Claims Adjuster

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Investigate accidents involving company. Communicates with appropriate parties to determine liability; ensures liability exposure and damages are accurately evaluated. Negotiates and resolves claims within established authority levels and in accordance with internal procedures.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Performs on-site investigations when necessary to determine liability and support companies position on contested claims.
2. Communicates with claimants, attorneys, witnesses, employees and other relevant parties during the investigation, and accurately documents the substance of all communication in the claim file.
3. Reviews and evaluates medical bills and other relevant expenses to establish a basis for settlement negotiations and prepares reports with recommendations for disposition of claim as necessary.
4. Denies, settles or requests appropriate authority to resolve tort claims based on facts, appraisals and verifiable damages.
5. Prepares reports for presentation to company Claims Committee with settlement recommendations and authority request for bodily injury and property damage claims.
6. Ensures property damages are accurately evaluated.
7. Oversees preparation of accurate estimates on claimant vehicles and maintains up-to-date records to include authorization of rental vehicles.
8. Provides assistance to company attorneys on the resolution of litigated claims.
9. Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Note: An equivalent combination of related education and experience may be substituted for the below stated minimums excluding High School Diploma, GED, Licenses, or Certifications.

1. Associate degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration or related field.
2. Two (2) years related experience in insurance claims adjusting, risk management or related environment. 3. Must have a current Texas Department of Insurance Casualty License.
3. Pass a physical (medical) examination that includes a drug screen in order to operate company non-revenue vehicles.
4. Proficiency using a personal computer to include word processing, spreadsheet, database, etc.; typical office equipment such as copier, typewriter, calculator, facsimile, etc.
5. Knowledge of budget development/analysis, and operational cost factors.
6. Analytical and creative skills to find solutions to complex interpersonal, technical and administrative problems.
7. Ability to be dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers. Gets first-hand customer information and uses it for improvements in products and services. Acts with customers in mind. Establishes and maintains effective relationships with customers and gains their trust and respect.
8. Ability to make good decisions (without considering how much time it takes) based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment). Most of his/her solutions and suggestions turn out to be correct and accurate when judged over time. Sought out by others for advice and solutions.
9. Ability to pick up on technical things quickly. Can learn new skills and knowledge. Is good at learning new industry, company, product, or technical knowledge. Does well in technical courses and seminars.

11. Ability to be able to write clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles. Can get messages across that have the desired effect.

1. Ability to quickly find common ground and solve problems for the good of all. Can represent his/her own interests and yet be fair to other groups. Can solve problems with peers with a minimum of noise. Is seen as a team player and is cooperative. Easily gains trust and support of peers. Encourages collaboration. Can be candid with peers.
2. Ability to use rigorous logic and methods to solve difficult problems with effective solutions. Can see hidden problems. Is excellent at honest analysis. Looks beyond the obvious and does not stop at the first answers.