Large Property Loss Claim Specialist, Michigan & Ohio

Hastings Mutual is currently looking for a Property Claim Specialist to join its Large Loss Claim Team! This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced property claim professional located in Michigan or Ohio to provide responsive and consultative-level responses for large Loss Claims throughout our operating territory. 

The Large Loss Claim Specialist investigates, evaluates, and resolves complex, large-scale property claims within the Company’s contractual and legal obligations while providing quality service and ensuring appropriate payments to our customers. A remote-based position, the individual in this role will handle claims in Michigan and Ohio, however, will be required to travel to all of our operating states (Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin) as needed*. Generally, this position will work within our standard office hours of Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm. However, due to the nature of the business, work outside of these hours does take place. 

The scope of claims this role will handle moderate to severe and complex commercial, farm, and personal line claims, typically having exposures exceeding $100,000 and/or being of a complex nature and/or involving non-standard coverages. Managing an annual claim volume of approximately 50-100 claims, the Large Loss Specialist controls significant legal expenses and regularly contacts and interacts with defense and plaintiff attorneys, agents, insureds, experts, vendors, and other internal and external customers.

*Given the territory this position will service, the individual in this role must reside in Michigan or Ohio. A company vehicle, laptop, cell phone, etc. are provided. 

• Manages a personal caseload of claims, which may include litigation, to ensure the proper adjudication or settlement of those claims.
• Facilitates the claim process and resolves claims in a timely manner by initiating and maintaining positive and productive communications with all customers.
  • Appropriately reviews and applies coverage/compensability for all claims.
  • Minimal independent, outside coverage analysis only as approved by the Manager or Director.
• Investigates, evaluates, and settles claims within the scope of the company’s contractual and legal obligations to ensure that settlements are fair and equitable to the insured, the claimant, and the company.
• Utilizes all appropriate loss and expense savings programs and directs the activities of outside vendors to ensure only necessary and cost-effective work is accomplished.
• Accurately and thoroughly documents all claim files in the Claim system of record to substantiate the disposition of the claim and minimize the possibility of erroneous payments.
• Establishes and maintains appropriate case reserves sufficient to fund the payment of the claim once it is resolved, whether through settlement, litigation, or arbitration.
• Identifies potential fraud and refers to the appropriate authority.
• Interacts with surveillance companies, independent adjusters, and special investigators.
• Coordinates relevant claim information with Loss Control, Underwriting, Marketing, etc., to maximize the company’s effectiveness.
• Serves as a technical resource for other adjusters on coverage issues, reserves, exposure, settlement value, and strategy when appropriate.
  • May assist in departmental training.
• When requested, provide guidance and work delegation in the absence of the Claim Supervisor.
• Participates in special projects and committees.
• Actively participates in professional development, i.e. continuing education or self-improvement.
• Other duties as assigned by leadership, either verbally or in writing.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent insurance education and work experience are required.
• Ten years minimum of increasing claim experience, with a minimum of five years in commercial claims and three years working with files in litigation.
• Professional designations such as Associate in Claims (AIC), Senior Claim Law Associate (SCLA), or Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), or be actively working towards a designation.
• An ability to travel, including overnight travel, to claim sites is required.
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication ability.
• Ability to work effectively both independently as well as in a team.
• Demonstrated customer service skills.
• Demonstrated critical thinking skills and the ability to be decisive.
• Ability to effectively manage conflict.
• Ability to organize and facilitate training.
• Good time management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and complete work and/or projects effectively.