Katya Makinen
Lafayette,California
Summary
Seasoned Adjuster with background in insurance claims and case management. Possess strong negotiation skills, adept at interpreting and applying policy terms to resolve disputes effectively. Able to maintain composure under pressure and consistently meet deadlines while managing high volume caseloads. Outcomes include reduced claim resolution times and improved customer satisfaction ratings in previous roles.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Auto Adjuster/Complex Investigation
Progressive
01.2025 - Current
- Senior adjuster handling Complex files for auto reserves.
- In depth policy and coverage investigations for various policy types.
- SIU Fraud Certification obtained - for fraud awareness and high level collaboration/ Analysis with SIU
- Department.
- Identifying complex risk concerns.
- Managing high volume desk with full account management until close out .
- Completing various metrics in line with compliance regulations.
- Write up of denials, handling retention and providing exceptional customer support.
- Performing outreach with attorneys, handling time sensitive and general demands, obtaining recorded
- Statements , utilizing CHP and Police department reports. Fully cycle total loss handling via
- Collaboration with iaa / co part - salvage - for first and third parties. Handle evaluations, settlement
- Negotiations, handling offs and value assessments.
- LexusNexis, Excel, CRMS, Multilines, dispatch, Vendors, Fraud, Claims, Investigations, Analysis
- Payment processing, Audits, Policy Investigations, Underwriting, Incident mapping, Data Extraction
- Risk Mitigation, total loss.
Work engagement coordinator/ ambassador
Progressive
01.2025 - Current
- Coordinate employee engagement programs and regional events by partnering with nonprofits, local
- Businesses, and schools. Manage event budgets, analyze regional engagement trends, and design
- Initiatives to boost employee morale, participation, and community impact. Handle budgeting for
- Employee/ office events Coordinate outreach with local businesses Schedule food events for the office(s)
- Keep break room stocked and organize conference and break room . Launch for TAP software platform
- Across the whole west region for employee boost engagement on positive feedback with employee
- Collaboration. Monitor usage and metrics for tap. Balance work demand with office culture .
SR Field Property Appraiser
Farmers
05.2024 - 01.2025
- Conducted thorough analyses to establish accurate reserves, ensuring financial stability. Managed full
- Claims cycle up to $50,000 using Xactimate for precise loss estimation. Documented coverage details
- And liaised with relevant parties for recovery information. Negotiated settlements with insured, adhering
- To best practices for optimal outcomes.
- Established reserves through detailed analyses.
- Utilized Xactimate for loss estimation on claims.
- Documented coverage and coordinated with stakeholders.
- Negotiated settlements to achieve favorable outcomes.
- Guide wire, excel live worksheets, estimates, CAD , policy investigations, inspections.
Tier 1/ Tier 2 Claims Audit Associate
First American
03.2022 - 05.2024
- Conduct detailed audits of Tier 1 and Tier 2 claims, ensuring accurate analysis of vendor and
- Insured coverage. Oversee outbound retention efforts, maintaining high customer satisfaction and claim
- Page 1resolution rates. Perform full-cycle back-end pay audits, enhancing payment accuracy for vendors and
- Insureds. Identify and resolve discrepancies, improving overall audit efficiency.
- Enhanced audit efficiency through process streamlining.
- Achieved high customer satisfaction ratings in retention efforts.
- Improved payment accuracy via comprehensive audit execution.
Authorization Associate/ Property
OLD REPUBLIC
07.2020 - 03.2022
- Facilitated front-end authorization implementation across coverage, plan limits, and vendors
- Nationwide. Collaborated with front and back-end departments to streamline claims processing.
- Coordinated with internal teams to enhance claim workflows.
- Managed vendor relationships to ensure compliance with coverage standards.
- Analysed authorization processes to identify areas for improvement.
Barista
Peets Coffee
03.2020 - 10.2020
- Prepare and serve Fair Trade and organic coffee products. Collaborate in a team-oriented environment
- To enhance community engagement and promote a healthy coffee culture. Uphold standards of taste
- Authenticity, and style in every beverage crafted.
- Delivered exceptional customer service, enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Participated in community events, strengthening local relationships.
- Maintained equipment and workspace, ensuring cleanliness and efficiency.
Education
High School Graduation/ Diploma -
Tilden Preparatory
Albany, CA06-2012
Skills
- Risk mitigation (Experienced)
- Policy analysis
- Claims investigation
- Coverage review
- Vendor relations
- Claims expert
- Fraud awareness (Experienced)
- available calls
- Reserve analysis
- Critical thinking
Accomplishments
- Xactimate
- Negotiation
- Fraud detection
- Customer satisfaction
Timeline
Auto Adjuster/Complex Investigation
Progressive
01.2025 - Current
Work engagement coordinator/ ambassador
Progressive
01.2025 - Current
SR Field Property Appraiser
Farmers
05.2024 - 01.2025
Tier 1/ Tier 2 Claims Audit Associate
First American
03.2022 - 05.2024
Authorization Associate/ Property
OLD REPUBLIC
07.2020 - 03.2022
Barista
Peets Coffee
03.2020 - 10.2020
High School Graduation/ Diploma -
Tilden Preparatory