Catastrophe Field Claims Specialist

Catastrophe Field Claims Specialist

Make a meaningful impact when people need it most. As a Catastrophe Field Claims Specialist, you'll be on the front lines helping customers recover after catastrophic events by conducting on-site inspections, evaluating damage, and guiding them through the claims process. This dynamic role combines problem-solving, relationship-building, and travel, offering the opportunity to deliver exceptional service while helping communities rebuild and move forward.

Location Details: Detroit, Michigan; Chicago, Illinois; Minneapolis, Minnesota

Position Schedule / Shift: Hybrid Field schedule Monday Friday: 8:30 AM EST 5:30 PM EST. Some weekend hours may be required based on work assignments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Reviewing assigned claims
• Contacting the insured and other affected parties
• Setting expectations for the remainder of the claim process, and initiating documentation in the claim handling system
• Complete complex coverage analysis
• Ensure all possible policyholder benefits are identified
• Create additional sub-claims if needed
• Complete an investigation of the facts regarding the claim to further and in more detail determine if the claim should be paid the applicable limits or exclusions and possible recovery potential
• Conduct thorough reviews of damages and determine the applicability of state law and other factors related to the claim
• Evaluate the financial value of the loss
• Approve payments for the appropriate parties accordingly.
• Refer claims to other company units when necessary (e.g., Underwriting, Recovery Units or Claims Special Investigation Unit)
• Thoroughly document and/or code the claim file and complete all claim closure and related activities in the assigned claims management system
• Utilize strong negotiating skills
• Claim Specialists assigned to Homeowner/CAT claim unit handle claims valued over $25,000 (for the inside desk role) and over $100,000 (for field role)
• Investigate claims requiring in-depth coverage analysis
• When handling claims in the field, must prepare damage estimates using claims software
• Review estimates for accuracy
• May monitor contractor repair status
• May assist Claim Manager with file reviews and training

Qualifications:

Required

Education:

• Complete ACG Claim Representative Training Program or demonstrate equivalent knowledge or experience
• In states where an Adjuster's license is required, the candidate must be eligible to acquire a State Adjuster's license within 90 days of hire and maintain as specified for appropriate states.
• Must have a valid State Driver's License

Experience:

• Three years of experience or equivalent training in the following:
• Negotiation of claim settlements
• Securing and evaluating evidence
• Preparing manual and electronic estimates
• Subrogation claims
• Resolving coverage questions
• Taking statements
• Establishing clear evaluation and resolution plans for claims

Knowledge and Skills:

• Advanced knowledge of:
• Essential Insurance Act (Michigan)
• Fair Trade Practices Act as it relates to claims
• Subrogation procedures and processes
• Intercompany arbitration
• Handling simple litigation
• Building construction and repair techniques

Ability to:

• Handle claims to the line Claim Handling Standards
• Follow and apply ACG Claim policies, procedures and guidelines
• Work within assigned ACG Claim systems including basic PC software
• Perform basic claim file review and investigations
• Demonstrate effective communication skills (verbal and written)
• Demonstrate customer service skills by building and maintaining relationships with insureds/claimants while exhibiting understanding of their problems and responding to questions and concerns
• Analyze and solve problems while demonstrating sound decision-making skills
• Prioritize claim related functions
• Process time sensitive data and information from multiple sources
• Manage time, organize and plan workload and responsibilities
• Safely operate a motor vehicle in order to visit repair facilities, homes (for inspections), patients, etc.
• Research analyze and interpret subrogation laws in various states
• Travel outside of assigned territory which may involve overnight stay
• Relocate, work evenings or weekends

Preferred

Education:

• Associate degree in Business Administration, Insurance or a related field or the equivalent in related work experience
• Completion of the 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
• Climb ladders
• Lift up to 25 pounds

Work Environment:

This position is currently able to work remotely from a home office location for day-to-day operations, with traveling to field locations as necessary to complete job responsibilities, unless occasional team building activities are specified by leadership. This is subject to change based on amendments and/or modifications to the ACG Flex Work policy.

Compensation & Benefits Overview:

ACG complies with all applicable state and local laws regarding required benefits (including PTO, paid sick leave, etc.).

Compensation

A Catastrophe Field Claim Specialist earns a competitive annual salary of $70,000.00- $85,000.00, along with the opportunity for an annual company bonus incentive and additional catastrophe unit specific compensation.

Benefits

At ACG, we offer a comprehensive and flexible benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and professional growth.

Health & Wellness

• Medical plans with multiple coverage options, including HSA eligibility.
• Prescription drug coverage.
• Dental and vision benefits.
• Employee Assistance Program (confidential support services).

Financial Protection & Insurance

• 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.

Retirement & Savings

• 401(k) plan to support long-term financial goals. 3% automatic deferral upon eligibility; may contribute 1% to 50% of eligible earnings, either pre or post tax. Company match of 50% paid on employee contributions up to 6% of pay, payable to employees following the end of the year; immediate vesting. Additional company contribution of 4% of pay each pay day into your account; 100% vested after three (3) years of service.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) options.

Time Off & Leave

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrual-based, increases with tenure, eligible at 90 days of employment. Full-time new employees will receive up to 12 PTO days annually; accrual based on start date and may include additional PTO based on role and/or state & local requirements. Part-time employee PTO hours are calculated based upon the standard weekly hours the employee is