BUILD YOUR FUTURE...WHILE PROTECTING THEIRS.

You will be challenged. Rewarded. And valued for your unique experience, background and perspective.

Join a team where hard work pays off and original thinking is celebrated. As you build your future at Westfield Insurance, you will quickly learn that protecting our customer’s future by delivering on our promise to help restore lives and rebuild businesses when the unexpected happens is at the heart of what we do. Building relationships and caring about people has been part of our culture since 1848. Be a part of a team that recognizes and appreciates those who take initiative, know how to elevate an idea and can innovate and seek opportunity in a changing world.

PHYSICAL DAMAGE SPECIALIST
Richfield, OH

Salary Range: $53,805 - $61,875 - $69,945

Description:

Works within specific limits and authority on automobile physical damage (APD) and specialty equipment claims within assigned territory. Appraises, analyzes, negotiates and settles APD claims while delivering quality customer service in a high volume, low to moderate technical complexity work environment. Required to participate on short notice and travel for catastrophe response operations.

Essential Functions (not an all inclusive list):
1. Claims File Quality - Resolves Auto Physical Damage (APD) claims, including specialty equipment, with insureds and claimants within assigned territory. Demonstrates thorough understanding of auto physical damage and specialty equipment, and evaluates the merits of assigned claims. Appraises assigned claims using approved estimation methods, determines damages, and negotiates settlements with vendor/insured/claimant.
2. Customer Service - Ensures customer service excellence. Responsible for the customer, agent and claims professional experience associated with assigned claims.
3. Investigation - Investigates to obtain relevant facts concerning damages, including fraud and prior damage. Within decision-making authority, effectively negotiates and obtains agreed repair prices and/or total loss settlement figures with insureds, claimants, and repair facilities.
4. Damages - Determines actual cash value and salvage value of total loss units. Assists with disposition of auto salvage. Determines appropriate use of used and/or aftermarket parts, and researches appropriate markets for availability of these parts. Establishes and/or recommends proper reserves for each claim, based upon thorough investigation, evaluation, and past experience.
5. Communication - Maintains effective and ongoing communications with insureds, claimants, agents, attorneys, other insurance companies, claims professionals, vendors, and repair facilities. Makes personal contact with involved parties to inspect damage as needed.
6. Storm/Travel - Travels often within assigned territory regardless of location including regular use of assigned fleet vehicle in order to prepare vehicle damage estimates and settle vehicle claims. May travel on short notice in order to participate on catastrophe storm team duty.
7. Leader Assistance – May assist leader with reinspections and/or training of other claims professionals. May also act as liaison with insureds, claimants, agents, attorneys, other insurance companies, representatives, vendors, company employees, and repair facilities.

Desired Qualifications:
1. 2 or more years claim handling or auto physical damage experience and the technical skills to handle low to moderate complexity specialty claims.
2. Proficient verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
3. Proficient use of various core systems, office and computer equipment and software packages.
4. High school diploma, GED or demonstrated commensurate experience.
5. Ability to travel, including overnight business trips as needed.
6. Valid driver’s license and a driving record that conforms to company standards.

Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
* Ability to work effectively in an office environment for 40+ hours per week (including sitting, standing and working on a computer for extended periods of time).
* Ability to communicate effectively in a collaborative work environment utilizing various technologies such as: telephone, computer, web, voice, teleconferencing, e-mail etc.
* Ability to travel as required.
* Ability to operate an automobile within the parameters of the driving policy.
* Ability to drive for extended periods of time, under a variety of conditions, including night driving.

Westfield offers a Total Rewards program that focuses on compensation, benefits and wellness, and includes perks like 401(k), pension plan, annual incentive, education reimbursement, flex-time, onsite fitness center and casual dress. Work-life balance, recognition, and learning and career development are all part of a rewarding career with Westfield Insurance.

To learn more about Westfield and the opportunities available, please visit us at www.westfieldinsurance.com

We are an equal opportunity employer/minority/female/disability/protected veteran.

Salary Range: US$53805.0 - US$69945.0 per year