Claims Specialist I - Property Weather

Nationwide•Columbus, OH

3d•$49,100 - $73,700•Onsite

About The Position

The Claims Specialist I supports Field Property by investigating and resolving personal lines weather claims by phone and/or virtually, including reviewing, adjusting, and paying property damage claims. The role manages claims from start to finish, evaluates damages, determines policy coverage, makes timely decisions, manages reserves, documents claim activity, and ensures compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements. Decisions are made with moderate direction and oversight within delegated authority, using resources such as the Property Repair Network, independent adjusters, vendor estimates, and self-written assessments. The position is customer-facing and requires clear, empathetic communication about coverage decisions and difficult outcomes, along with the ability to de-escalate tense conversations and guide customers through stressful claims. The specialist manages multiple claims, follows up using claims and business systems, and collaborates with teams such as Special Investigation Unit and Subrogation to identify fraud or recovery opportunities. Keeping current with insurance guidelines, court decisions, repair practices, and local market pricing is important. The role is based in the Columbus, Ohio metro area. New hires are expected to work in the office for the first 12 months. Training hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday; afterward, schedules may vary according to business needs and manager assignment, generally between 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Catastrophe duty is required and may involve 12-hour days for up to 21 consecutive days, including extended periods, weekends, or holidays. The work takes place in an office environment and involves prolonged sitting at a computer, extensive keyboard use, and telephone calls using a headset.

Requirements

State licensing where required.
Successful completion of required or applicable claims certification training or classes.
Ability to provide exemplary customer service and meet customer needs.
Analytical ability 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 and prioritize and manage a claims workload 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 12-hour days for up to 21 consecutive days; extended hours, weekends, and holidays may be involved.
Ability to work in an office environment with prolonged computer sitting, extensive keyboard use, and telephone calls using a headset.
A valid credit check and/or background check is required as part of the selection process.
Work in the office for the first 12 months of the role.

Nice To Haves

Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience.
One to three years of related claims-handling or construction experience.
Customer service experience, including experience with flexible schedules 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 service to internal and external customers and maintain professional conduct.
Handle assigned weather claims promptly and effectively, making decisions within delegated authority and company policies.
Use the Property Repair Network, independent adjusters, vendors, and self-written estimates to evaluate and adjust claims.
When assigned, lead vendors or independent adjusters, review their proposed estimates, and explain the scope of work to customers.
Open, close, and adjust reserves in accordance with company practices to ensure reserve adequacy.
Determine coverage and investigate, evaluate, settle, and finalize weather property claims and supplements using appropriate claims methodologies.
Initiate and conduct claim follow-ups using claims and related business systems.
Maintain knowledge of assigned insurance lines, relevant court decisions, guidelines, and policy changes; attend seminars or training as needed.
Maintain current knowledge of local 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 recovery opportunities; assist with or prepare files for lawsuits, trials, or subrogation.
Perform other responsibilities as assigned.
Work catastrophe assignments, which may include extended hours, weekends, and holidays.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Life insurance.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
Paid time off, with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 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.