Claim Specialist- Direct Repair Unit

Overview

Join AAA The Auto Club Group. This position is Auto Physical Damage Specialist (Direct Repair Unit) reporting to Claim Manager II. The role involves handling complex claims with minimal supervision and high-level approval authority. Remote work from a home office is currently possible for day-to-day operations, with occasional travel as specified by leadership.

The Auto Club Group is seeking a Direct Repair Claim Specialist to work under minimal supervision with a high-level approval authority to handle complex technical issues and complex claims. You will have the opportunity to:

• Review assigned claims, contact the insured and other parties, set expectations for the claim process, and initiate documentation in the claim handling system.
• Complete complex coverage analysis and identify all possible policyholder benefits.
• Create additional sub-claims if needed and investigate the facts to determine if the claim should be paid, applicable limits or exclusions, and 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 and approve payments accordingly.
• Refer claims to other company units when necessary (e.g., Underwriting, Recovery Units, or Claims SIU).
• Document and code the claim file; complete all closure and related activities in the assigned claims management system; utilize strong negotiating skills.
• Handle complex APD claims involving settling Total Losses, inspecting vehicles, and preparing damage estimates. In the DRS Examiner role, manage Direct Repair Shops for program compliance.
• Determine cause of damage, establish liability, identify subrogation potential; monitor repairs and approve car rental expense; oversee APD litigation cases and manage related budgets and mediation participation.
• Assist Claim Manager with file reviews and training as needed.

You will earn a competitive salary in the range of $67,000–$87,000 with annual bonus potential based on performance. Benefits include 401k match, medical, dental, vision, PTO, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement.

Education (minimum education and licensing):

• Complete ACG Claim Representative Training Program or demonstrate equivalent knowledge or experience.
• In states where an Adjuster’s license is required, eligible to acquire a State Adjuster’s license within 90 days of hire and maintain as required.
• 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, and establishing clear evaluation and resolution plans for claims.

Knowledge and

Skills:

• Advanced knowledge of Essential Insurance Act (Michigan), Fair Trade Practices Act related to claims, subrogation procedures, intercompany arbitration, handling simple litigation, negligence law, No-Fault law, and collision repair techniques.
• Ability to handle claims to the line Claim Handling Standards; follow ACG claim policies, procedures, and guidelines; work within assigned claim systems; perform basic review and investigations; communicate effectively; build and maintain relationships with insureds/claimants; problem-solve and make sound decisions; prioritize and manage time; safely operate a motor vehicle for inspections; research and interpret subrogation laws in various states; travel outside of assigned territory;
  
  relocate, and work evenings or weekends.

Education:

• Associate degree in Business Administration, Insurance, or related field;
  Insurance Institute of America credentials (General Insurance Program, Associate in Claims, Associate in Management) or equivalents; CPCU coursework or designation; I-Car Pro Level, CCC, Xactware training.

This position is currently able to work remotely from a home office location for day-to-day operations unless occasional travel for meetings, collaboration, or team-building activities is…