If you’re passionate about helping people protect what matters most to them, as well as innovating and simplifying processes and operations to provide the best customer value, then Nationwide’s Property and Casualty team could be the place for you!

Job Description Summary

Our claims services and direct repair network have earned great reputations by consistently delivering superior service and value to our customers. Our team members have exceptional communications skills and the ability to multi-task in a fast paced, high volume operation. If you’re ready for a challenge, where every day is different, in an engaging work culture, we want to hear from you!

As a Claims Specialist I, you'll review and validate estimates on insured or claimant vehicles prepared by direct repair vendors. We'll count on you to promote and provide outstanding customer service. In addition, you'll negotiate with repair shops and be responsible for handling claims according to prescribed authority and claims best practices.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Handles, promptly and effectively, all assigned claims with moderate direction and oversight. Makes decisions within delegated authority as outlined in company policies and procedures. Adheres to high standards of professional conduct consistent with the delivery of superior service.

• Initiates and conducts follow-ups via proficient use of claims systems and related business systems.

• Inspects damaged vehicles via electronic media.

• Verifies and validates proper policy coverages and where necessary, investigates, evaluates, negotiates and equitably settles all assigned cases at a fair dollar value commensurate with damages sustained.

• Authorizes reserves and claims payments within the delegated authority. Opens, closes and adjusts reserves according to company practices designed to ensure reserve adequacy.

• Partners with Special Investigation Unit and Subrogation to identify fraud and recovery opportunities.

• Maintains and develops current knowledge of assigned insurance lines; court decisions which may impact the claims function; current guidelines; and policy changes and modifications. This may require attending various seminars or training sessions. Also maintains current knowledge of local industry repair procedures and local market pricing.

• Submits severe incident reports, reinsurance reports and other information to claims management as needed.

• Assists or prepares files for lawsuit, trial, or subrogation.

• Delivers a positive customer service experience to all internal, external, current and prospective Nationwide customers.

• Prepares or reviews itemized damage appraisals outlining cost of parts, materials and labor necessary to repair vehicles to acceptable industry quality standards

May perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Reporting Relationships: Reports to Claims Manager.

Typical Skills and Experiences:

Education: Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience preferred.

License/Certification/Designation: State licensing where required. Successful completion of required claims certification schools/classes.

Experience: One to three years of related experience in customer service, insurance or related field. Experience in auto repair, adjusting or processing of material/physical damage claims preferred.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills: General knowledge of customer service principles. Demonstrated knowledge of claims handling and claims best practices. General knowledge of insurance theory and practices, insurance contracts and their application, and automobile estimating. Familiarity with automated claims systems. Confirmed ability to meet customer needs and provide outstanding service by informing customers of the claims process and ensuring a positive customer experience. Analytical skills necessary to make decisions/resolve issues such as application of coverage's to submitted claims, application of laws of jurisdiction to investigation facts, application of policy exclusions and exceptions, and direct repair shop claims management. Ability to work in a fast paced, team environment. Organizational skills to effectively prioritize and manage increased workloads. Demonstrated proficiency of written/verbal communication skills for contact and/or negotiations with policyholders, claimants, repair persons, attorneys, agents, and the public in general. Basic math skills for payment and total loss calculations.

Other criteria, including leadership skills, competencies and experiences may take precedence.

Staffing exceptions to the above must be approved by the hiring manager's leader and the Human Resources Business Partner.

Values: Regularly and consistently demonstrates Nationwide Values.

Job Conditions:

Overtime Eligibility: Eligible (Non Exempt)

Working Conditions: Normal office environment. May require ability to sit and operate phone and personal computer for extended periods of time. Extended and/or non-standard hours as required. Catastrophe (CAT) duty for this role will be performed inside a Nationwide location and not out in the field.

ADA: The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some people assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties.

Credit/Background Check: Due to the fiduciary accountability within this job, a valid credit and/or background check will be required as part of the selection process.

Benefits

We have an array of benefits to fit your needs, including: medical/dental/vision, life insurance, short and long term disability coverage, paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days paid time off each full calendar year pro-rated quarterly based on hire date, nine paid holidays, 8 hours of Lifetime paid time off, 8 hours of Unity Day paid time off, 401(k) with company match, company-paid pension plan, business casual attire, and more. To learn more about the benefits we offer, click here.

Nationwide is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels challenged, appreciated, respected and engaged. Nationwide prohibits discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any characteristic (or classification) protected by applicable law.

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Smoke-Free Iowa Statement: Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, its affiliates and subsidiaries comply with the Iowa Smokefree Air Act. Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed areas on or around company premises as well as company issued vehicles. The company offers designated smoking areas in which smoking is permitted at each individual location. The Act prohibits retaliation for reporting complaints or violations. For more information on the Iowa Smokefree Air Act, individuals may contact the Smokefree Air Act Helpline at 888-944-2247.

For NY residents please review the following state law information: Notice of Employee Rights, Protections, and Obligations LS740 (ny.gov) https://dol.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2022/02/ls740_1.pdf

Nationwide pays on a geographic-specific salary structure and placement within the actual starting salary range for this position will be determined by a number of factors including the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; the scope, complexity and location of the role as well as the cost of labor in the market; and other conditions of employment. If a Sales job, Sales Incentives, based on performance goals are possible in addition to this range.

The national salary range for Specialist II, On Your Side Auto Repair Network - Claims : 52,000.00-109,000.00

The expected starting salary range for Specialist II, On Your Side Auto Repair Network - Claims : 58,000.00 - 88,000.00