Heather Costine
Bartow,FL
Summary
Litigation Adjuster recognized for high productivity and efficiency in task completion. Possess specialized skills in claim investigation, legal research, and negotiation. Excel at communication, problem-solving, and decision-making which ensure success in managing complex cases. Committed to delivering precise analysis and fair settlements in fast-paced environments.
Dedicated and adaptable professional with a proactive attitude and the ability to learn quickly. Strong work ethic and effective communication skills. Eager to contribute to a dynamic team and support organizational goals. Results-oriented individual with a passion for continuous learning and innovation. Known for leveraging analytic thinking and creativity to solve problems and deliver high-impact solutions in fast-paced environments.
Licensed Claims Adjuster focused on construction inspections and workers' compensation claims. Positive attitude and exceptional problem solving skills.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
PIP Litigation Adjuster III
GEICO
Lakeland, Florida
08.2023 - Current
- Investigated, analyzed and evaluated complex insurance claims to determine coverage and liability.
- Gathered evidence such as witness statements, medical records, police reports and accident reconstructions.
- Advised claimants on their rights under the policy provisions and applicable laws.
- Maintained detailed documentation of all activities related to assigned cases including correspondence, research notes, investigative reports and settlement agreements.
- Negotiated settlements with attorneys representing claimants in order to reach a fair resolution of the claim.
- Reviewed relevant case law in order to evaluate potential courses of action for resolving disputes.
- Assisted attorneys with preparation for mediations and arbitrations by providing necessary evidence and arguments.
- Completed required investigations on referred files within established timeframes.
- Communicated with personnel and legal counsel on claims involving litigation.
- Decreased loss ratios through fair and timely claim processing.
- Managed caseload effectively and efficiently.
- Participated in training and mentoring of new claims adjusters, sharing knowledge and expertise.
- Worked with management to create helpful tools vital to the work in the department.
- Reviewed, evaluated and adjusted claims to promote fair and prompt settlement.
- Discussed current cases and issues in claim committee meetings.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements relating to claims handling.
- Maintained detailed records of all claim activities in a timely manner.
- Calculated and authorized payment of claims within designated authority level.
- Assisted in fraud detection and prevention efforts by identifying suspicious claim activities.
- Managed caseload effectively, prioritizing urgent or high-value claims for prompt attention.
- Reviewed police reports, medical treatment records, medical bills and physical property damage to determine extent of liability.
- Delivered exceptional customer service to clients by communicating information and actively listening to concerns.
Personal Injury Protection Demand Adjuster
GEICO
Lakeland
05.2020 - 08.2023
- Investigated insurance claims to determine liability and damages.
- Analyzed policy provisions, legal documents and medical records.
- Negotiated settlements with claimants, attorneys and other parties.
- Calculated and authorized payment of claims within designated authority level.
- Maintained detailed records of all claim activities in a timely manner.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements relating to claims handling.
- Reviewed, evaluated and adjusted claims to promote fair and prompt settlement.
- Participated in training and mentoring of new claims adjusters, sharing knowledge and expertise.
- Worked with management to create helpful tools vital to the work in the department.
Personal Injury Protection Adjuster
GEICO
Lakeland
05.2019 - 05.2020
- Interpreted policy language to determine whether a claim is covered under the insurance contract.
- Examined medical records, bills, and other documents related to personal injury protection claims.
- Conducted investigations to verify facts of the incident leading to the claim.
- Determined appropriate payment amounts based on evaluation of damages and financial responsibility for losses.
- Assessed the validity of claims by obtaining information from witnesses, police reports, medical records and other relevant sources.
- Maintained detailed records of all activities relating to personal injury protection claims processing.
- Provided advice and assistance regarding legal issues surrounding personal injury protection claims.
- Prepared detailed summary reports outlining findings from investigations into potential fraudulent activity.
- Ensured compliance with state regulations governing personal injury protection adjusters.
- Communicated regularly with clients, claimants, attorneys and other stakeholders throughout the process.
- Participated in training sessions designed to enhance knowledge of industry trends and regulations.
- Reviewed, evaluated and adjusted claims to promote fair and prompt settlement.
- Investigated questionable claims to determine payment authorization.
Liability Claims Adjuster I
GEICO
Lakeland
10.2018 - 05.2019
- Investigated liability claims to determine the extent of insurance company's responsibility for payment.
- Conducted interviews with claimants, witnesses, and medical providers to obtain information concerning claim circumstances.
- Researched applicable legal precedents and consulted with attorneys when necessary.
- Analyzed medical reports and other documents to assess damages and prepare settlement recommendations.
- Drafted reports that documented investigation results, findings, and conclusions regarding liability claims.
- Assessed potential subrogation opportunities for recovering payments from third parties who were liable for losses incurred by insureds.
- Maintained detailed records of all activity related to assigned cases in accordance with established procedures.
- Reviewed policies issued by the company to ensure compliance with state regulations governing liability coverage.
- Evaluated financial statements submitted by claimants in order to verify accuracy of damages claimed.
- Ensured timely processing of claims through regular follow-up on outstanding issues.
- Developed effective working relationships with clients, service providers, attorneys, and other professionals involved in claim resolution process.
- Provided technical guidance and support to less experienced adjusters regarding complex liability claims investigations.
Claims Service Representative Coach
GEICO
Lakeland, Florida
10.2017 - 10.2018
- Developed and implemented effective coaching strategies for new adjusters.
- Created and monitored individualized training plans for new adjusters
- Provided feedback and guidance to new adjusters on technique and strategy.
- Collaborated with other coaches and trainers on strategies to improve overall team performance.
- Encouraged positive behavior among new adjusters in the workplace.
- Maintained records of new adjusters performances while in training.
Claims Service Representative
GEICO
Lakeland
11.2015 - 10.2017
- Received and processed customer claims for insurance coverage.
- Verified customer eligibility and documentation accuracy.
- Researched policy provisions to determine appropriate coverage.
- Drafted correspondence to customers regarding claim status, decisions, and payments.
- Provided timely response to inquiries from customers, claimants, other insurance companies, body shops and attorneys.
- Maintained accurate records of all claims activities in the database system.
- Collaborated with other departments to ensure quality service delivery.
- Monitored progress of outstanding claims to ensure timely resolution.
- Educated customers on their coverage options and limitations.
- Reviewed legal documents related to claims processing as needed.
- Identified potential fraud cases by analyzing patterns of suspicious activity.
- Participated in training sessions to stay up-to-date with industry standards.
- Adhered to all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies.
- Developed strategies for improving customer satisfaction levels.
Education
High School Diploma -
Auburndale Senior High School
Auburndale, FL06-2008
Skills
- Litigation Management
- Insurance policies
- Claims Investigation
- Legal knowledge
- Technical knowledge
- Claims Processing
- Best Practices Implementation
- Litigation resolution
- Highly motivated
- Innovation and Creativity
Timeline
PIP Litigation Adjuster III
GEICO
08.2023 - Current
Personal Injury Protection Demand Adjuster
GEICO
05.2020 - 08.2023
Personal Injury Protection Adjuster
GEICO
05.2019 - 05.2020
Liability Claims Adjuster I
GEICO
10.2018 - 05.2019
Claims Service Representative Coach
GEICO
10.2017 - 10.2018
Claims Service Representative
GEICO
11.2015 - 10.2017
High School Diploma -
Auburndale Senior High School