Field Property Claim Representative, Grand Rapids Area

Hastings Mutual is currently looking for a Field Property Claim Representative! This is a great opportunity to join our Field Property Claim Team and provide excellent assistance to our policyholders across the greater Grand Rapids, Michigan area.

Position Overview

The individual in this role will investigate, evaluate, and resolve routine to moderate-level property claims within the company's contractual and legal obligations. Most importantly, they will provide quality service and ensure appropriate payments to our customers.

Position Location & Work Format

This position is a remote-based role, with the individual working from home and traveling to locations to investigate and evaluate assigned claims. A company vehicle, laptop, cell phone, and other necessary equipment will be provided.

This position will provide service to our policyholders located in the greater Grand Rapids area. Candidates must currently reside in, or be able to relocate to, this area for consideration.

Position Duties & Responsibilities

• Manages a personal caseload of claims, which may include litigation, to ensure the proper adjudication or settlement of those claims, and they are handled according to Company policies and procedures, within the Company's contractual and legal liability.

• Utilizes Guidewire ClaimCenter, Xactimate, and other approved applications to perform job duties.

• Facilitates the claim process and resolves claims in a timely manner by initiating and maintaining positive and productive communications with all customers. This may include meeting with agents and large accounts to do onsite presentations.

• Appropriately reviews and applies coverage/compensability for all claims.

• Investigates, evaluates, and settles claims within the scope of the company's contractual and legal obligations to ensure that settlements are fair and equitable to the insured, the claimant, and the company.

• Ensures that salvage and subrogation opportunities are identified and pursued in order to minimize claim losses and improve company results.

• Utilizes all appropriate loss and expense savings programs and directs the activities of outside vendors to ensure that only necessary and cost-effective work is accomplished.

• Documents all claim files accurately and thoroughly to substantiate the disposition of the claim and minimize the possibility of erroneous payments. Properly utilize and document all files in the claim system of record.

• Establishes and maintains appropriate case reserves in an amount sufficient to fund the payment of the claim once it is resolved, whether through settlement, litigation, or arbitration as soon as it can be practically done.

• Identifies potential fraud and refers to the appropriate authority. Interaction and contact will occur with surveillance companies, independent adjusters, and special investigators.

• Coordinates relevant claim information with Loss Control, Underwriting, Marketing, etc., to maximize the company's effectiveness in avoiding future losses and to better manage the current business.

• Participation may be given for special projects, committees, or assignments from the supervisor or manager and serve as a technical resource for other adjusters. In addition, they may assist in departmental training.

• Be called upon to deploy to a remote location to assist with catastrophe-related claims.

• Acts as a backup for their supervisor when needed.

Candidate Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor's degree preferred. May consider formal insurance education and equivalent work experience.

• While Insurance industry experience is highly preferred, Hastings Mutual will consider candidates with construction, building trades, or related background.

• Experience with Xactimate Estimating software preferred.

• For consideration as a Senior Property Claim Representative, a minimum of 5+ years' relevant experience is required.

• Proficiency in multiple areas such as general liability, premises liability, construction negligence, construction defect, writing scopes and estimates, cause and origin, and water mitigation desired.

• Preferred Industry Designations:

• Associate in Claims (AIC)

• Senior Claim Law Associate (SCLA) or

• Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU)

• Excellent demonstrated oral and written communication skills.

• Demonstrated critical thinking behavior and application.

• Ability to prioritize claims in a high-volume, fast-based environment while embodying results orientation, teamwork, and decisiveness.

• Demonstrated proficiency in conflict management and resolution. High customer service orientation is required.

Our Commitment as an Employer

We value the strength of a diverse and inclusive workforce. Hastings Mutual is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and candidates in a work environment that does not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment. Decisions related to employment are based on business needs, position requirements, and individual characteristics without regard to appearance, nationality, origin, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, body, disability, veteran, family, marital status, or any legally protected class.

Hastings Mutual seeks to provide reasonable accommodation to disabled individuals in the hiring process in compliance with federal, state, and local law. Candidates requiring accommodation to complete their job application or participate in the interviewing process are asked to notify the Talent Acquisition Specialist or contact us at 800-442-8277.

About Hastings Mutual Insurance Company

From our humble roots in 1885 providing coverage for windstorm damage, Hastings Mutual has evolved into a leading regional property and casualty insurance carrier, offering innovative products for businesses, farm owners, and individuals. We work with customers in six Midwestern states (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin). Hastings Mutual is known for its financial strength, high ethical standards, and culture of service and responsiveness.

The core of our ongoing success is our employees. Whether at the corporate offices in Hastings, Michigan, or our remote team members throughout the Midwest, Hastings Mutual is made up of talented professionals across multiple divisions and functional areas. Our commitment to our employees and work culture has been confirmed with our inclusion in the "Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in West Michigan" each year since 2011.

Hastings Mutual offers a friendly, family-like environment that values transparency and approachability. We recognize the hard work of our employees with many benefits, including fully paid certification t