Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Kelley O'Hara, CPCU, CLU

Fort Lauderdale,FL

Summary

Dynamic Claims Adjuster with extensive experience at State Farm Insurance Inc., recognized for expertise in settlement negotiation and critical thinking. Proven track record in resolving complex claims and enhancing customer satisfaction. Adept at policy interpretation and fostering relationships, driving successful outcomes in high-stakes environments. Committed to innovation and team leadership.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Claims Adjuster

Cable Insurance Company
03.2024 - Current
  • Handled livery-business-related commercial auto claims; taxis, limousines and shuttles. conducted thorough investigations on large losses, including pedestrian and NEMT passenger injuries; gathered evidence, analyzed relevant documentation, and coordinated special investigative activities.
  • Responsible for coverage and liability investigation as well as settlement negotiation on all causes of loss from inception to close of the claim; bodily injury (attorney represented or not), property damage liability, first-party vehicle damage, personal injury protection (PIP), and uninsured motorist.
  • Worked with private investigators and attorneys on preparation of evidence, witness statements, surveillance, background searches, social media reports, and other documentation in preparation for trial. Worked closely with company defense counsel to resolve pre-litigated claims.
  • Held special role as liaison and claim representative to the company's single largest policyholder since acquisition of the account; handled client's claims consistency and effectively, built a strong relationship, and helped identify risk factors to work toward resolution, bringing benefit to all parties.
  • Established role as team player quick to offer assistance to colleagues; served as a subject matter expert for vehicle total loss handling and other areas of expertise (MS tools, commercial auto policies, time management strategies, etc.).

Multi-Lines Claim Adjuster

Meritus Group LLC
06.2021 - 02.2024
  • Representative at a third-party administrator (TPA) firm accepting assignments from insurance companies; versatile role handling claims from multiple lines; heavy trucking and other commercial auto and equipment, wage loss, damaged cargo, liability damage to property and resulting loss of revenue/extra expenses, homeowner damage, fires, thefts, etc.; also investigated and handled commercial general liability (CGL) claims for restaurants and condominium associations.
  • Acted as a trusted fiduciary exercising good judgement on behalf of the client and accordingly earning their trust and fostering strong relationships. Adhered to both client and TPA process and handling requirements, documented all work completed, and provided regular status updates, reports, and appropriate invoicing.

Commercial Auto Claims Adjuster

Travelers Insurance Company
03.2019 - 05.2021
  • Selected to work on team specializing on handling all types of commercial auto claims.
  • Initiated and led weekly team roundtable meetings to discuss coverage and liability issues with other team members and reach group consensus.
  • Performed in-depth analyses of commercial auto policies, many of which have special account considerations and customized endorsements.

Insurance Specialist

Independent Contracting
09.2017 - 02.2019
  • Served as staff editor on a startup website committed to mentoring, coaching, and providing support to young professionals entering the industry.
  • Worked with Hall County, GA's Risk Management division to conduct employee defensive driver training (police officers, EMT drivers, etc.). Handled workers compensation, road hazard, and internal vehicle repair claims; identified and pursued subrogation opportunities.
  • Contracted on an assignment as an analyst assisting insurance professionals in obtaining reports from agencies all over the United States.

Sr. Claims Adjuster

State Farm Insurance Inc
09.1999 - 07.2017
  • Initially worked in a fast-paced, team-oriented, non-complex environment, becoming proficient in handling personal auto claims and minor bodily injury claims in an expeditious manner.
  • Promoted to senior adjuster after gaining extensive experience in auto total loss handling; assisted managers with complex titling, customer service, and other issues requiring a subject matter expert.
  • Developed an auto total loss training program which led to helping the company develop standard operating practices to implement nationwide; led a team to train all new employees on total loss handling. Produced measurable results related to employee performance and job satisfaction.
  • Training involvement brought more opportunities; traveled the country training various large groups with both auto claim and PIP claim handling.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration

Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA

Skills

  • Critical thinking
  • Claims investigation
  • Active listening
  • Advanced oral and written communication skills
  • Settlement negotiation
  • Clear and concise report drafting
  • Policy investigations
  • Licensed Florida claims adjuster
  • Innovation and creativity
  • Legal adherence
  • Risk management
  • Interdepartmental collaboration
  • Insurance fraud expertise
  • Conflict resolution skills
  • Liability determination
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Settlement negotiations
  • Team Training
  • Coaching and mentoring
  • Negotiation techniques

Affiliations

  • Served as Arbitration Panelist 5 years
  • Active Adjuster Licenses Held in FL, MN, CA, IN, TX, UT, and NY
  • PASS Certified (Passenger Assistance, Safety, and Sensitivity)

Certification

CPCU - Chartered Property & Casualty Underwriter

CLU - Chartered Life Underwriter

AINS - Associate in General Insurance

AIS - Associate in Insurance Services

Languages

Spanish
Limited Working

Timeline

Claims Adjuster

Cable Insurance Company
03.2024 - Current

Multi-Lines Claim Adjuster

Meritus Group LLC
06.2021 - 02.2024

Commercial Auto Claims Adjuster

Travelers Insurance Company
03.2019 - 05.2021

Insurance Specialist

Independent Contracting
09.2017 - 02.2019

Sr. Claims Adjuster

State Farm Insurance Inc
09.1999 - 07.2017

Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration

Georgia State University

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Kelley O'Hara, CPCU, CLU