Brian Sonke
Insurance Claims Specialist
Ripon,CA
Work Preference
Summary
Experienced Insurance Claims Specialist successful at managing high caseloads in fast-paced environments. Skilled in reporting and analysis, I foster collaborative stakeholder relations while mentoring teams. Organized, driven and adaptable with excellent planning and problem-solving abilities. Offering 21 years of experience and willingness to take on any challenge.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Process Specialist
Progressive Insurance
06.2025 - 11.2025
- Identified modifications to processes and procedures that would promote better efficiency.
- Produced detailed and relevant reports for use in making business decisions.
- Conducted thorough reviews of operations to devise and deploy improvement strategies.
- Evaluated diverse organizational systems to identify workflow, communication, and resource utilization issues.
Managed Repair Supervisor
Progressive Insurance
2008 - 06.2025
- Supervised teams of up to 8 employees to complete work on time and to company standards.
- Managed relationships with multiple direct repair facilities to ensure timely repairs and customer satisfaction.
- Implemented customer service processes and resolved issues as needed.
- Shrunk knowledge gaps with ongoing training and close employee mentoring for new and less experienced team members.
- Monitored daily progress and workload to provide guidance and deliver accurate results efficiently.
- Reviewed estimates, total loss valuations, and coverage for payment authority.
Corporate Claims Auditor
Progressive Insurance
10.2022 - 06.2024
- Reviewed insurance claims and to determine overpayment trends and noncompliance issues.
- Identified insurance coverage limitations with thorough examinations of claims documentation and related records.
- Completed audits on claims handling for auto, motorcycle, and commercial vehicle estimates, rental, and total losses.
- Managed workload independently to ensure deadlines were met.
- Collaborated with other auditors and groups to ensure proper processes were followed and results were accurate.
Network Team Leader
Progressive Insurance
2006 - 2008
- Managed teams of up to 5 employees responsible for completing estimates and managing repair in direct repair facilities stretching from Sacramento, CA to Visalia, CA.
- Monitored shop results monthly providing feedback and reporting to shop owners/managers.
- Trained employees on estimating and customer service standards.
- Resolved customer issues and complete service recovery when necessary.
Claims Generalist
Progressive Insurance
2004 - 2006
- Investigated, evaluated and adjusted auto and motorcycled claims in accordance with standards and laws.
- Read over insurance policies to ascertain levels of coverage and determine whether claims would receive approvals or denials.
- Reviewed questionable claims by conducting insured and claimant interviews to correct omissions and errors.
- Investigated and assessed damage to property and reviewed property damage estimates.
- Delivered exceptional customer service to policyholders by communicating important information and patiently listening to issues.
- Negotiated cost of repairs and labor procedures with body shop technicians and estimators.
Sales Representative
ADT Security
2003 - 2004
- Identified new business opportunities through cold calling, networking, marketing and prospective database leads.
- Worked with sales team to collaboratively reach targets, consistently meeting personal quotas.
- Informed customers of promotions to increase sales productivity and volume.
- Met with customers to discuss and ascertain needs, tailor solutions and close deals.
- Managed customer experience from initial meeting through system installation.
Staff Accountant
Genske, Mulder & Company
2002 - 2003
- Reviewed general ledger entries and assessed accuracy.
- Assisted with monthly and quarterly income statements, balance sheets and cash flow reports to inform decision-makers.
- Maintained detailed financial records of accounts receivable and payable status and bank reconciliations.
- Recorded deposits, reconciled monthly bank accounts and tracked expenses.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Accounting And Business Administration
Dordt University
Sioux Center, IASkills
- Streamlining processes
- Calculations and analysis
- Collaborative stakeholder relations
- Reporting and documentation
- Maintaining client confidentiality
- Clear and concise communication
- Staff development and guidance
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Process Specialist
Progressive Insurance
06.2025 - 11.2025
Corporate Claims Auditor
Progressive Insurance
10.2022 - 06.2024
Managed Repair Supervisor
Progressive Insurance
2008 - 06.2025
Network Team Leader
Progressive Insurance
2006 - 2008
Claims Generalist
Progressive Insurance
2004 - 2006
Sales Representative
ADT Security
2003 - 2004
Staff Accountant
Genske, Mulder & Company
2002 - 2003
Bachelor of Science - Accounting And Business Administration
Dordt University