Claims Representative- Auto Physical Damage

Description Who are we? Western National Insurance Group is a private mutual insurance company with over 120 years of experience serving customers' property-and-casualty insurance needs in the Midwestern, Northwestern, and Southwestern United States. Known as “The Relationship Company®,” we define success as a measure of the relationships we’ve built over time. In everything that we do, we know that delivering a friendly and helpful interaction makes for a better experience for everyone involved. That’s the power of “nice”. At Western National, nice is something we work to bring to every person and organization with whom we partner and serve. Does this opportunity interest you? Western National is seeking a Claims Representative to join our Auto Physical Damage team! The individual in this role will have the opportunity to investigate, evaluate, negotiate, and resolve multi-line insurance claims as assigned. What are the responsibilities and opportunities of this role? Handles high volume, low-to-moderate complexity claims within settlement authority. Ensures customer service excellence. Investigates and reviews policy forms, facts, and documents that are related to claims to make appropriate decisions on claims resolutions. Establishes and reviews proper reserves for each claim based upon thorough investigation, evaluation, and experience while maintaining appropriate reports to ensure the current status of claims is clearly documented at all times. Provides direction to outside resources. Performs duties and activities covered by specific instructions, standard practices, and established procedures that generally require some interpretation. Gathers input and makes recommendations to solve problems of moderate complexity. Deals with moderately complex problems that must be broken down into manageable pieces. Sees relationships between problem components and prioritizes them. Utilizes knowledge, experience, and available resources to find solutions. Participates in development of improvements and helps implement changes. Maintains regular contact with customers (e.g., policyholders, claimants, agents) as well as regular contact with employees across the organization and outside vendors. Travels for field work as required. Performs special projects and other duties as assigned. Requirements What are the must-have qualifications for a candidate? Understanding of industry practices, standards, and claim concepts. Prior claims experience. Ability to multitask and solve problems. Proficient oral and written communication skills. Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills. Analytical with ability to exercise sound business judgment. Good time management skills. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent related experience. What will our ideal candidate have? Working toward AIC or AINS certification is preferred. Proficient use of various core systems, office and computer equipment, and software packages. Compensation overview The full hiring range for this role is $59,200 - $81,400, annually. However, the base pay offered may vary depending on the job-related knowledge, skills, credentials, and experience of each candidate as well as other factors such as the scope and location of the role. Candidates looking for compensation outside of the posted range are encouraged to apply and will be considered based on their individual qualifications and/or may be considered for other positions. Culture and Total Rewards Western National has long been known as “The Relationship Company®”, and caring for our employees is part of that relationship commitment. We value connectiveness, empowerment, and accountability, and we believe that our employees are our biggest asset. Currently ranked as the 41st largest private company by revenue in Minnesota (Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal), Western National has earned accolades year-over-year as an employer of choice and garnered multiple awards for wellness in the workplace. Western National has also been named a Top Workplace by the Star Tribune for consecutive years. In addition, the Group is consistently recognized as a Ward’s 50 property-and-casualty insurance company for its outstanding financial results. Western National offers full-time employees a significant Total Rewards Package, including: Medical insurance plan options and other standard employee benefits, including dental insurance, vision benefits, life insurance, disability insurance, and more! Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) 401(k) Plan (plus company match) Wellbeing Program, including onsite fitness studio Paid Time Off – including holiday, vacation, and volunteer 100% company-paid tuition reimbursement for approved job-relevant coursework and access to The Institutes (Risk and insurance education) Paid parental leave Bonus opportunities Western National believes in supporting balance between work and life by providing a flexible work environment, which includes a variety of hybrid and remote work arrangements designed to balance individual, job, department, and company needs. Western National provides employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.