Claims Specialist I, Material Damage - Total Loss

If you’re passionate about helping people protect what matters most to them, 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!

Highly preferred, but not required:

• Customer service experience, call center experience is a plus
• Career focused, looking for growth opportunity
• Adaptability, willingness to learn
• Insurance or claims experience is highly preferred
• Auto claims experience is a plus

The ideal candidate will have claims experience, customer service skills, the ability to manage difficult situations and have effective written and communication skills

Schedules may fall between 8:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday.

External candidates may be eligible for a $2000 SIGN-ON BONUS for this role. The bonus is paid in 2 parts, the first payment will be made on the first pay period after 3 months of employment and the second payment will be made on the first pay period after 9 months of employment.

Job Description Summary

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 and resolve material damage total loss or fire and theft claims. In addition, we’ll count on you to promote and provide exceptional customer service and be responsible for handling claims according to prescribed authorizations and claims best practices.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Promptly and efficiently works on all assigned claims with moderate direction and oversight. Makes decisions within delegated authority as outlined in company policies and procedures. Adheres to high standards of professional conduct consistent with the delivery of superior service.
• Initiates and conducts follow-ups using claims systems and related business systems.
• Verifies proper policy coverages and applies best claims practices to conclude assigned material/physical damage claims cases in accordance with company guidelines.
• Opens, closes and adjusts reserves per company practices designed to ensure reserve adequacy. Recommends
• Special Reserves where necessary. Establishes and authorizes reserves and claims payments within the delegated authority.
• Partners with Special Investigations Unit (SIU) and Subrogation to identify fraud and subrogation opportunities.
• Maintains and develops current knowledge of: assigned insurance lines; court decisions which may impact the claims function; current guidelines in the claims function; and policy changes and modifications. This may require attendance at various seminars or training sessions.
• Submits severe incident reports, reinsurance reports and other information to claims management as needed.
• Assists or prepares files for lawsuit, trial or subrogation.
• Delivers an outstanding customer service experience to all internal, external, current and prospective Nationwide customers.

May perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Reporting Relationships: Reports to Claims Manager. Individual contributor role.

Typical Skills and Experiences:

Education: Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience preferred.

License/Certification/Designation: State licensing where required. Successful completion of required claims certification schools/classes.

Experience: One to three years of related experience in customer service and/or claims handling. Material/physical damage or related repair industry experience a plus.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills: General knowledge of customer service principles. Demonstrated knowledge of claims handling and claims best practices. General knowledge of insurance theory and practices, insurance contracts and their application, and automobile estimating. Familiarity with automated claims systems. Participation in technical insurance or industry coursework preferred (CPCU, ICAR, ASE). Proven ability to meet customer needs and provide exemplary service by informing customers of the claims process and ensuring a positive customer experience. Analytical skills necessary to make decisions/determine resolution for application of coverage's to submitted claims, application of laws of jurisdiction to investigation facts, application of policy exclusions and exceptions, and direct repair shop claims management. Ability to work in a fast-paced and tea- based environment. Organizational skills to effectively prioritize regardless of changes in workload. Demonstrated proficiency of written and verbal communication skills for contact and/or consulting with policyholders, claimants, repair persons, attorneys, agents and the public in general. Ability to efficiently operate personal computer and software for claims-related and other business applications. Basic math skills for payment and total loss calculations.

Other criteria, including leadership skills, competencies and experiences may take precedence.

Staffing exceptions to the above must be approved by the business unit executive and Human Resources.

Values: Regularly and consistently demonstrates Nationwide Values.

Job Conditions:

Overtime Eligibility: Eligible (Non Exempt)

Working Conditions: Office environment. Prolonged periods of sitting at personal computer and extensive use of keyboard while taking telephone calls; must use a telephone headset. Non-standard hour’s possible-flexibility of schedule is desired. Overtime as required (non-exempt). Must be available to work catastrophes (CAT) which may include working extended periods of time including holidays and weekends over the phone or in office environment. Field CAT duty is not required for this role.

ADA: The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some people assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties.

Credit/Background Check: Due to the fiduciary accountabilities within this job, a valid credit check and/or background check will be required as part of the selection process.

Benefits
We have an array of benefits to fit your needs, including: 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, and more. To learn more about the benefits we offer,click here
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Nationwide is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels challenged, appreciated, respected and engaged. Nationwide prohibits discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any characteristic (or classification) protected by applicable law.

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Smoke-Free Iowa Statement: Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, its affiliates and subsidiaries comply with the Iowa Smokefree Air Act. Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed areas on or around company premises as well as company issued vehicles. The company offers designated smoking areas in which smoking is permitted at each individual location. The Act prohibits retaliation for reporting complaints or violations. For more information on the Iowa Smokefree Air Act, individuals may contact the Smokefree Air Act Helpline at 888-944-2247.

For NY residents please review the following state law information: Notice of Employee Rights, Protections, and Obligations LS740 (ny.gov)
Nationwide pays on a geographic-specific salary structure and placement within the actual starting salary range for this position will be determined by a number of factors including the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; the scope, complexity and location of the role as well as the cost of labor in the market; and other conditions of employment. If a Sales job, Sales Incentives, based on performance goals are possible in addition to this range.
The national salary range for Claims Specialist I, Material Damage Central Services : 42,315.00-85,400.00
The expected starting salary range for Claims Specialist I, Material Damage Central Services : 45,800.00 - 68,800.00