Property Damage Specialist

First Acceptance•Memphis, TN

1d•Remote

About The Position

As a Property Damage Specialist, you will be responsible for investigating, evaluating, negotiating, disposing, and settling specialized auto and/or renters property claims and determining legal liability, damages, and coverage. Assigned specialty claims may involve adverse subrogation received on a single-vehicle or multiple-vehicle losses, uninsured/underinsured PD motorist claims, auto fire and theft claims, personal property and personal liability renters’ claims, and/or complex coverage issues requiring direct involvement in property damage claim handling with minimal supervision. The position develops all potential exposures in the file and properly sets expense and indemnity reserves. The property damage specialist is responsible to protect our Insured and the Company’s financial exposures.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Minimum of two (2) years of property claims handling experience or related fields.
Exceptional evaluation and judgment skills are required.
Must possess strong customer service skills and behaviors.
Ability to make decisions in an informed, confident, and timely manner.
Ability to maintain constructive working relationships despite differing perspectives.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Ability to negotiate skillfully in difficult situations with both internal and external groups.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, which promotes and facilitates free and open communication.
Understanding of applicable statutes, regulations, and case law.
Critical thinking skills and ability to anticipate, recognize, identify, and develop solutions to problems promptly.
Ability to easily adapt to new or different changing situations, requirements, or priorities.
Demonstrated ability to cultivate an environment of teamwork and collaboration.
Ability to work independently and operate with latitude for un-reviewed action or decisions.
Computer proficiency (MS Office, excel, word, etc.).
Must have or secure and maintain appropriate state adjuster license(s) and continuing education credits.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred or equivalent experience
Experience with subrogation laws and platforms such as Arbitration Forums preferred.
Experience with renters or homeowners and other personal liability exposures preferred.
Experience with auto fire or theft investigations preferred.

Responsibilities

Plans and conducts investigations, including but not limited to, interviewing parties involved, collecting and evaluating documentation, securing evidence and protecting the chain-of-custody, determining inspection needs, ordering police reports, scene investigation, taking witness statements, obtaining affidavits, and contents sheets, and reviewing damage photos.
Analyzes coverage and determines liability, compensability, and the extent of damages.
Assumes responsibility for assigned claims, including attorney-represented and non-represented parties, for both first- and third-party claimants.
Demonstrates a high level of investigation, analysis, evaluation, and negotiation, including interpretation of coverages.
Adheres to proper procedures relating to inspection and evaluation of property damage claims and making recommendations for the disposition of claims more than individual settlement authority.
Evaluates policy coverage contact insureds, claimants, attorneys, body shops, and/or other insurance carriers while determining and establishing reserve requirements.
Document computer log with results of review and intentions for handling.
Compiles information for decision-making with a discussion of the claims committee where appropriate.
Maintains accurate records and handles administrative responsibilities associated with processing and payment of claims, records and updates status notes, and documents results of contacts per best practices.
Determines the need for independent adjusters, cause and origin experts, economists, accident re-constructionists, and engineers.
Responds timely and appropriately to all settlement demands.
Keeps internal and external customers advised of file status and other matters, as required.
Evaluates claims for potential fraud and works with Special Investigations Unit, as required.
Assesses actual damages associated with claims and conduct negotiations to settle claims.
Determines if subrogation exists and takes steps necessary to initiate recovery efforts.
Works seamlessly between multiple claim systems and platforms.
Performs other duties as assigned.