Claims Specialist III - Field

UFG is currently hiring for a Claims Specialist III - Field position which is a senior level advanced position primarily responsible for investigating, evaluating, and settling property claims within an assigned territory.  This position is responsible for conducting timely and thorough investigations, verifies applicable coverages, analyzes applicable coinsurance and deductible, estimates damages and evaluates for reserve and settlement, and brings claims to a resolution in accordance with claims best practices.

The Claims Rep lll - Field position promotes a positive work environment encouraging their team members to be the best they can be and are willing to take on additional challenges as needed. They buy into a strong service mentality for both internal and external customers. This position requires a high EQ, strong soft skills and technical skills, strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently and effectively.

The ideal candidate for this role must live in or around Abilene, TX

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Review new claims assignment to determine the nature and severity of the claim and action required.
• Review and interpret applicable policy coverages. If coverage issues are present review with leader or mentor for proper course of action.
• Make prompt, meaningful contact with insureds, witnesses and other parties of interest.
• Conduct field investigations for assigned claims.
• Conduct a timely and thorough investigation to identify risks/exposures and damages through securing recorded statements, compile and review investigation reports and securing and reviewing other evidence where the investigation leads you and in accordance with claims best practices.
• Vet, select and retain experts when necessary and approved. Be constantly aware of and apply expense management initiatives.
• Complete building evaluation ITV based on Property Guideline to determine if coinsurance is applicable
• Determine scope of damage and prepare an estimate using Xactimate. Duties include site inspection, diagram, and photographs.
• Negotiate with contractors or repair facilities regarding the extent of damage and method of repair
• Evaluate damages and recommend reserves per reserve timeliness and accuracy guidelines.
• Document all file activity through detailed file notes and prepare reports for the claim file per claims best practice guidelines.
• Determine and communicate coverage decisions with all relevant parties.
• Inform underwriting if increased hazards or unusual circumstances concerning a risk/policy exposure.
• Resolution of claims through effectively negotiating, settling and/or denial.
• Actively identify subrogation potential and posture claim for successful subrogation recovery.
• Foster and maintain relationships with underwriting, risk control, marketing and the independent agency force.
• Participate in continuing educational programs and other educational opportunities to develop knowledge and skill.
• Participate in various claims committees to drive claims initiatives.
• Mentor other Claims Specialists to further their development and skills.

Job Specifications:

Education:

• College degree preferred

Certifications/Designations:

• AIC, SCLA or Legal Principles, CCLA and PCLA of the AEI series, or CPCU to be completed in 2 years.
• Meet the appropriate state licensing laws required to handle claims

Experience:

• 7-10 years claims handling experience

Knowledge:

• Claims best practices
• Unfair claims practices/bad faith
• Various lines of policy coverage
• Knowledge of venue and regulations
• Basic legal terminology
• Working knowledge of safety procedures

Skills:

• Ability to read, comprehend and interpret policy language, endorsements, and contracts while applying them to the claim.
• Analytical ability to determine coverage, complete building evaluation and calculate coinsurance for reserves and settlement.
• Negotiation skills, human relations skills, analytical skills, organization skills.
• Ability to concisely document information into appropriate file notes and reports.

Working Conditions:

• Field assignments are assigned regularly.
• Some exposure to high stress/fast paced environment.
• Travel required as needed to complete assignments.
• Lifting/carrying up to 50lbs regularly.
• Required to climb ladders/roofs while in the field.
• Company vehicle and safety equipment assigned to persons in this role.
• Incumbents may be required to work irregular hours to complete claim assignments, evenings and/or weekends. May require overnight travel, including assignments to catastrophe adjusting teams-sometimes on short notice.

Pay Transparency:

UFG Insurance is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The base salary range for this position is $71,598 - $94,396 annually, which represents the typical range for new hires in this role. Individual pay within this range will be determined based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, education, certifications, skills, internal equity, geography and market data.

In addition to base salary, UFG Insurance offers a comprehensive total rewards package that includes:

• Annual incentive compensation
• Medical, dental, vision & life insurance
• Accident, critical Illness & short-term disability insurance
• Retirement plans with employer contributions
• Generous time-off program
• Programs designed to support the employee well-being and financial security.

This pay range disclosure is provided in accordance with applicable state and local pay transparency laws.