Property Claims Specialist

Position Summary

Exercises independent discretion or judgment in the handling of assigned property claims. Serves as a consultant to claims adjusters in their handling of property losses.

• This is a remote, work from home position in Virginia
• The selected candidate will ideally live in Northern Virginia, suburbs of Washington DC and/or surrounding counties
• A company car and equipment to work from home will be provided
• Good time management and organization skills preferred
• Ability to drive/travel regularly within the assigned territory

Duties and Responsibilities

• Establishes immediate contact with Policyholders and claimants.
• Conducts extensive investigations into causes and origins of all major property claims. Interviews insureds, claimants and others as required. Inspects property damage, reviews information to prepare estimates, evaluates and makes recommendations regarding coverage of claims, determines liability and total value of claims and negotiates settlements. Sets and maintains adequate reserves.
• Exercises discretion and independent judgment in evaluating property damage in order to determine the extent of damage. Determines liability and total value of claim, develops estimate and obtains an agreed scope of work and cost of repair with contractor and/or Policyholder.
• Determines value as they apply to the coverage.
• Determines steps necessary to initiate investigation of a property loss. Uses outside experts and attorneys as required.
• Documents claim files and submits final report to file for closure.
• Assigns and supervises the handling of property losses by independent adjusters when necessary. Advises claims adjusters regarding handling of claims.
• Conducts related training of field office claims personnel in the branch and at the Home Office.
• Attends industry-related training programs to stay current on legal developments and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations impacting the operation of the department.
• Establishes and maintains relationships with local, state and regional organizations and agencies which are involved in related activities.
• Acts as coordinator of the Catastrophe Team activities at catastrophe site.

The first five duties listed are the functions identified as essential to the job. Essential functions are those job duties that must be performed in order for the job to be accomplished.


This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the incumbent. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instruction and to perform any other duties as requested by their supervisor, or as become clear.

Competencies

Qualifications

Minimum Educational and Experience Requirements 

• High School Diploma or GED and five years of claims handling experience (up to two years of equivalent may be substituted); or
• Bachelor’s Degree and three years of claims handling experience, (up to two years of equivalent experience may be substituted.)

Additional Experience 

• Working knowledge of Windows software required.
• The position requires the incumbent to serve on Catastrophe Team, which may include travel on short notice to other locations for periods in excess of two consecutive weeks.
• Position requires the incumbent to provide 24-hour availability for emergency claims service.

Designations and/or Licenses 

• Successful completion of Introduction to Claims (AIC 30) and AIC 35 preferred.
• Appropriate license as required by state.
• Valid driver's license and good driving record required.

Physical Requirements