Claims Specialist II - E & S

UFG is seeking a Claims Specialist whose will be primarily responsible for investigating evaluating negotiating and settling low to moderate complexity claims within E&S. This position requires extensive experience in claims handling. This position is responsible for conducting timely and thorough investigations verifies applicable coverages analyzes liability evaluates damages for reserve and settlement and negotiates claims to resolution in accordance with claims best practices.

The Claims Specialist 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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Review new claims assignments to determine the nature of the claim and action required.
• Review and interpret applicable policy coverages. If coverage issues are present draft detailed coverage disclaimer or Reservation of Rights.
• Make prompt meaningful contact with insureds claimants witnesses and other parties of interest.
• Conduct a timely and thorough investigation to identify liability exposures and damages through securing recorded
• statements compiling and reviewing investigation reports reviewing property damage estimates and/or proofs and securing and reviewing other evidence where the investigation leads you and in accordance with claims best practices.
• Document all file activity through detailed file notes and prepare reports for the claim file per claims best practice guidelines.
• Evaluate damages and recommend reserves per reserve timeliness and accuracy guidelines.
• Develop and execute negotiation strategies and proactively push claims towards resolution.
• Activelyidentify subrogationpotential and posture claim for successful subrogation recovery.
• Identify risk transfer opportunities and exposures.
• Draft tender letters and place all potential parties on notice.
• Vet select and retain experts when necessary and approved. Remain aware of and apply expense management initiatives.
• Transmit detailed Reinsurance reporting.
• Inform underwriting of increased hazards or unusual circumstances concerninga risk or policy exposure.
• Participate in company sponsored educational programs and other educational opportunities to develop knowledge and skill.
• Participate in various claims committees to drive claims initiatives.
• Participate in company sponsored educational programs and other educational opportunities to develop knowledge and skill.

E&S Specific:

On primary (specialty) files:

• Conduct investigation and determine if an attempt to resolve the suit prior to assignment to defense counsel is appropriate.
• Vet and retain appropriate defense counsel for the claim.
• Collaborate with defense counsel on case strategy and action plan documented in the lit plan and budget.
• Actively manage the claim file and defense counsel to execute on the agreed plan proactively pushing the claim to resolution.
• Document all file activity through detailed file notes and prepare reports for the claim file per claims best practice guidelines.
• Evaluate damages and recommend reserves per reserve timeliness and accuracy guidelines.
• Develop and execute negotiation strategies and proactively push claims towards resolution.
• Activelyidentify subrogationpotential and posture claim for successful subrogation recovery.
• Identify risk transfer opportunities and exposures. Draft tender letters and place all potential parties on notice.
• Work with defense counsel in vetting selecting and retaining experts when necessary. Be constantly aware of and apply expense management initiatives.
• Notify insured of key developments and demands throughout the case and communicate with the agency and underwriting regarding significant shifts in exposure.
• Review fee statements and negotiate adjustments in accordance with UFG billing guidelines.

On excess files:

• Investigate coverage and determine our limits and attachment point. Draft appropriate coverage position letters.
• Evaluate and understand priority of coverage rules of the subject jurisdiction.
• Determine if monitoring or coverage counsel is necessary and if so escalate request for same to supervisor.
• Monitor the underlying carriers handling of the file and insist on being copied on defense counsels reports participating in strategy sessions and other discussions.
• Inform underwriting of increased hazards or unusual circumstances concerninga risk or policy exposure.
• Participate in company sponsored educational programs and other educational opportunities to develop knowledge and skill.
• Participate in various claims committees to drive claims initiatives.

Job Specifications:

Education:

• High school diploma.
• College degree preferred.

Certifications/Designations:

• Meet the appropriate state licensing requirements to handle claims.
• CPCU AIC SCLA or Legal Principles CCLA and PCLA of the AEI series preferred or to be completed within 2 years of hire.

Experience:

• 3 years (Property/Casualty) claims handling experience.

Working Conditions:

• General Office Environment.
• Occasional travel may be required.

Knowledge skills & abilities:

• Ability to determine coverage risk transfer liability and bodily injury evaluation for reserves and settlement.
• Knowledge of claims handling best practices.
• Knowledge of unfair claims practices/bad faith.
• Working knowledge of various lines of policy coverages.
• Continuous knowledge of applicable laws regulations and venue.
• Knowledge of fraud indicators.
• Knowledge surrounding civil procedure.
• Strong communication skills.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties responsibilities and skills required. Additional task and requirements may be assigned as necessitated by business need. UFG retains the right to modify the description of this job at any time.

Required Experience:

Unclear Seniority