Gary Banter
Newalla,OK
Summary
Dynamic Material Damage Claims Adjuster with a proven track record at American Farmers & Ranchers Mutual Insurance Company. Expert in claims handling and damage assessment, delivering exceptional customer service while reducing fraudulent claims. Adept at training and development, fostering team success through effective communication and compliance with insurance regulations.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Material Damage Claims Adjuster
American Farmers & Ranchers Mutual Insurance Company
04.2024 - Current
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly addressing inquiries and providing accurate updates on claim status.
- Reduced fraudulent claims by thoroughly investigating each case and gathering relevant evidence.
- Facilitated smooth transitions between adjusters when necessary due to workload fluctuations or personal circumstances.
- Maintained compliance with state regulations and company policies during the claims handling process.
- Collaborated with repair shops to ensure timely and cost-effective repairs, ultimately saving company resources.
- Streamlined workflow by effectively prioritizing tasks based on claim complexity and urgency.
- Continuously improved professional expertise by attending training sessions and staying current on industry trends.
- Assisted team members with complex cases, contributing to overall department success in resolving claims quickly and fairly.
- Identified subrogation opportunities through careful analysis of accident details, recovering funds for the company when appropriate.
- Negotiated fair settlements with claimants by leveraging strong communication skills and industry knowledge.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors and service providers, fostering trust and cooperation in the claims process.
- Provided guidance to less experienced adjusters while still maintaining own caseload responsibilities.
- Delivered exceptional customer service to policyholders by communicating important information and patiently listening to issues.
- Read over insurance policies to ascertain levels of coverage and determine whether claims would receive approvals or denials.
Auto Damage Adjuster III
GEICO, Government Employees Insurance
07.2006 - 03.2024
- Inspected vehicles involved in accidents and generated reports showing estimated repair costs.
- Carried and managed a consistently heavy workload and claim volume, timely contacting customers within 2 hours of assignment, Setting up tows, evaluationg total loss vehicles, settling total loss claims, sending total loss paperwork, determining salvage values, managing rentals, follow up calls on all claims.
- Evaluated practicality of repair as opposed to payment of market value of vehicle before accident.
- Determined salvage value on total-loss vehicle.
- Identified suspicious claims, escalating issues to to SIU for further investigation and analysis.
- Maintained excellent attendance record, consistently arriving to work on time.
- Actively listened to customers, handled concerns quickly without constant supervisor contacts.
- Worked with both insureds and claimants to timely settle claims and provide excellent customer service. Coordinated with local body shops to schedule repairs, arranged and set up rental vehicles for customers for duration of restoration process.
- Negotiated with insureds and claimants to settle claims.
- Evaluated and investigated auto claims to determine prior and/or unrelated damages, in order to issue fair and accurate claim payments.
Auto Damage Supervisor
GEICO, Government Employees Insurance
04.2012 - 01.2016
- Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows.
- Handled customer complaints, resolved issues and adjusted policies to meet changing needs.
- Monitored employee performance and provided coaching and constructive guidance to address areas of concern.
- Maintained compliance with company policies, objectives and communication goals.
- Set overall vision and provided team leadership.
- Worked with management team to implement proper division of responsibilities.
- Set and managed schedules to give proper coverage to required areas and meet customer service demands.
- Adjusted job assignments and schedules to keep pace with dynamic business needs, factoring in processes, employee knowledge and customer demands.
- Developed training, task and process guidelines and communicated clear and concise directions to employees.
- Evaluated employee performance and coached and trained to improve weak areas.
- Interviewed, hired and trained new employees for production positions.
- Identified individual employee's unique work styles and adapted management methods.
- Provided coaching and counseling to employees to encourage professional growth as well as meet short- and long-term goals.
- Measured team performance and reported metrics to leadership team members.
- Prepared and managed work schedules, vacation and sick time.
- Introduced team contests and goals to enhance productivity and improve employee morale.
- Increased accuracy in damage estimates by staying current on industry trends, attending workshops, and obtaining certifications relevant to the field.
- Boosted overall team morale by promoting a positive work environment that encouraged open communication among team members regarding challenges faced during daily tasks.
- Ensured compliance with state regulations by keeping abreast of changes in laws related to auto insurance claims management.
- Regularly reviewed departmental performance metrics to identify areas needing improvement or adjustments in work processes.
- Oversaw a team of 11 adjusters in 2 states, providing guidance and support to ensure accurate damage appraisals and prompt claim settlements.
- Enhanced team productivity with regular training sessions on industry best practices and new technologies in auto repair estimation.
- Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
- Managed Multiple Catastrophes in Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, New Mexico and Colarado.
Education
Norman High School
Norman, OKCore Business Courses For Supervision
Upper Iowa University
OnlineSkills
- Claims handling
- Damage assessment
- Database-savvy
- Insurance regulations knowledge
- Customer service expertise
- Automotive component understanding
- Auto damage appraisal
- Claims process explanation
- Catastrophe Management
- Extensive Knowledge of Guidewire Claims System
- Material Damage Supervisor
- Training & Development
- Data management
- Excellent work ethic
- Ensure Compliance with state regulations and Company
Timeline
Material Damage Claims Adjuster
American Farmers & Ranchers Mutual Insurance Company
04.2024 - Current
Auto Damage Supervisor
GEICO, Government Employees Insurance
04.2012 - 01.2016
Auto Damage Adjuster III
GEICO, Government Employees Insurance
07.2006 - 03.2024
Norman High School
Core Business Courses For Supervision
Upper Iowa University
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