Job Description

We’re 1st Central, a market-leading insurance company utilising smart data and technology at pace. Rapid growth has been based on giving our 1.4 million customers exactly what they want: great value insurance with an excellent service. And that’s the same for our colleagues too; we won Insurance Employer of the Year at the British Insurance Awards 2024 and our Glassdoor score is pretty mega too!

Are you a specialist in the field of handling complex personal injury claims? Perhaps you have also settled Scottish and Irish claims to enhance your expertise and knowledge? Looking for the next step up? Well look no further!

We’re on the lookout for a skilled and experienced Personal Injury Specialist to join our team in either Haywards Heath, West Sussex or Salford Quays, Manchester on a 12-month fixed term contract

It’s all about being assertive, playing a key role in supporting the customer through their PI claims journey from initial contact to case resolution, you’ll be an expert in your field showing empathy and building strong working relationships.

You'll be a great fit for the role if you have these skills:

• Investigative mindset: you’re able to research facts, review documents and build strong claims cases.
• Clear communication: you’re confident communicating with clients, insurers and solicitors.
• Analytical approach: you’re able to assess evidence, evaluate complex claims and make sound decisions.
• Negotiation skills: you’re capable of negotiating fair settlements with relevant parties.
• Deadline‑driven: you’re able to manage multiple deadlines and meet legal and claim requirements.

We love flexibility and hybrid working – The first 3 months will be in the office full time for training and support. Upon completing 3 months of service and subject to your performance hybrid working can begin at 4 days from home and 1 day a week in the office. If you prefer to be in the office more that’s good with us!

What's involved:

• You’ll own and manage a portfolio, of moderately complex Personal Injury, third party motor claims and associated damage claims, as defined below; within own agreed authority levels of up to £55,000:
  • Vulnerable Road User Claims; Pedestrians, motor cyclists, bicycles
  • Specific KYO Claimant solicitors
  • Initial fraud concern cases, if not retained by Fraud, e.g., LVI
  • Moderate bodily injury claims and psychological trauma
  • Claims managed within the Personal Injury Claims Portals
  • Scottish & Northern Ireland Jurisdiction Claims

• You’ll manage and negotiate (a small caseload) of development files outside own authority limit on strict referral to Senior Personal injury Specialists
• You’ll ensure all files are reserved accurately and liability is agreed within existing case law and accident circumstances
• You’ll be responsible for ensuring the reserves fully reflect the level of damages on each file
• You’ll process and authorise claim payments as required within personal authorities
• You’ll effectively negotiate with customers, suppliers, and all relevant Third-Party representatives
• You’ll proactively manage, assess and sign off all litigation including tracking trends and identifying process improvements
• You’ll ensure any bodily injury claims which exceed the large loss criteria are reviewed and promptly reported to our Large Loss team
• You’ll ensure all continuous improvement ideas are raised via the Team leader or Technical Lead
• You’ll identify and champion potential fraudulent claims and participates in internal audit activity
• You’ll act as a mentor, buddy and referral point to our Personal Injury Handlers
• You’ll assist colleagues with new starter training
• You’ll develop and maintain effective relationships with colleagues and business partners
• You’ll carry out duties, activities and tasks as directed within the Customer and Operations pillar
• You’ll ensure compliance with Company Policies, Values and guidelines at all times

Experience & knowledge:

• Proficient Experience of handling personal injury claims including indemnity validation, accurate reserve setting, liability resolution, quantum assessment and settlement techniques
• Proficient Experience of handling third party Injury claims liaising effectively with different claimant representatives (KYO/ Non KYO)
• Proficient knowledge of liability assessment
• Proficient knowledge of RTA liability and litigation processes and ability to risk assess cases. Good knowledge of RTA/Article 75 and how or when to apply
• Detailed knowledge of all appropriate and relevant personal injury case law and the current legal landscape
• Proficient knowledge of motor claims including all areas of moderately complex Personal injury (as listed in Job Responsibilities)
• A good knowledge of working with the MOJ and OIC portals
• Full understanding of the main principles of English, Scottish, Irish and Foreign Law as it applies in the technical motor claims and legal field
• Solid understanding of all aspects of motor claims, to include credit hire, litigation, and potential fraud
• Experience of working and assisting colleagues in a team environment
• Commercial awareness and ability to shape counter strategies

Skills:

• Thorough and effective communication skills, both verbal and written
• Strong Negotiation and influencing skills
• Excellent time management and organisation skills
• Good assertive skills
• Auditing and coaching skills
• Ability to act as a mentor/develop other and detect training needs.
• Ability to identify areas of business improvement.

Behaviours:

• Tenacious and strong negotiator.
• Self-motivated and enthusiastic
• Able to evidence a thorough approach to claims handling
• Emphasis on attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work on own initiative and equally collaborate with others
• Flexible approach and positive attitude
• An organised and proactive approach
• Confident in presenting complex information

Are you up for the challenge? Click on apply!

What can we do for you?

People first. Always. We’re passionate about our colleagues and know the best people deserve an extraordinary working environment. We owe it to them so that’s what we offer. Our workplaces are energetic, inspirational, supportive. To get a taste of the advantages you’ll enjoy, take a look at all our perks in full here

Intrigued? Our Talent team can tell you everything you need to know about what we want and what we’re offering, so feel free to get in touch.