Telephone Property Claims Adjuster/Specialist

Full time

Posted: 03/02/2023

Grinnell, IA

Brielle Beck

Brielle.Beck@grinnellmutual.com

Description

Investigates claims, negotiates settlements, and authorizes payments to customers for casualty and property losses covered by a Grinnell Mutual policy to reach a fair and equitable settlement. Acts as company representative during the claims process providing service primarily via telephone and e-mail.

This position is for Commercial Property claims and can work from any of the approved states.

Responsibilities

Provides the highest level of service to all customers who include policy holders, claimants, agents, loss control, underwriting, peers, and in-house telephone claims representatives.
Investigates the facts of assigned property and casualty claims to determine coverages, damages, and negligence in a timely and efficient manner as outlined in Grinnell Mutual claims procedures.
Gathers supporting data such as appraisals, interviews, police reports, medical bills, and statements related to the claim, utilizing telephone and written correspondence. In consultation with manager, enlists the assistance of a field adjuster for additional on-the-scene information related to claim when required for the claim, e.g. photos, measurements, etc.
Evaluates potential financial risk to the company and sets reserves based on current exposure. Updates reserves based on additional data or facts gathered.
Settles claims in a fair and equitable manner based on policy coverages and the information gathered during the investigation, without exceeding individual authority. Consults with manager proactively if settlement has potential to exceed authority limit. Provides recommendations and requests additional authority as appropriate.
Ensures that checks/drafts are issued and that liability releases are obtained in a timely manner to assist with efficiently closing claims.
Maintains a complete and well documented file in order to support the decisions and settlement of the claim.
Operates in accordance with applicable federal and individual state’s fair claim practices and regulations. Stays current with changing legislation, shares knowledge with co-workers and managers, and applies information as appropriate.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree (B.A) from four-year accredited college or university and two years property/casualty claims experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience. AIC or SCLA designation preferred.
Ability to demonstrate good interpersonal, active listening and customer service skills to bring claim to a resolution in a timely manner following Grinnell Mutual claims procedures. Includes being familiar with facts, patient, resistant to stress, persistent, empathetic, and decisive.
Ability to professionally present information and respond to questions in one-on-one or group settings. Communication may be via the telephone phone, in person, or in written correspondence.
Ability to think logically and make decisions regarding claim investigation using personal judgment, experience, and known facts and figures while following claims procedures to determine coverages, negligence, and damages.
Ability to organize work, determine priorities, and meet deadlines established by claims guidelines while incurring frequent interruptions.
Ability to read, analyze, interpret, and apply insurance terminology while reading/reviewing contracts, business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations to daily work.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as interest, proportions, and percentages.
Ability to work harmoniously with co-employees including managers and interact with customers and the general public in a tactful and courteous manner.
Ability to maintain regular and predictable schedule to meet the needs of our customers and provide adequate coverage during our core business hours.
Ability to operate basic office equipment, including computers, utilizing specialized claims applications, and Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license is preferred to allow flexibility to travel on occasion to claim sites or professional development opportunities.