Senior Claims Handler - Commercial Lines

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 480,000 - 760,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive annual salary

Medical aid and retirement fund

Ongoing professional development

Generous annual leave and sick leave

Mentorship programs

Job summary

Placements24 is sourcing a Senior Claims Handler for a well-established general insurance company in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. The role involves managing complex commercial claims from inception to settlement, with a focus on policy wordings, negotiation, and regulatory compliance.

You will lead investigations, liaise with policyholders, brokers, and legal representatives, and mentor junior colleagues. A strong claims-management background and a commitment to service excellence are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in handling commercial insurance claims.
• Expertise in property, liability, and business interruption claims.
• Strong understanding of policy wordings and legal principles.
• Proven negotiation and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency with claims management software and MS Office.
• Excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage assigned caseload of commercial insurance claims, including liability, property, and business interruption.
• Investigate claims thoroughly, gathering all necessary documentation, reports, and evidence.
• Assess policy coverage, interpret policy wordings, and determine claim validity.
• Communicate with policyholders, brokers, legal representatives, and other involved parties.
• Negotiate settlements within designated authority limits.
• Appoint and manage external service providers, such as loss adjusters and legal counsel.
• Maintain accurate claim records in the claims management system.
• Ensure compliance with legislation and internal protocols.
• Identify fraud risks.
• Provide guidance to junior claims handlers and contribute to team development.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Negotiation

Communication skills

Time management

Independent work

Education

NQF 4/5 in Short-Term Insurance

Tools

Claims management software

MS Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a well-established general insurance company, is seeking an experienced Senior Claims Handler for their Durban, KwaZulu-Natal branch. This vital role involves managing a portfolio of complex commercial insurance claims from inception to settlement. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of various commercial insurance policies, excellent analytical and negotiation skills, and a commitment to providing outstanding service to policyholders and stakeholders. You will be responsible for ensuring claims are processed accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory requirements and company procedures. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute your expertise to a reputable organization within the vibrant Durban insurance market, serving clients across KwaZulu-Natal.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage assigned caseload of commercial insurance claims, including liability, property, and business interruption.
• Investigate claims thoroughly, gathering all necessary documentation, reports, and evidence.
• Assess policy coverage, interpret policy wordings, and determine claim validity.
• Communicate effectively and proactively with policyholders, brokers, legal representatives, and other involved parties.
• Negotiate settlements within designated authority limits, ensuring fair and equitable outcomes.
• Appoint and manage external service providers, such as loss adjusters and legal counsel, when required.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date claim records in the company's claims management system.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, industry codes of conduct, and internal claims handling protocols.
• Identify and mitigate potential fraud risks associated with claims.
• Provide guidance and support to junior claims handlers and contribute to team development.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in handling commercial insurance claims.
• Demonstrated expertise in property, liability, and business interruption claims is essential.
• Strong understanding of commercial insurance policy wordings and legal principles.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proven negotiation and conflict resolution abilities.
• Proficiency with claims management software and general office productivity tools.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and prioritize a demanding workload.
• Relevant industry qualifications (e.g., NQF Level 4/5 in Short-Term Insurance) are highly advantageous.
• Professional demeanor and a commitment to upholding ethical standards in Durban.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary based on experience and expertise.
• Performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and further qualifications.
• A stable and supportive work environment within a recognized insurance company.
• Generous annual leave and sick leave allowances.
• Access to ongoing training and mentorship programs.