Claims Specialist III - Excess & Surplus

UFG is currently hiring for a Claims Specialist III for Excess & Surplus lines. This is a senior level technically advanced position responsible for claim decisions and actions that promote high quality, efficient and cost-effective representation of our insureds and UFG in complex and high exposure litigated matters.  In addition, this position will be responsible for compliance with technical large loss management and reporting on his or her files. 

In addition to handling a challenging inventory of large-loss and complex claims, this role is responsible for ensuring compliance with large loss reporting requirements, providing timely and accurate management updates, and communicating significant claim developments to internal stakeholders.  

The E&S Claims Specialist III investigates, evaluates, negotiates, and resolves high-severity, high-complexity casualty claims involving significant exposure, complex legal issues, and challenging coverage considerations. Responsibilities include conducting thorough claim investigations; analyzing coverage, liability, damages, and exposure; establishing and maintaining appropriate reserves; developing claim and resolution strategies; and evaluating settlement opportunities, selecting and managing defense counsel and experts; directing litigation activities; and evaluating settlement opportunities as appropriate. As to the excess claims, this position monitors litigation and underlying claim handling, assesses defense and resolution strategies, collaborates with primary insurers, defense counsel, brokers, and insureds, and identifies developments that may impact excess exposure. The position applies proactive claim oversight and best practices to support informed decision-making, mitigate risk, and achieve favorable claim outcomes while promoting effective management of loss costs and expense.  

The E&S Specialist III position requires strong soft skills and technical skills, strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently and effectively.  It also requires the ability to work independently with low level of supervision and high level of accountability.  A strong desire to advance one’s professional development is essential to this role.                                                                                                                    

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Review new claims assignments to determine the nature of the claim and action required.  
•  Secure a complete copy of the notice materials and complaint, if in litigation, and review to determine UFG’s obligations in connection with the claim. If coverage issues are present, draft appropriate coverage position letter.
•  On primary (specialty) files:
•  Conduct investigation and determine if an attempt to resolve the suit prior to assignment to defense counsel is appropriate.
•  Vet and retain appropriate defense counsel for the claim.
•  Collaborate with defense counsel on case strategy and action plan, documented in the lit plan and budget.
•  Actively manage the claim file and defense counsel to execute on the agreed plan, proactively pushing the claim to resolution.
• Document all file activity through detailed file notes and prepare reports for the claim file per claims best practice guidelines.
• Evaluate damages and recommend reserves per reserve timeliness and accuracy guidelines.  
•  Develop and execute negotiation strategies and proactively push claims towards resolution.
• Actively identify subrogation potential and posture claim for successful subrogation recovery.   
•  Identify risk transfer opportunities and exposures. Draft tender letters and place all potential parties on notice.
•  Work with defense counsel in vetting, selecting and retaining experts when necessary. Be constantly aware of and apply expense management initiatives.
•  Notify insured of key developments and demands throughout the case and communicate with the agency and underwriting regarding significant shifts in exposure.
•  Review fee statements and negotiate adjustments in accordance with UFG billing guidelines.

 On excess files:

•  Investigate coverage and determine UFG limits and attachment point. Draft appropriate coverage position letters. 
•  Evaluate and understand priority of coverage rules of the subject jurisdiction.
•  Determine if monitoring or coverage counsel is necessary and if so, escalate request for same to supervisor.
•  Monitor the underlying carriers’ handling of the file and insist on being copied on defense counsel’s reports, participating in strategy sessions and other discussions.
•  Appropriately influence the underlying carriers’ position and handling of the claim without having authority over them. Write appropriate correspondence to encourage them to take steps to resolve the claim within their limits.
•  Inform underwriting of increased hazards or unusual circumstances concerning a risk or policy exposure.
• Participate in company sponsored educational programs and other educational opportunities to develop knowledge and skill.
• Participate in various claims committees to drive claims initiatives.
• Demonstrate a supportive attitude and presence within the team by adapting well to change in process or procedure. Share innovative ideas to improve work product and outcomes. Take initiative to identify and learn about areas of professional development. Proactively seek out opportunities to collaborate with peers.
•  Mentor other E & S Specialists to further their development and technical skills.
• SME for coverage analysis, risk transfer, AI and tenders, liability analysis, reserve and settlement evaluation, negotiation, and defense strategy.

Job Specifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Licensing/Certifications/Designations:

• Meet the appropriate state licensing requirements to handle claims.
• CPCU, AIC, SCLA or Legal Principles, CCLA and PCLA of the AEI series preferred.

Experience:

•  10+ years of casualty claims experience, preferably including excess experience.  

Knowledge:

• Claims best practices.
• Unfair claims practices/bad faith.
• Various lines of policy coverages.
• Trigger and Allocation
• Priority of coverage.
• Number of occurrences.
• Applicable laws, regulations and venue.
• Fraud indicators.
• Civil procedure.
• Resolution strategies.
• Contractual issues.
• UFG billing guidelines.

Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to read, comprehend and interpret policy language, endorsements, and contracts while applying them to the claim.
• Analytical ability to determine coverage, risk transfer, liability, and bodily injury/property damage evaluation for reserves and settlement.
• Must possess strong negotiation skills, human relations skills, analytical skills, organization skills as well as oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to concisely document information into appropriate file notes and reports.
• Strong negotiation skills direct with attorneys, as well as effective mediation and arbitration techniques.
• Demonstrate aptitude for mentorship / leadership.
• Proactive management of defense counsel and expense management.
•  Service-Oriented Mindset
• Clear and Concise Communication
• Analytical and Critical Thinking
• Attitude of Collaboration and Curiosity
• Proactive Decision-making and Problem-solving
• Proven Effective Negotiation Approach
• Time management and Sense of Service Urgency
• Mentoring and development.
• Polished presentation skills and ability to present and articulate claims to committee.

Working Conditions:

•  Working remote from home or general office environment. 
• Occasional overnight travel and weekend hours may be required.

Pay Transparency Statement:

UFG Insurance is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The base salary range for this position is $103,221 - $136,105 annually, which represents the typical range for new hires in this role. Individual pay within this range will be determined based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, education, certifications, skills, internal equity, geography and market data.

In addition to base salary, UFG Insurance offers a comprehensive total rewards package that includes:

• Annual incentive compensation
• Medical, dental, vision & life insurance
• Accident, critical Illness & short-term disability insurance
• Retirement plans with employer contributions
• Generous time-off program
• Programs designed to support the employee well-being and financial security.

This pay range disclosure is provided in accordance with applicable state and local pay transparency laws.