program and other professional development opportunities
• AAA Membership
• Discounts, perks, and rewards and much more!

Required Qualifications:

• Complete ACG Claim Representative Training Program or demonstrate equivalent knowledge or experience
• In states where an Adjuster's license is required, the candidate must be eligible to acquire a State Adjuster's license within 90 days of hire and maintain as specified for appropriate states.
• Must have a valid State Driver's License

Experience:

• Three years of experience or equivalent training in the following:
• negotiation of claim settlements
• securing and evaluating evidence
• preparing manual and electronic estimates
• subrogation claims
• resolving coverage questions
• taking statements
• establishing clear evaluation and resolution plans for claims

Knowledge and Skills:

• Advanced knowledge of:
• Essential Insurance Act (Michigan)
• Fair Trade Practices Act as it relates to claims
• subrogation procedures and processes
• intercompany arbitration
• handling simple litigation
• advanced knowledge of building construction and repair techniques

• handle claims to the line Claim Handling Standards
• follow and apply ACG Claim policies, procedures and guidelines
• work within assigned ACG Claim systems including basic PC software
• perform basic claim file review and investigations
• demonstrate effective communication skills (verbal and written)
• demonstrate customer service skills by building and maintaining relationships with insureds/claimants while exhibiting understanding of their problems and responding to questions and concerns
• analyze and solve problems while demonstrating sound decision making skills
• prioritize claim related functions
• process time sensitive data and information from multiple sources
• manage time, organize and plan work load and responsibilities
• safely operate a motor vehicle in order to visit repair facilities, homes (for inspections), patients, etc.
• research analyze and interpret subrogation laws in various states
• travel outside of assigned territory which may involve overnight stay
• relocate, work evenings or weekends

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education:
• Associate degree in Business Administration, Insurance or a related field or the equivalent in related work experience
• Completion of the Insurance Institute of America's: General Insurance Program, Associate in Claims, Associate in Management or equivalent
• CPCU coursework or designation
• Xactware Training
• 1-2 years of full cycle homeowners claims handling experience
• Experience handling personal property and additional living expense claims
• Experience with internal water loss, fire, and smoke claims

• Walk on roofs
• Climb ladders
• Lift up to 25 pounds

Work Environment

This position is currently able to work remotely from a home office location for day-to-day operations, with traveling to field locations as necessary to complete job responsibilities, unless occasional team building activities is specified by leadership. This is subject to change based on amendments and/or modifications to the ACG Flex Work policy.