Desmond Hicks
Ste Genevieve,MO
Summary
Resourceful professional with 18 years of experience in claims risk assessment, policy interpretation, documentation and claim settlements to reach the best claim decisions for the organization, while responding with empathy to the customer's situation.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Claims Adjuster III
United Fire Group Inc
03.2023 - Current
- Completed in depth coverage reviews of commercial policies for application of coverage.
- Completed field inspections of physical damage to commercial properties UFG insured within four hours of my remote office.
- Responded to Catastrophe events in order to scope damages and resolve claims within 48 hours of the event.
- Negotiated with policyholders, claimants, public adjuster and attorneys to reach mutually satisfactory resolutions.
- Assisted in adjusting Inland Marine losses for commercial accounts.
- Worked with forensic accountants in resolving business income losses during the period of restoration.
- Reviewed documentation for accuracy, ensuring compliance with company policies and regulations.
- Delivered exceptional customer service to policyholders by communicating important information and patiently listening to issues.
- Assisted with the development of an initiative to aid with customer service satisfaction.
- Assisted with the roll out of a new payment process and was the subject matter expect for the field property staff.
Senior Property Claims Adjuster
Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company
05.2017 - 03.2023
- Mentored junior adjusters, providing support and guidance as they navigated the complexities of property claims adjusting.
- Completed authority approvals on files in excess of $50,000.
- Reviewed files and approved denial letters on claims for which there was no coverage.
- Assisted in managing the adjusting staff for Missouri and Southern Illinois. This includes claims triage during heavy volume.
- Implemented a coverage round table meeting to address coverage questions and issues facing Missouri and Illinois.
Property Claims Adjuster
Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company
02.2013 - 05.2017
- Utilized Xactimate to complete accurate estimates for covered losses to property.
- Conducted site visits to accurately assess property damage and coverage.
- Managed large caseloads, prioritizing tasks to ensure timely completion of all assigned claims while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
Catastrophe Claims Adjuster
Fireman's Fund
01.2009 - 02.2013
- Traveled to the site of catastrophes to handle property claims.
Automobile Claims Adjuster
Progressive
05.2007 - 01.2009
- Handled vehicle and property damage claims.
Education
Bachelor Of Arts - Business Administration
Missouri Baptist University
St Louis, MOBachelor Of Arts - Marketing
Missouri Baptist University
St Louis, MOSkills
- Technical Report Writing
- Property Damage Assessment
- Insurance Policy Knowledge
- Complex Claims Handling
Certification
- Haag Certification completed February 2022. UFG did allow the certificate to lapse.
- Associate in Management from The Institutes. Completed December 2023.
Timeline
Claims Adjuster III
United Fire Group Inc
03.2023 - Current
Senior Property Claims Adjuster
Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company
05.2017 - 03.2023
Property Claims Adjuster
Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company
02.2013 - 05.2017
Catastrophe Claims Adjuster
Fireman's Fund
01.2009 - 02.2013
Automobile Claims Adjuster
Progressive
05.2007 - 01.2009
Bachelor Of Arts - Marketing
Missouri Baptist University
Bachelor Of Arts - Business Administration
Missouri Baptist University