Construction Defect Claims Specialist

The Hartford; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 108,000 - 161,000; Full time

Job summary

The Hartford is seeking a Specialist Claims – CH07DE to manage the most complex construction defect claims within the CCU-CD. This role requires independent handling of high-value claims, detailed policy analysis, and strategic resolution. Expect interaction with leadership, audits, and training initiatives.

Roles include extensive coverage analysis, negotiations, and coordination of defense strategies. Hybrid or remote work options are available; some office presence may be required depending

Qualifications

• 5 years of construction defect claim handling experience.
• Experience handling complex construction defect coverage and liability issues.
• Experience with affirmative/defensive risk transfer, including tendering to additional insured and indemnity tenders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and negotiation abilities.
• Licensed as Property & Casualty State Insurance Adjuster.

Responsibilities

• Provide proactive communications to customers and business partners.
• Respond to inquiries and provide superior customer service.
• Review and analyze multiple complex policies and coverage parts.
• Write and articulate clear, concise coverage positions.
• Conduct investigations regarding claims and lawsuits.
• Manage litigation planning, budgeting, and positioning for resolution.
• Develop complex coverage, liability and damage assessments for leadership.
• Proactively manage expenses, reserves and financial transactions.
• Maintain up-to-date claims metrics.

Skills

Construction defects

Complex claim handling

Negotiation & settlements

Verbal & written communication

MS Office (Word/Excel)

P&C Adjuster license

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

J.D. or CRIS designation a plus

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Specialist Claims – CH07DE

We’re determined to make a difference and are proud to be an insurance company that goes well beyond coverages and policies. Working here means having every opportunity to achieve your goals — and to help others accomplish theirs, too. Join our team as we help shape the future.

The Claim Specialist is the highest claim handling designation within the Complex Claims Unit – Construction (CCU-CD) and is a visible and important role. CCU is a highly specialized claim organization responsible for the management of construction defect and construction related claims involving bodily injury and property damage. Claims in CCU are often associated with complex fact patterns requiring contract analysis, and coverage issues that may involve multiple years and types of insurance coverage. CCU claims also commonly involve litigation, require subject matter expertise to manage, and can involve higher exposures.

Responsibilities:

The Claim Specialist must demonstrate the ability to independently and timely manage all aspects of the most complex, high-value claims exhibiting a detailed knowledge of each claim, a well-reasoned analytical focus, and a clear strategy for resolution. The Claim Specialist must also be willing to share their expertise and contribute to broader claim goals by participating in audits, projects and training initiatives.

Other responsibilities include:

• Provide proactive communications to customers and business partners in the management and resolution of claims

• Respond to inquiries from customers and provide superior customer service

• Review and analyze multiple complex policies and coverage parts (including general liability, contractors professional liability and wrap-up policies)

• Write and articulate clear, concise and accurate coverage positions

• Conduct investigations regarding claims and/or lawsuits

• Effectively manage litigation and counsel, inclusive of litigation planning, budgeting, and proactively positioning claims for resolution

• Develop complex coverage, liability and damage assessments and persuasively articulate them to leadership

• Provide detailed impactful recommendations to leadership

• Pursue and finalize coverage and liability risk transfer against other liable parties and insurance carriers

• Conduct complex negotiations and articulate coverage/liability positions

• Attend mediations and trials as necessary

• Proactively manage accurate expense, reserve and financial transactions

• Consistently maintain up to date claims metrics

Required Qualifications:

• 5 years construction defect claim handling experience

• Experience handling complex construction defect coverage and liability issues on general liability and WRAP policies for general contractor, developer, owner, and construction manager claims

• Experience in handling affirmative/defensive risk transfer, including tendering and responding to additional insured and contractual indemnity tenders

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Excellent analytical and critical thinking ability

• Ability to present in a roundtable setting with a well-reasoned and analytical evaluation

• Experience in the creation and delivery of presentations

• Superior customer service skills and active listening skills

• Proven track record of prioritizing and managing multiple responsibilities simultaneously

• Proven track record of effective negotiations/settlement of high-value construction defect liability claims

• Demonstrated negotiation and conflict resolution skills

• Proficiency with MS Office, especially Word and Excel

• Active Property & Casualty State Insurance Adjuster license

Preferred Qualifications:

• 10 years construction defect claim handling experience

• Bachelor’s degree preferred. J.D. or CRIS designation a plus

• Experience in handling contractor professional and protective indemnity policies

• Knowledge of surety, bond and builders risk policies

• Active Property & Casualty State Insurance Adjuster license

Other Information:

This role can have a Hybrid or Remote work arrangement. Candidates who live near one of the Hartford home office locations will have the expectation of working in an office 3 days a week (Tuesday through Thursday). Candidates who do not live near an office will have a remote work arrangement, with the expectation of coming into an office as business needs arise.

Compensation

The listed annualized base pay range is primarily based on analysis of similar positions in the external market. Actual base pay could vary and may be above or below the listed range based on factors including but not limited to performance, proficiency and demonstration of competencies required for the role. The base pay is just one component of The Hartford’s total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include short-term or annual bonuses, long-term incentives, and on-the-spot recognition. The annualized base pay range for this role is:

$107,600 – $161,400

Equal Opportunity Employer/Sex/Race/Color/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity or Expression/Religion/Age