Property Claims Representative

JOB SUMMARY: Investigates and properly resolves personal lines property claims via telephone or face-to-face investigation or negotiation. Responsible for the handling and disposition of claims in accordance within prescribed authority and adhering to best claims practices.

LOCATION: Property Casualty Claims Standard
RELATIONSHIP: Reports to Claims Manager

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Determines proper policy coverages, and where necessary applies best claims practices to investigate, evaluate, negotiate and equitably settle all assigned property claims cases in accordance with company policies and procedures at values commensurate with damages sustained. Adheres to high standards of professional conduct while providing the delivery of superior claims service.

2. Plans and executes all time schedules necessary to promptly and effectively conclude all assigned cases.

3. Authorizes and/or approves all claims payments within the delegated authority or within the maximum limits as outlined in company policies and procedures.

4. Prepares and submits initial and follow-up reports of findings and action taken on each assigned claim in conformity with established procedures. Uses and maintains all claims systems and related business systems.

5. Assists or prepares files for suit, trial, or subrogation.

6. Submits expense reports and other administrative reports as required.

7. Maintains current knowledge of local industry repair procedures and local market pricing.

8. Cooperates with sales and underwriting in the acquisition and preservation of desirable risks.

9. Properly maintains all assigned company equipment.

10. Performs all other duties as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Education/Knowledge: Undergraduate degree preferred. State licensing where required. Pursuit of technical insurance coursework work such as CPCU desirable. Successful completion of required claims certification schools. General knowledge of insurance theory and practices, and contracts and their application. Property estimating and automated claims systems.

Experience: One year related property claims handling experience. Experience in a customer service environment including flexible work schedules and extended work hours highly desirable.

Skills: Analytical skills necessary to make decisions and resolve conflict in such areas as application of coverages to submitted claims, application of laws of jurisdiction to investigatory facts, application of policy exclusions and exceptions. Organizational skills to effectively prioritize work. Written and verbal communication skills for contact and/or negotiation with policyholders, claimants, repairpersons, attorneys, agents, and the general public. Ability to efficiently operate personal computer and software for claims-related and other business applications.
Staffing exceptions to the above minimum job requirements must be approved by: Claims Director and Human Resources Representative

JOB CONDITIONS:
Overtime Eligibility: Not Eligible (Exempt).
Working Conditions: Field claims environment. May require ability to sit and operate telephone and personal computer for extended periods of time. Representatives may be required to operate an automobile and have a valid driver's license with a safe driving record. Must be able to make physical inspections of property loss sites. Must be able to climb ladders, balance at various heights, stoop, bend, and/or crawl to inspect vehicles and structures. Must be able to work out of doors in all types of weather. Must be willing to work irregular hours and to travel with possible overnight requirements. Must be available to work catastrophes (CAT) requiring travel to CAT sites with multiple onsite responsibilities and/or for extended periods of time. Extended and/or non-standard hours as required.

ADA: The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some people assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties.

Credit Check: Due to the fiduciary accountabilities within this job, a valid credit check and/or background check will be required as part of the selection process.