Construction Defect Claims Specialist

The Hartford; Town of Florida (NY); Hybrid; USD 106,400 - 159,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Short-term and annual bonuses

Long-term incentives

On-the-spot recognition

Job summary

A leading insurance provider seeks a Claim Specialist for their Complex Claims Unit. You will manage complex construction defect claims, requiring expert analysis and negotiation skills. This role offers hybrid or remote options, with a competitive salary range of $106,400 - $159,600 annually. The ideal candidate will possess at least 5 years of relevant experience and effective communication abilities to drive results in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years construction defect claim handling experience.
• Experience with general liability and WRAP policies.
• Active Property & Casualty State Insurance Adjuster license.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex, high-value claims independently.
• Provide proactive communication to customers.
• Conduct investigations regarding claims and lawsuits.

Skills

Construction defect claim handling

Excellent communication skills

Analytical thinking

Customer service skills

Negotiation skills

Proficiency with MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

J.D. or CRIS designation

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

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.

Role Overview

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.

• 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 $106,400 - $159,600. 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.

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