We are seeking a Senior Auto Claims Specialist to join our team! The Senior Auto Claims Specialist is responsible for managing a caseload of high-risk non-injury claims involving the highest (non-injury) complexity and sensitivity of a legal, engineering, environmental and jurisdictional nature. You will effectively lead cases through all stages of investigation, evaluation, case development and settlement.  

You are considered an expert in respect to your knowledge of Supreme Court rules, case law, relevant acts, regulations, legislation, and inter-jurisdictional issues pertaining to high-risk non-injury damage claims. Your level of knowledge is complimented by your ability to work within established work practices, while applying your critical thinking skills to develop innovative strategies to develop optimum settlement outcomes.

Position Highlights

Responsibilities are differentiated from the Personal and Auto Claims Specialist Roles, primarily by the high risk nature and/or high reputational risk of the files involving first party coverage, property damage and environmental impacts, emphasis on directing professionals and specialists, engagement in the litigation process, and by the expert knowledge required to manage these cases.

• Manages a caseload of high-risk non-injury files, involving first, party coverage, property and material damage such as that related to bridges, overpasses and environmental impacts. Also manages files involving reputational risk to the Corporation.
• Develops and implements claims investigation strategies, with emphasis on the selection and direction of professionals and specialists in the financial, engineering, environmental, appraisal and investigation fields. Interprets, analyses and conducts research on expert reports, case law, legal opinions, jurisprudence and other relevant information. Evaluates entitlements, coverage, liability and quantum.
• Directs legal counsel, exercising a high degree of latitude in the development of innovative defense strategies within the framework of Supreme Court rules, acts, regulations, legislation and policy to generate optimum settlement outcomes for the customer and ICBC. Also collaborates and consults with external professionals and specialists who may be critical witnesses in the defense. Develops evidence and file materials in support of defense strategies.
• Negotiates settlement directly with customer or plaintiff counsel on high risk/reputational non-injury claims within reserve and settlement financial limits. Also conducts credible, professional defence presentations of a highly complex nature for litigated cases, including all legal forums, such as mediation, arbitration and trial proceedings. Emphasis is on accurate quantification of the claim through research and engagement of professionals and specialists.
• Identifies and completes appropriate demands for subrogation and breach recoveries and verifies/authorizes incoming vendor payment requisitions to the limit of authority.
• Liaises with government and other external agencies to ensure regulatory and agency standards are met.
• Provides technical direction to ICBC staff and outside agencies on all aspects of high-risk material damage claim file handling. Advises on current legal trends and decisions related to coverage and quantum, and provides direction on procedures, policies and practices and on interpretation of acts and regulations.
• Manages all file documentation and prepares reports and summaries related to claims or related issues for such purposes as obtaining settlement authority, reporting on file progress, or providing media-related alerts.
• Performs other related duties that do not affect the nature of the job.

Position Requirements

Knowledge/Technical Skills

• of the relevant acts, regulations, legislation and jurisprudence pertaining to high-risk non-injury damage claims.
• of the principles, theories, standards, practices and techniques pertaining to the adjustment and litigation of high-risk non-injury claims.
• of the relevant department and corporate policies, procedures, guidelines and other reference materials pertaining to adjustment and litigation of high-risk non-injury claims.
• of strategic case development as it pertains to high-risk non-injury claims
• of complex engineering, environmental and legal terminology
• of court proceedings, supreme court rules, and the preparation of evidence and file material for the litigation of high-risk non-injury claims
• of accounting principles as they pertain to case management
• of the relevant department and corporate databases and systems to access and research information, conduct analysis and prepare reports.
• of corporate programs, products and services
• of the insurance industry and related issues (e.g. inter-jurisdictional issues)

Analytical/Problem Solving Skills

• to plan, develop and implement investigation strategies for high-risk non-injury claims.
• to interpret, analyse and conduct research on expert reports, judgements, legal opinions, regulations, legislation and other related references.
• to develop innovative defense strategies for settlement of high-risk non-injury claims
• to use a high degree of judgement in evaluation of entitlements, coverage, liability and quantum
• to be resourceful and creative in the handling of high-risk non-injury cases

Communication/Interpersonal Skills

• to establish effective working relationships with customers, staff, specialists, professionals, and other stakeholders in high-risk non-injury claims
• to collaborate with and direct defense counsel in developing defense strategies for high-risk non-injury claims
• to conduct credible, professional defense presentations of a highly complex nature in all legal forums such as mediation, arbitration, and trial proceedings
• to negotiate settlement of high-risk non-injury claims
• to prepare reports and summaries regarding status of high-risk non-injury claims and related issues

Organization Skills

• to plan file work, set priorities and utilize time effectively.
• to manage a multi-file caseload of high-risk non-injury claims
• to maintain research information as it pertains to high-risk non-injury claims.
• to maintain file documentation

Physical/Concentration Ability

• to maintain vigilance and attentiveness during legal proceedings and settlement discussions
• to manage multiple demands, interruptions and time pressures
• to maintain mental and visual concentration while reviewing complex claims files and analysing technical reports

Leadership Skills

• to select, direct and disengage professionals and specialists in regard to the investigation and settlement of high-risk non-injury claims.
• to provide technical direction and training to field staff and outside agencies on all aspects of high value material damage claims

Work Environment

• involves occasional travel to law firms and legal forums.
• involves occasional travel to incident scene for onsite assessment, which may involve travel outside of normal work hours.

The above requirements would typically be acquired through an undergraduate degree in business or general sciences, and a professional designation (e.g. CIP or CRM), plus a minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in complex claims adjusting or an equivalent combination of education or experience.

Licensing/Accreditation - Due to the specific nature of the work, the following license must be held:

• Valid BC Driver’s license
• Professional Designation recommended (i.e. CIP or CRM)