Florida Bodily Injury Manager (Pre-Suit/Litigation)
COMPANY OVERVIEW:
Founded in 1989, United Automobile Insurance Company is an innovative and established organization looking for a Florida Bodily Injury Manager 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 role of Florida Bodily Injury Manager (Pre-Suit/Litigation) at UAIC involves leading and managing a team responsible for handling bodily injury claims within Florida's Property & Casualty insurance sector. This includes overseeing the claims process from investigation through pre-suit negotiations and litigation, ensuring compliance with state regulations and company policies. The manager will collaborate with legal counsel on litigation strategies, manage financial aspects such as claim reserves and expenses, and ensure customer satisfaction. Additionally, the role involves performance management, professional development of team members, and stakeholder engagement to drive claims strategy and optimize outcomes. This position offers a remote work arrangement, allowing the ideal candidate to work from their preferred location within the Southeast region.
DUTIES:
- Manage a team of claims adjusters and supervisors handling Florida bodily injury claims, including pre-suit and litigation phases.
- Conduct regular performance evaluations, set clear goals, and provide constructive feedback to team members. Identify training needs and facilitate professional development.
- Serve as a mentor to team members, offering guidance on complex claims and legal strategies. Foster a collaborative environment that encourages continuous learning and improvement.
- Participate in the recruitment process by interviewing and selecting qualified candidates. Implement strategies to retain top talent and reduce turnover.
- Oversee the end-to-end management of bodily injury claims, ensuring thorough investigations, accurate assessments, and timely resolutions.
- Review and approve settlement offers, ensuring they are fair, consistent, and in line with company policies and state regulations.
- Conduct regular audits of claim files to ensure compliance with internal guidelines, state laws, and industry best practices. Identify areas for process improvement and implement necessary changes.
- Personally handle or provide guidance on complex, high-value, or sensitive claims that require advanced expertise and strategic decision-making.
- Collaborate with internal and external legal counsel to develop and implement effective litigation strategies that minimize legal exposure and drive favorable outcomes.
- Monitor the progress of litigated claims, ensuring timely and efficient handling. Regularly review case status and provide updates to senior management.
- Maintain strong relationships with outside counsel, ensuring they are aligned with company objectives and cost-effective in their approach.
- Track and manage litigation expenses, ensuring they remain within budget. Identify opportunities to reduce legal costs without compromising the quality of defense.
- Ensure accurate setting and adjusting of claim reserves based on the severity and potential outcome of claims. Monitor reserves to reflect current exposure accurately.
- Manage claim-related expenses, including legal fees, medical assessments, and settlements, ensuring they align with budgetary constraints.
- Analyze claim trends, loss ratios, and other financial metrics to identify patterns and opportunities for cost control. Report findings and recommendations to senior leadership.
- Assist in the preparation of the claims department’s budget, focusing on reserve adequacy, expense management, and profitability.
- Serve as an escalation point for customer complaints or disputes related to bodily injury claims. Resolve issues promptly and professionally to maintain customer satisfaction.
- Work closely with other departments, such as Underwriting and Legal, to ensure alignment of claims practices with broader company objectives.
- Build and maintain relationships with key external stakeholders, including medical professionals, legal counsel, and regulatory bodies, to facilitate smooth claims handling.
- Stay updated on Florida insurance regulations and ensure that all claims handling processes comply with state laws. Prepare for and participate in regulatory audits as required.
- Prepare detailed reports on claims performance, litigation outcomes, financial impacts, and team productivity for senior management review.
- Regularly communicate with senior leadership to provide updates on significant claims, litigation progress, and any potential risks to the company.
- Contribute to the development of the company’s overall claims strategy, providing insights based on claims trends, legal developments, and financial performance.
- Identify opportunities for process enhancements within the claims handling and litigation management functions. Implement best practices to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
- Lead training sessions on emerging trends, new regulations, and updated company policies to ensure the team stays informed and compliant.
- Leverage claims management software and other technological tools to streamline workflows, improve accuracy, and enhance reporting capabilities.
EDUCATION:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Legal Studies, 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.