Sr. Claims Specialist

Berkley
US - Connecticut - West Hartford
January 3, 2025

Company Details

Berkley Small Business Solutions (BSB) is committed to providing small business customers with the next generation of small business solutions, including offering operational, underwriting, and marketing opportunities. We offer insurance products to Small Business Owners for transportation and other main street businesses. We leverage underwriting expertise, data, and analytics, and automation for risk assessment, selection, pricing retention. We champion our customers, distribution always seeking a smarter way to provide a more efficient and better user experience.

We are a proud member of W. R. Berkley Corporation, one of the largest commercial lines property casualty insurance holding companies in the United States. With the resources of a large Fortune 500® corporation and the flexibility of a small company, we exclusively work with select independent agents to bring technology solutions that help them build their business.

Responsibilities

The Sr. Claims Specialist position is responsible for handling higher-complexity and severity claims, including litigation and coverage disputes. Role works closely with insureds and stakeholders to ensure timely and accurate claims resolution and provide exceptional customer service.

Customer Service

Act with urgency in establishing initial and subsequent contact with all parties and key stakeholders.
Update appropriate parties as needed, providing new facts as they become available and explaining impact of those facts upon the liability analysis and settlement options.
Collaborate with vendors to ensure timely appraisal and evaluation of damages.

Coverage

Analyze coverage by applying policy information to facts or allegations of each loss.
Prepares coverage, reservation of rights, and disclaimer letters. Continuously reviews coverage analysis as new facts warrant re-evaluation and updates coverage position as needed.
Ensure compliance with jurisdictional requirements, including timeliness of communicating coverage disposition.

Data Integrity

Maintain discipline in securing and updating information throughout the life of the claim.
Ensure data is complete and complies with statutory requirements for reporting.

Reserving

Establish and maintain appropriate initial, subsequent loss, and expense reserves. Ensure supporting rationale for each reserve is documented within the electronic claim file.
Act with urgency in collaborating with internal stakeholders regrading significant changes within claim reserving.
Prepare Large Loss Reports and/or present claim file at roundtables to secure reserve and/or settlement authority.

Investigation

Directly investigate each claim through prompt and strategic contact with appropriate parties including policyholders, witnesses, claimants, law enforcement agencies, agents, medical providers, and technical experts to determine the extent of liability, damages, and contribution potential.
Interview witnesses and stakeholders. Take recorded and/or written statements, as strategically appropriate.
Retain counsel to assist with investigation when prudent to protect investigation.
Evaluate all claims for recovery potential. Directly handle recovery efforts and/or engage and direct Company resources for recovery efforts.

Evaluation and Resolution

Evaluate, negotiate, and settle assigned claims within authority granted, or seeks authority for those claims in excess of authority.
Participate in alternative dispute resolution, e.g., mediation, and/or directly negotiate with parties.
Utilize diary management system to ensure all claims are handled timely and in compliance with jurisd. At required time intervals, evaluate liability and damages exposure.
Manage and direct vendors, i.e. Independent Adjusters, Defense Attorneys, and Coverage Counsel

Knowledge Transfer

Attend and/or present at roundtables for authority and to share technical expertise with others.
Share experience and deep knowledge of creative resolution techniques to improve the claim results of others.
Assist with coaching, training, and mentoring team members.

Industry Trends

Maintain current knowledge of insurance industry trends and challenges, including legal system abuse.
Attend professional and/or continuing educational seminars and classes.

May perform other functions as assigned

Qualifications

AIC, CPCU, or other industry designation preferred
Complies with state adjuster licensing, where applicable, countrywide. Licenses must be obtained within 90 days of hire.
Minimum of 5 years of claim handling experience; trucking experience preferred.
Strong problem-solving and organizational skills.
Computer proficiency, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office products.
Demonstrated working knowledge of claim regulations and laws in applicable jurisdictions.

Education

College degree or relevant experience.

Additional Company Details

*** The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer We do not accept any unsolicited resumes from external recruiting agencies or firms. The company offers a competitive compensation plan and robust benefits package for full time regular employees. 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.

Additional Requirements

Travel: Business related travel as required for claim handling and/or education conferences.

Read the full job description and apply online on the recuiter's web-site

Sr. Claims Specialist