Claims Specialist II, Material Damage (NWAG Farm, Virtual Private Passenger Auto)

About the position

If you’re passionate about helping people protect what matters most to them at a Fortune 100 company with nearly \$70 billion in annual sales, as well as innovating and simplifying processes and operations to provide the best customer value, then Nationwide’s Property and Casualty team could be the place for you! At Nationwide®, “on your side” goes beyond just words. Our customers and partners are at the center of everything we do and we’re looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care. Territory: The location of this position is flexible and open to virtual and/or remote based applicants. What you can Expect: This position is on the NWAg Commercial Property Material Damage Team. This position is responsible for handling repairable claims for private passenger autos. Will be responsible for writing estimates, loss of use/rental and repair management while providing excellent customer service. Do you have the ability to communicate compassionately and effectively to resolve insurance claims? If so, and if you’d thrive in a fast-paced environment where your professional growth and development is both encouraged and supported, we want to know more about you! As a Claims Specialist, you’ll investigate, evaluate, and resolve material damage repairable, total loss, fire and theft or direct repair networks claims of a moderate to severe nature that may include reviewing and validating estimates. We’ll count on you to promote and provide outstanding customer service. In addition, you’ll be responsible for handling claims according to prescribed authorization and claims best practices.

Responsibilities

  • Efficiently handles all assigned claims with minimal direction and oversight, making decisions within delegated authority as outlined in company policies and procedures.
  • Verifies and validates proper policy coverages and applies best claims practices to conclude assigned cases per company.
  • Where necessary, investigates, evaluates, negotiates material damage claims of varying complexity with assigned limits and equitably settles all assigned cases at a fair dollar value commensurate with damages sustained.
  • Opens, closes and adjusts reserves according to company practices designed to ensure reserve adequacy. Recommends Special Reserves where necessary.
  • Establishes and authorizes adequate reserves and claims payments within the delegated authority.
  • Utilizes multiple software systems and claims best practices to assess images and negotiate with auto repair facilities, Independent Adjusters, claimants and policyholders.
  • May write and review quality material damage estimates and supplements, detailing the cost of parts, materials, and labor necessary for vehicle repairs. Utilizes photos, multiple software systems, and claims best practices to ensure accuracy.
  • Evaluates repair costs to determine accident-related damage.
  • Initiates and conducts follow-ups via proficient use of claims systems and related business systems.
  • Partners with Special Investigations Unit and Subrogation to identify fraud and subrogation opportunities.
  • Assists in preparing files for lawsuit, trial, or subrogation
  • Deliver outstanding customer service and maintain high standards of professional conduct
  • Maintains and develops current knowledge of court decisions, principles and practices, material damage techniques, repair technology innovations, and policy changes impacting the claims function. This may require attending various seminars or training sessions. Additionally, maintains knowledge of assigned insurance lines, local industry repair procedures, local market pricing, and other functions within the assigned field.
  • May assist with training, onboarding, and mentoring of new hires.
  • May perform other responsibilities as assigned

Requirements

  • Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience preferred.
  • State licensing where . Successful completion of required/applicable claims certification training/classes.
  • Participation in technical insurance or industry coursework preferred (CPCU, ICAR, ASE)
  • Three to five years of successful experience in customer service and/or claims handling . Material/physical damage experience preferred. Related repair industry experience a plus.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of customer service principles.
  • Knowledge of insurance company operations and multiple property casualty insurance lines of business.
  • Experience with material/physical damage repair processes, vendor management, customer service techniques, and all related claims systems.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and adherence to best claims practices.
  • Confirmed ability to meet customer needs and provide exemplary service by advising customers of the claims process and ensuring a positive customer experience.
  • Knowledge of insurance contracts and the legal aspects of court procedures affecting legal liability for all lines of insurance.
  • Knowledge of claims systems.
  • Validated analytical skills necessary to make decisions and reach resolution in such areas as application of coverage to submitted claims, application of laws of jurisdiction to investigation facts, application of policy exclusions and exceptions.
  • Proven ability to establish repair requirements and cost estimates for extensive losses and serves as a subject matter specialist on respective claims projects.
  • Proven organizational skills to effectively prioritize increased and more sophisticated workloads.
  • Demonstrates strong but flexible standards and can resourcefully operate to efficiently balance the conflicting demands of the position.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills necessary to effectively communicate and/or collaborate with policyholders, claimants’ attorneys, agents, and general public .
  • Demonstrated leadership capabilities to effectively train, coach, and mentor less experienced associates.
  • Ability to operate a personal computer and related software.
  • Other criteria, including leadership skills, competencies and experiences may take precedence.
  • Staffing exceptions to the above must be approved by the hiring manager’s leader and H uman Resource Business Partner.

Nice-to-haves

  • 3+ years of PL Auto (Material Damage) claims experience highly preferred
  • Experience with CCC One and Claim Center is highly preferred
  • I-CAR designation is preferred
  • Ag/Farm experience is a plus

Benefits

  • medical/dental/vision
  • life insurance
  • short and long term disability coverage
  • paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days paid time off each full calendar year pro-rated quarterly based on hire date
  • nine paid holidays
  • 8 hours of Lifetime paid time off
  • 8 hours of Unity Day paid time off
  • 401(k) with company match
  • company-paid pension plan
  • business casual attire
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