Claims Coverage Specialist

Claims Coverage Specialist

Hybrid Work Schedule

Buffalo, NY

Merchants Insurance Group, is a leading Property and Casualty Insurer in the Northeast, and is looking for a Claims Coverage Specialist to join our growing Claims Legal Team in our Corporate Headquarters located in Buffalo, New York.  The Claims Coverage Specialist will become part of dedicated team focused on providing high-level technical insurance coverage expertise in claims involving risk transfer issues and insurance coverage disputes, including litigation against the Company and claims seeking extra-contractual damages.

Merchants Insurance Group is proud to be named one of Buffalo Business First’s 2023 Best Places to Work in Western New York, a “Fast Track” company and Top Private Company for the 4^th year in a row by Buffalo’s Business First, a Super Regional Property/Casualty Insurer by the Insurance Journal and has recently been named as one of Ward's top 50 performing insurance companies in the United States for the 2^nd year in a row.  Ward's is the provider of benchmarking and best practices for the insurance industry.  They analyze staff levels, compensation, business practices and expenses for all areas of company operations.

The well-being of our colleagues, both current and future, is Merchants Insurance Group’s highest priority. At this time, our colleagues are working a Hybrid work schedule. The Hybrid work schedule requires 8 full days per month in the office, with the option to work the remaining days at home or in the office. This exciting benefit will offer colleagues a flexible work schedule with the ability to remain connected with your Merchants team and colleagues.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities of the Claims Coverage Specialist include: 

• Cultivating relationships with claims and other internal staff, policyholders, attorneys, agents and a variety of service providers and experts all while working towards achieving the most optimal outcomes for Merchants and our policyholders.
• Providing high-level technical expertise in the handling of claims involving coverage disputes in which Merchants is a party, including coverage litigation and claims seeking extra-contractual damages.
• Assessing and directing coverage litigation strategy in conjunction with outside counsel, including developing and executing a plan to manage the coverage litigation through final resolution. 
• Analyzing case law developments and litigation trends across multiple states as well as statutory and regulatory changes impacting insurance coverage interpretation.
• Identifying risk transfer opportunities through trade contracts and/or applicable law.
• Serving as a training and information resource for claims colleagues and management.

Qualifications & Skills:

• 4 year degree or equivalent work experience, J.D. degree a plus.
• 5+ years insurance coverage analysis and litigation experience.
• High degree of competency in insurance coverage analysis, policy construction, and legal research with exemplary writing skills.
• Ability to evaluate and resolve risk transfer issues, tender issues and priority of coverage disputes.
• Demonstration of creative problem solving abilities and effective litigation management.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to lead and work in a cooperative manner.
• Familiarity with various regulatory and judicial venues.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Well-organized and effective at managing competing deadlines/responsibilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others in the planning and execution of complex resolution strategies.
• Computer skills including Microsoft Office products and document imaging systems.

Merchants Insurance Group Benefits:

• Welcoming and positive work environment.
• Flexible work arrangements, including flex scheduling and summer hours.
• Colleague Appreciation Events.
• Competitive pay scale.
• Generous paid time off package.
• Full Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short Term Disability, 401(k) employer match amount is 100% up to 6% of your annual contributions. You are immediately 100% vested in the employer match dollars.
• Outstanding company bonus program.
• Tuition Reimbursement.

And many more exciting company benefits!! EOE