Florida Property Damage Manager (Pre-Suit)
COMPANY OVERVIEW:
Founded in 1989, United Automobile Insurance Company is an innovative and established organization looking for a Florida Property Damage Manager (Pre-Suit) to join our Claims team. Family-owned, UAIC, is one of the largest privately held property and casualty insurance companies in the United States. The key to our growth and success is a commitment to providing quality service to our agents and customers, by providing disciplined underwriting, and strategic claims handling. Our ongoing efforts to invest substantial resources in personnel and technology are the foundation of our promise of assuring maximum efficiency and specialized operations in the industry. We are proud that our independent agents and customers have recognized our dedication by making UAIC the market leader in every state where we conduct business.
SCOPE:
The Florida Property Damage (Pre-Suit) Claims Manager at UAIC will lead and oversee the management of property damage claims within Florida, focusing on pre-suit activities to prevent litigation and ensure timely, fair resolution. This role involves supervising a team of claims adjusters, guiding them through complex cases, and ensuring compliance with Florida’s insurance regulations. The manager will be responsible for developing pre-suit strategies, addressing escalated customer concerns, and collaborating with legal counsel to minimize risks. Additionally, they will analyze claims data to identify trends, improve processes, and report findings to senior management. Strong leadership, negotiation skills, and a deep knowledge of Florida property insurance law are essential to succeed in this position. This position offers a remote work arrangement, allowing the ideal candidate to work from their preferred location within the Southeast region.
DUTIES:
- Oversee daily operations of the Florida property damage claims team, including assigning and managing workloads, setting performance expectations, and monitoring team productivity.
- Provide ongoing training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to adjusters, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle complex claims.
- Conduct regular performance evaluations, offering constructive feedback, recognizing achievements, and implementing improvement plans when necessary.
- Assist in the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of new team members, ensuring they are integrated into the team and understand company standards.
- Monitor the investigation, evaluation, and resolution of property damage claims, ensuring adherence to company guidelines and best practices.
- Personally manage high-value or complex claims, including those with potential for litigation, providing strategic direction and decision-making.
- Oversee negotiations with claimants, public adjusters, and contractors, ensuring settlements are fair, reasonable, and in line with company policies.
- Regularly review claims files for accuracy, thoroughness, and compliance, providing guidance on improving file handling where necessary.
- Develop and implement strategies to proactively manage claims in the pre-suit phase, reducing the likelihood of legal disputes.
- Facilitate early resolution of disputes by coordinating with legal counsel, claimants, and other stakeholders, seeking amicable settlements whenever possible.
- Identify and analyze trends in claims that may lead to litigation, and implement measures to address these proactively.
- Explore and utilize alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to settle claims before they escalate to lawsuits.
- Ensure all claims handling practices comply with Florida state laws, insurance regulations, and company policies.
- Stay informed on changes in Florida insurance laws and regulations, updating internal policies and procedures accordingly.
- Prepare for and participate in internal and external audits, ensuring the claims department meets all regulatory requirements and industry standards.
- Provide training to the team on compliance and regulatory updates, ensuring all team members are knowledgeable about the legal environment.
- Serve as an escalation point for customer concerns and complaints, ensuring prompt and satisfactory resolutions that align with both customer expectations and company guidelines.
- Ensure clear, consistent, and professional communication with all parties involved in claims, including policyholders, adjusters, contractors, and legal representatives.
- Monitor customer satisfaction levels, implementing strategies to improve service quality and enhance the customer experience.
- Analyze claims data to identify patterns, trends, and areas for improvement within the claims process.
- Prepare detailed reports for senior management, providing insights on claims performance, pre-suit activity effectiveness, and risk exposure.
- Track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as claim resolution times, customer satisfaction, litigation rates, and cost management, using these metrics to guide team performance and strategy adjustments.
- Recommend and implement process improvements based on data analysis, aiming to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve claim outcomes.
- Work closely with other departments, such as Underwriting, Legal, and Risk Management, to ensure a seamless claims process and shared understanding of potential risks.
- Regularly consult with legal counsel on complex claims, pre-suit strategies, and potential litigation risks, ensuring that all actions taken are legally sound and, in the company’s, best interest.
- Maintain open lines of communication with key stakeholders, providing updates on claims progress and addressing any concerns they may have.
EDUCATION:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Legal Studies, Risk Management or a related field; or equivalent work experience.
- Bilingual preferred.
- Adjusters license required.
- CPCU, AIC, or similar insurance-related designations are preferred.
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:
- Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in bodily injury claims management, with at least 3 years in a leadership role preferred.
- Extensive experience with Florida bodily injury claims, including pre-suit negotiations and litigation management.
- Strong knowledge of Florida state laws and regulations pertaining to bodily injury claims.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong analytical and decision-making abilities, with a focus on strategic thinking and problem-solving.
- Proficient in claims management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
BENEFITS:
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with employer match.
- Comprehensive Medical, Prescription Drug, Vision, and Dental Insurance
- Paid Time Off, Holidays, and Leave programs.
- Flexible spending accounts
- Basic Life Insurance and Voluntary Life/ADD
- Voluntary Short Term and Long-Term Disability
Please note that the salary range listed is an estimate provided by the job board and might not align with accurate information. The actual salary for this position may vary based on experience and qualifications. Candidates are encouraged to discuss compensation during the interview process.
UAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees. All employment decisions at UAIC are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, or belief, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.