Chicago Property Field Claim Specialist

Join our team as a property field claim specialist serving the Chicago, Illinois area, where you'll be the face of our claims experience and make a meaningful difference for customers during challenging times. In this role, you'll inspect property damage, investigate claims, and work directly with homeowners to provide exceptional service and fair claim resolutions. If you enjoy working independently, building relationships, and combining problem-solving skills with field-based work, this is an opportunity to grow your career while helping customers recover and move forward.

Responsibilities

Review assigned claims; Contact the insured and other affected parties; Set expectations for the remainder of the claim process and initiate documentation in the claim handling system; Complete complex coverage analysis; Ensure all possible policyholder benefits are identified; Create additional sub-claims if needed; Investigate the facts of the claim to determine whether it should be paid at applicable limits or subject to exclusions, and assess possible recovery potential; Conduct thorough reviews of damages and determine applicability of state law and other factors; Evaluate the financial value of the loss; Approve payments to appropriate parties; Refer claims to other company units when necessary (e.g., Underwriting, Recovery Units, Claims Special Investigation Unit); Document and/or code the claim file and complete all claim closure activities in the claims management system; Utilize strong negotiating skills; Handle claims valued over $100,000 for the field role; Investigate claims requiring in-depth coverage analysis; Prepare damage estimates using claims software when handling field claims; Review estimates for accuracy; May monitor contractor repair status; May assist Claim Manager with file reviews and training

Requirements

Complete ACG Claim Representative Training Program or demonstrate equivalent knowledge or experience; Eligible to acquire a State Adjuster's license within 90 days of hire where required; Valid State Driver's License; Three years of experience or equivalent training in negotiation of claim settlements, securing and evaluating evidence, preparing manual and electronic estimates, subrogation claims, resolving coverage questions, taking statements, and establishing evaluation and resolution plans for claims; Advanced knowledge of Essential Insurance Act (Michigan); Advanced knowledge of Fair Trade Practices Act as it relates to claims; Advanced knowledge of subrogation procedures and processes; Advanced knowledge of intercompany arbitration; Advanced knowledge of handling simple litigation; Advanced knowledge of building construction and repair techniques; Ability to handle claims to the line Claim Handling Standards; Ability to follow and apply ACG Claim policies, procedures and guidelines; Ability to work within ACG Claim systems including basic PC software; Ability to perform basic claim file review and investigations; Effective verbal and written communication skills; Customer service skills; Problem-solving and sound decision-making; Ability to prioritize claim-related functions; Ability to process time-sensitive data from multiple sources; Time management and workload planning; Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle to visit repair facilities and homes; Ability to research, analyze and interpret subrogation laws in various states; Ability to travel outside assigned territory, including overnight stays; Ability to relocate, work evenings or weekends

Nice to have

Associate degree in Business Administration, Insurance or a related field, or equivalent work experience; Completion of Insurance Institute of America's General Insurance Program, Associate degree in claims, Associate degree in management, or equivalent; CPCU coursework or designation; Xactware Training; 1-2 years of full cycle homeowners claims handling experience; Experience handling personal property and additional living expense claims; Experience with internal water loss, fire, and smoke claims; Ability to walk on roofs; Ability to climb ladders; Ability to lift up to 25 pounds

Benefits

Medical plans with multiple coverage options, including HSA eligibility; Prescription drug coverage; Dental and vision benefits; Employee Assistance Program; Company-paid basic life insurance; Optional supplemental life insurance and dependent coverage; Short-term and long-term disability coverage; Critical illness, accident, and pet insurance options; 401(k) plan with 3% automatic deferral upon eligibility, employee contributions of 1% to 50%, company match of 50% on contributions up to 6% of pay, and additional company contribution of 4% of pay each pay day (100% vested after three years); Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options; Paid Time Off accrual-based, eligible at 90 days; Up to 12 PTO days annually for full-time new employees; 10 company-paid holidays, 1 mental health day, 2 floating holidays and 1 volunteer day for full-time employees; Paid parental, bereavement, jury duty, and military leave; Tuition assistance; Professional certification support with 100% reimbursement for eligible programs; Career development and advancement opportunities; Complimentary AAA membership with roadside assistance and travel discounts; Adoption assistance program