Claims Specialist - Construction Defect

UFG is currently hiring a Claims Specialist - Construction Defect who will be responsible for proper investigation, evaluation and resolution of large exposure cases and complex coverage claims in construction defect losses. This includes reviewing the appropriate policy(ies) along with the endorsements to analyze coverage and communicate our coverage position. The Construction Defect Specialist will need to determine loss facts, extent of damages and set proper reserves through interviews and document review including expert reports, homeowner matrices, scope of work matrices, defect lists, time on risk matrices and all other relevant documents for the purpose of evaluating, negotiating and settling claims. A large component of the job may include proper reporting to corporate personnel and reinsurance programs.

Responsibilities: 

• Complete initial and subsequent case reviews, review of the allegations, and policy language in order to determine if there is coverage. Keep apprised of changes in legal climate, case law and court procedures in the subject jurisdictions.
• Identify coverage issues, and send corresponding appropriate ROR, declination or other coverage-related written communications to the insured(s) and agency.
• Recognize and pursue risk transfer opportunities and exposures as appropriate, i.e. contractual defense/indemnity and additional insured defense/indemnity. Understand and be able to determine priority of coverage and allocation issues including consecutive, primary vs. excess and concurrent coverage.
• Actively pursue co-carrier contribution and subcontractor participation, including by issuing tenders and pursuing cost sharing arrangements. Pursue subrogation if appropriate.   
• Investigate and evaluate liability by considering, identifying and applying available defenses i.e. statutes of limitation and repose, comparative negligence, comparative/pure comparative fault laws, allocation, contribution, immunity laws, anti-indemnification statutes, collateral source laws, and other legal doctrines, as appropriate.
• Complete exposure evaluation to include an allocation of the insured’s respective share of liability for the incident, and the evaluation of damages attributable to it, as well as the extent of covered damages.
• Complete timely reserve evaluation in accordance with UFG’s Gold Standard of claims.
• Complete settlement/negotiation plan, giving objective and well-considered weight to the strengths or weaknesses of case, anticipated rebuttal and counterarguments, venue climate, verdict potential, and/or projected future costs.
• Notify insured of key developments and demands throughout the case and communicate with agency and UW departments regarding substantial high dollar shift in financial exposure.
• Actively drive case resolution momentum and progression and provide a “road map” and explanation for case decisions. Ensure that outcome-based plan and strategy are included in file handling.
• On litigated files, collaborate with defense counsel on a fluid and dynamic basis to explore and identify efficient, cost-effective resolution alternative and strategies.
• Direct negotiation, settlement conference, and/or mediation efforts. Assertively create and pursue early settlement opportunities.
• Direct retention of experts and other high-dollar vendors, consistent with documented strategy/objectives.

Qualifications: 

Education: 

• Four-year college degree preferred

Certifications/Designations/Licenses: 

• AIC, CRIS, and/or similar claims designation preferred.
• Meet the appropriate state licensing requirements to handle “multi-line” claims.

Experience: 

• 10+ years’ experience in handling casualty claims with 3+ years total direct construction defect claims experience.
• Must have a working knowledge of high exposure construction defect claims, with considerable litigation handling experience.

Knowledge, skills & abilities: 

• Ability to read, comprehend and interpret policy language, endorsements, and contracts while applying them to the claim. Must understand coverage trigger and allocation theories.  Analytical ability to determine coverage and reserves.  Understand technical aspects of the construction trade and involved contracts.
• Must possess negotiation skills, human relations skills, analytical skills, organization skills as well as oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to document information into appropriate technological format. Prepare and forward notification forms to management and/or underwriting.  Maintain contact with supervisor.  Answer and respond to phone requests on claims. 
• Use mail, email and phone to secure information. Must have analytical judgment to determine and apply negligence laws of state.  
• Must have knowledge of the law (civil, contractual), construction and building repair, good knowledge of the various construction trades.

Working Conditions: 

• Working out of home or office (general office conditions), and occasional traveling required for attendance at mediations, courthouse, settlement conferences or trials. Occasional site inspections as determined appropriate with your supervisor.   

Pay Transparency Statement:

UFG Insurance is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The base salary range for this position is $85,991 - $113,412 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.