Complex Claims Specialist

Vela Insurance Services provides specialized Excess and Surplus Lines Casualty and Professional Liability insurance solutions in the following market segments: Construction, Specialty Casualty, & Professional Liability. We offer national service and local knowledge to our exclusive wholesale broker network and the businesses they serve.

Responsibilities

• Investigate, evaluate, negotiate, and resolve complex and high-exposure litigated and non-litigated claims across bodily injury, property damage, personal and advertising injury, and professional liability lines.
• Analyze coverage, identify coverage issues, and prepare coverage letters for supervisor approval.
• Investigate and evaluate liability and damages.
• Manage litigation by assigning counsel from the approved panel where applicable, establishing litigation plans and budgets, coordinating with defense counsel, and continuously reviewing the potential for resolution.
• Establish timely reserves within authority and re-evaluate throughout the life of the claim.
• Maintain up-to-date, appropriate file documentation and written file notes.
• Maintain an active diary and productive file inventory.
• Timely complete all required large loss reporting.
• Negotiate settlements within authority limits and attend mediations, Mandatory Settlement Conferences, and/or Alternative Dispute Resolutions.
• Proactively control the work product and expense of outside vendors.
• Develop and maintain positive customer relationships and provide superior customer service.
• Timely identify all potential opportunities for co-insurance, transfer of risk, and/or subrogation.
• Work with designated assigned accounts.
• Recognize and investigate fraud.
• Comply with deductible/self-insured retention recovery protocol.
• Meet all State licensing requirements.
• Adhere to all statutory regulations, Unfair Claims Practices acts, and corporate Best Practices.
• Serve as mentor for claims associates and provide technical advice.
• Assist management with administrative tasks as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Eight (8) or more years of claims handling experience or equivalent experience.
• In-depth knowledge of the insurance industry, including legal and regulatory environments.
• Specific knowledge and expertise in New York Labor law and construction-related claims (preferred).
• Four (4) year college degree, or commensurate experience and training.
• JD preferred.
• Industry designations preferred (e.g., CRIS, AIC, SCLA).
• New York adjuster’s license a plus.

We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third party recruiting agencies or firms.

Benefits

• Base Salary Range: $135,000 - $150,000. The actual salary for this position will be determined by a number of factors, including the scope, complexity and location of the role; the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; and other conditions of employment.
• Eligible to participate in the annual discretionary bonus program.
• Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, Wellness, Paid Time Off, 401(k) and Profit-Sharing plans.

Sponsorship

Sponsorship not offered for this role.