Claims Specialist I - Property Weather

Nationwide Mutual Insurance•Columbus, OH

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Nationwide is hiring a Claims Specialist I to support Field Property and manage personal lines weather-related property claims from start to finish. The role investigates and resolves claims by phone and/or virtually, including reviewing, adjusting, and paying property damage claims. The specialist evaluates damage, determines policy coverage, communicates coverage decisions and expectations to customers, and makes timely decisions using vendor estimates, independent adjusters, and self-written assessments. The work requires clear, empathetic communication in difficult customer conversations, emotional resilience, and the ability to de-escalate tense situations while guiding customers through complex claims processes. The specialist manages reserves, documents claim activity, follows internal standards and regulatory requirements, and collaborates with teams such as Special Investigations and Subrogation to identify fraud and recovery opportunities. The role requires keeping current on repair practices, local market pricing, insurance guidelines, policy changes, and relevant legal developments. It is a fast-paced, customer-facing position involving independent work, multiple concurrent claims, and changing priorities. Applicants are sought in the Columbus, Ohio metro area. The position is office-based for the first 12 months. Training hours are 8:00 AM–4:30 PM ET, Monday through Friday; after training, schedules may vary according to business needs and manager assignment, generally between 8:00 AM and 5:30 PM ET. Catastrophe duty is required and may involve working 12-hour days for up to 21 consecutive days, including weekends and holidays. The role is exempt and not eligible for overtime.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience preferred.
State licensing where required.
Successful completion of required or applicable claims certification training and classes.
Ability to meet customer needs and provide exemplary, meaningful service.
Analytical skills to make decisions and resolve issues involving coverage, jurisdictional laws, policy exclusions and exceptions, and vendor management.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-based environment.
Organizational skills to prioritize and manage claims workloads effectively.
Strong written and verbal communication skills for communicating with policyholders, claimants, repairpersons, attorneys, agents, and the general public.
Ability to operate a personal computer and software for claims-related and other business applications.
Availability for required catastrophe duty, including potentially working 12-hour days for up to 21 consecutive days and extended periods that may include weekends and holidays.
Ability to work in an office environment and use a telephone headset during calls.
Valid credit check and/or background check as part of the selection process.

Nice To Haves

One to three years of related claims-handling or construction experience.
Customer service experience, including a flexible work schedule and extended hours.
General knowledge of insurance theory, practices, contracts, and their application.
Familiarity with claims processing, claims systems, construction terminology, estimating practices, and best claims practices.
Flexibility of schedule.

Responsibilities

Deliver outstanding customer service to internal, external, current, and prospective Nationwide customers while maintaining professional conduct.
Handle assigned weather claims promptly and effectively, with moderate direction and oversight.
Make decisions within delegated authority and applicable company policies and procedures.
Use the Property Repair Network, independent adjusters, and self-written estimates to investigate and assess claims.
When assigned, lead vendors or independent adjusters; review their estimates and explain the scope of work to customers.
Open, close, and adjust reserves in accordance with company practices to ensure reserve adequacy.
Determine accurate policy coverage and investigate, evaluate, settle, and finalize assigned weather property claims and supplements using appropriate claims methodologies.
Initiate and conduct claim follow-ups using claims systems and related business systems.
Maintain knowledge of assigned insurance lines, court decisions, current guidelines, and policy changes; attend seminars or training as needed.
Maintain current knowledge of local industry repair procedures and market pricing.
Submit severe incident reports, reinsurance reports, and other weather-claim information to claims management as needed.
Partner with Special Investigation Unit and Subrogation to identify fraud and subrogation opportunities.
Assist with or prepare claim files for lawsuits, trials, or subrogation.
Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Life insurance.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
Paid time off, with newly hired associates receiving at least 18 days per full calendar year, prorated quarterly based on hire date.
Nine paid holidays.
Eight hours of Lifetime paid time off.
Eight hours of Unity Day paid time off.
401(k) with company match.
Company-paid pension plan.
Business casual attire.