Catastrophe Field Claims Specialist

Position Overview

Job Type: Full time
Exempt/Non Exempt: Salary

Location Details: Detroit, Michigan;
Chicago, Illinois;
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Position Schedule / Shift: Hybrid – Field schedule Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM EST – 5:30 PM EST. Some weekend hours may be required based on work assignments.

Make a meaningful impact when people need it most. As a Catastrophe Field Claims Specialist, you ll be on the front lines helping customers recover after catastrophic events by conducting on-site inspections, evaluating damage, and guiding them through the claims process. This role combines problem-solving, relationship-building, and travel, offering the opportunity to deliver exceptional service while helping communities rebuild and move forward.

• Reviewing assigned claims
• Contacting the insured and other affected parties
• Setting expectations for the remainder of the claim process, and initiating documentation in the claim handling system
• Complete complex coverage analysis
• Ensure all possible policyholder benefits are identified
• Create additional sub-claims if needed
• Complete an investigation of the facts regarding the claim to determine if the claim should be paid the applicable limits or exclusions and possible recovery potential
• Conduct thorough reviews of damages and determine the applicability of state law and other factors related to the claim
• Evaluate the financial value of the loss
• Approve payments for the appropriate parties accordingly
• Refer claims to other company units when necessary (e.g., Underwriting, Recovery Units or Claims Special Investigation Unit)
• Thoroughly document and/or code the claim file and complete all claim closure and related activities in the assigned claims management system
• Utilize strong negotiating skills
• Claim Specialists assigned to Homeowner/CAT claim unit handle claims valued over $25,000 (inside desk) and over $100,000 (field)
• Investigate claims requiring in-depth coverage analysis
• When handling claims in the field, prepare damage estimates using claims software
• Review estimates for accuracy
• Monitor contractor repair status as needed
• Assist Claim Manager with file reviews and training

Required

Education:

• Complete ACG Claim Representative Training Program or equivalent knowledge/experience
• In states requiring an Adjuster’s license, eligibility to acquire a State Adjuster’s license within 90 days of hire and maintain as specified
• Must have a valid State Driver s License

Experience: Three years of experience or equivalent training in: negotiation of claim settlements; securing and evaluating evidence; preparing manual and electronic estimates; subrogation claims; resolving coverage questions; taking statements; establishing evaluation and resolution plans for claims.

Knowledge and

Skills:

• Advanced knowledge of Essential Insurance Act (Michigan)
• Fair Trade Practices Act as it relates to claims
• Subrogation procedures and processes
• Intercompany arbitration
• Handling simple litigation
• Building construction and repair techniques

Ability To:

• Handle claims to the line Claim Handling Standards
• Follow and apply ACG Claim policies, procedures and guidelines
• Work within assigned ACG Claim systems including basic PC software
• Perform basic claim file review and investigations
• Demonstrate effective communication skills (verbal and written)
• Demonstrate customer service skills by building and maintaining relationships with insureds/claimants while addressing questions and concerns
• Analyze and solve problems with sound decision-making
• Prioritize claim-related functions
• Process time-sensitive data from multiple sources
• Manage time, organize and plan workload
• Safely operate a motor vehicle for site visits
• Research, analyze and interpret subrogation laws in various states
• Travel outside of assigned territory (overnight stays possible)
• Relocate, work evenings or weekends as needed

Education:

• Associate degree in Business Administration, Insurance or related field or equivalent experience
• Completion of Insurance Institute of America programs or related certifications
• CPCU coursework or designation
• Xactware Training
• 1-2 years of full-cycle homeowners claims handling experience
• Exper…