Claims Adjuster - Property -Inspector

Overview:

Adjusts property claims as part of Reinsurance Adjuster Program for assigned mutuals. Determines coverage by consulting policy in force and endorsements, evaluates loss by completing on-site investigations, and settles claims according to Grinnell Mutual Claims procedures.

The primary location for this position is in Northeast Iowa, North of Highway 20 and East of Highway 63. This may include West Union, Decorah, and Independence.

Responsibilities:

• Investigates property claims for both farm and home owners through on-site investigation and interviews with claimant, insured, and witnesses to determine the extent of damage.  

• Determines proper policy coverages, and where necessary, investigates, evaluates, negotiates, and equitably settles all assigned claims cases in accordance with company policies and procedures at values commensurate with damages sustained. Sets reserves based on estimated loss for claim. 

• Plans and executes all time schedules necessary to promptly and effectively conclude all assigned cases; adheres to high standards of professional conduct commensurate with the delivery of superior service.

• Prepares and submits initial and follow-up reports of findings and action taken on each assigned claim in conformity with established procedures.  Documents file with activity, contacts, offers, and demands related to claim. May be asked to assist or prepare file for subrogation, suit, or trial.  

• Works with law enforcement to verify items stolen and confirm payment/ownership, if recovery is made following claim payment, files written request for restitution in all arrests including vandalism claims. 

• Maintains strong relationship with Agents and Mutual Managers by acting like a liaison between the customer and Grinnell Mutual. Assists in the evaluation of mutuals for future business needs and communicates feedback from Mutual to supervisor.  

• Conducts on-site field inspections determining building values, making recommendations of risk acceptability, identifying hazards, and recommending appropriate corresponding corrective action.

• Recommends proper building insurance to value based on inspection. Works with underwriting to determine insurability and provide documentation the condition of property through photographs and diagrams. 

• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from four-year accredited college or university and a minimum of two years property (home and farm owners) adjusting experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

• AIC or CPCU designations preferred. 

• Prefer experience with Xactimate or similar computer based adjusting tool.

• Ability to demonstrate good interpersonal, active listening, and customer service skills to bring claim to a resolution in a timely manner. Includes being familiar with facts, patient, resistant to stress, persistent, empathetic, and decisive. 

• Ability to professionally present information regarding claim and respond to questions in one-on-one or group settings. Communication may be via the telephone phone, in person, or in written correspondence. 

• Possess and utilize written skills with demonstrated grammar and professionalism in business correspondence and reports to file or mutual.  

• Ability to think logically and make decisions regarding claim using personal judgment, experience, and known facts and figures while following claims procedures to determine coverages, negligence, and damages.  

• Ability to organize work, determine priorities, and meet deadlines while incurring frequent interruptions.

• Ability to work harmoniously with co-employees including managers and interact with customers and the general public in a tactful and courteous manner. 

• Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license and travel from the office located in the employee’s home to Grinnell Mutual customer offices or claim sites. Daytime travel approximately 60 to 80% of the time. Occasional overnight travel is required approximately 10% of time depending on region size and/or number of claims incurred in concentrated area. 

Working conditions and physical efforts

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The Property Claims Adjuster works with many types of people while representing Grinnell Mutual and its Mutuals. This can be stimulating yet demanding and stressful.

• The position is physically located in the employee’s home office. The position requires an individual to drive on a frequent basis.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. 

• The employee must be able to climb ladder, work on rooftops, and maneuver ladder as needed. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. 

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. 

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to extreme cold and extreme heat.

This job description is not intended to describe, in detail, the multitude of tasks that may be assigned, but rather to give the employee a general sense of the responsibilities and expectations of his/her position. As the nature of the business demands change, so too may the job duties and responsibilities.