Position Duties & Responsibilities
- Reviews, estimates, negotiates, and evaluates first and third party auto physical damage claims for Commercial, Personal, and Farm lines of business.
- Complies with all state and federal regulations, Core Values, and established processes and guidelines.
- Utilizes automated estimating systems to prepare repair estimates reflective of vehicle damages and identifies reparability issues that may result in a potential total loss claim.
Completes documentation on vehicle options, condition, mileage, and other factors.
- Provides technical support to claim team members on estimates and vehicle repair issues.
- Provides consistent quality service throughout the life of the claim, including prompt contact, outlining the claim process, and ongoing effective communication and follow-through while meeting commitments to achieve optimal outcome on every file.
- Regularly contacts and interacts with agents, policyholders, body shop representatives, dealerships, auto parts representatives, independent appraisers, and auto claim representatives.
- Coordinates the usage of independent appraisers with claim staff where appropriate.
- Negotiates with repair facilities on revisions to repair costs including replacement labor times, repair labor rates, alternative parts usage, tax application, betterment, paint allowances, material costs, sublet repairs, deductible application, calculation errors, and incidental expenses.
- Identifies indicators of potential fraud and refers to the Special Investigations Unit.
- Secure and/or maintain appropriate state adjuster license(s) and continuing education credits, as necessary. Actively participates in professional development.
- Other duties as assigned by leadership, either verbally or in writing.
Candidate Requirements & Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s degree preferred. In lieu of a four-year degree, a combination of automotive body experience or vocational training in related field, demonstrating basic understanding of automobile body parts is required.
- Experience in auto physical damage claims, basic automobile knowledge, and/or estimating experienced is preferred.
- Computer experience (MS Office, Excel, Word, etc.).
- Demonstrated verbal and written communication ability.
- Ability to work effectively both independently as well as in a team.
- Demonstrated customer service skills.
- Demonstrated critical thinking skills and the ability to be decisive.
- Ability to negotiate skillfully in demanding situations and effectively manage conflict while maintaining relationships.
- Adapts easily to new or changing assignments, priorities, requirements, or situations.
Our Commitment as an Employer
We value the strength of a diverse and inclusive workforce. Hastings Mutual is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and candidates in a work environment that does not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment. Decisions related to employment are based on business needs, position requirements, and individual characteristics without regard to appearance, nationality, origin, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, body, disability, veteran, family, marital status, or any legally protected class.
Hastings Mutual seeks to provide reasonable accommodation to disabled individuals in the hiring process in compliance with federal, state, and local law. Candidates requiring accommodation to complete their job application or participate in the interviewing process are asked to notify the Talent Acquisition Specialist or contact us at 800-442-8277.
About Hastings Mutual Insurance Company
From our humble roots in 1885 providing coverage for windstorm damage, Hastings Mutual has evolved into a leading regional property and casualty insurance carrier, offering innovative products for businesses, farm owners, and individuals. We work with customers in six Midwestern states (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin). Hastings Mutual is known for its financial strength, high ethical standards, and culture of service and responsiveness.
The core of our ongoing success is our employees. Whether at the corporate offices in Hastings, Michigan, or our remote team members throughout the Midwest, Hastings Mutual is made up of talented professionals across multiple divisions and functional areas. Our commitment to our employees and work culture has been confirmed with our inclusion in the “Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in West Michigan” each year since 2011.
Hastings Mutual offers a friendly, family-like environment that values transparency and approachability. We recognize the hard work of our employees with many benefits, including fully paid certification training, a cafeteria, and fitness center at our corporate offices, ongoing professional development opportunities, and financial stability backed by our “A” rating from A.M. Best. We also have a long-term commitment to the communities in which we live and work, either through partnerships with local charitable organizations or through our own Hastings Mutual Charitable Foundation.
At Hastings Mutual, we’re always looking for professionals of all experience and education levels to help us continue our more than 130-year history of successful, stable growth.
