Claims Associate - Auto Property Damage

About the role

The Auto Property Damage Claims Associate is responsible for managing Auto Property Damage claims within our “Auto PD Claim Unit.” This role demands a high level of customer service, patience, and professionalism while working in a fast-paced environment with significant phone interaction. Strong customer service, organizational, verbal, and written communication skills are essential. The ability to navigate adversarial situations with professionalism is critical. Comparative negligence claim handling experience is a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

• Policy Analysis: Investigate and interpret policy provisions, endorsements, and conditions to determine coverage for automobile property claims. Identify and investigate contested coverage claims that may require a roundtable discussion.
• Claim Investigation: Investigate auto accidents to assess liability by interviewing first- and third-party claimants, witnesses, investigating officers, and other relevant parties. Secure and analyze pertinent records, documentation, and loss scene information to determine proximate cause, negligence, and damages.
• Claims Management: Evaluate and adjust reserves as necessary. Prepare dispatch instructions for field personnel to inspect vehicles. Negotiate and settle claims within individual authority limits and seek supervisor approval for claims exceeding authority or requiring additional guidance. Maintain effective follow-up systems on pending files, advising insureds, claimants, and brokers on claim status. Act as an intermediary between the company, preferred vendors, and customers to resolve disputes. Ensure adherence to privacy guidelines, laws, and regulations in claims handling.
• Subrogation and Legal Handling: Investigate and initiate subrogation processes when applicable. Handle and respond to special civil part lawsuits or intercompany arbitrations related to auto property damage claims.
• Administrative Duties: Manage a customer-focused phone environment by answering calls, returning voicemails, and responding to emails and text correspondence promptly. Process incoming and outgoing mail timely and in accordance with state guidelines. Complete other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Education

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• A minimum of 1 year of related PD claim experience is welcomed but not required.
• Proficiency in personal computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and customer service skills.