KT Thuman
Adams,NE
Summary
Results-driven appraiser specializing in auto estimatics and fire claims management. Proven track record in enhancing operational efficiency through data-driven strategies and strong leadership. Achieved significant cost savings while fostering employee engagement and team collaboration.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Auto Estimatics APPRAISER
State farm insurance
08.2023 - Current
- Persuasive communication and resolution tactics utilized with repair facilities and peers.
- I am a go to person when management is not available to offer guidance within compliance.
- I am part of the AEA refresher group, which develops and presents topics to peers to help with efficiencies. The end goal of contributing to the overall cost savings for the department.
- I am active in staying current with today's ever changing repair procedures and calibrations.
- I am active in consistency meetings with our proximity partners to build relationships and consistency in that market.
- I attend Business Acumen meetings and share insights with Peers.
- I am part of the Adams Leadership Development Group; this introduces me into higher level thought process and goals.
LDA Fire In-Office Team Manager
State Farm Insurance Inc
Adams, NE
06.2025 - 05.2026
- Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
- Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.
- Utilized advanced technical skills and expertise to troubleshoot complex problems and implement solutions.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
- Facilitated team discussions to enhance coaching strategies and participant engagement.
- Implemented feedback mechanisms to gather insights from coaching participants.
- Conducted regular evaluations of each team member's work performance and provided constructive criticism as needed.
- Organized weekly meetings with the team to discuss objectives, challenges and successes.
- Analyzed performance data of each team member to ensure goals were met on time.
- Drafted reports outlining key insights from team discussions, including recommendations for improvements or changes.
Claims Specialist-hccs Stewardship
State farm insurance
03.2015 - 08.2023
- Examine claims and other records to determine insurance coverage.
- Investigate and assess damage to property and create or review property damage estimates.
- Negotiate claim settlements.
- Analyze information gathered by investigation and report findings.
- Interview or correspond with agents and insureds to correct errors or omissions and to investigate questionable claims.
- I am available to answer questions from my peers about claim practices and coverage questions regarding policies.
- Key Leader in the Employee Voice Committee, bridging the gap between peers and the Claim Manager.
Auto estimatics APPRAISER
State farm insurance
12.2007 - 03.2015
- Estimate parts and labor to repair damage, using standard automotive labor and parts cost manuals and knowledge of auto repair.
- Reviewed repair cost estimates with automotive repair shops to finalize repair costs.
- Examined damaged vehicles to assess structural, body, mechanical, electrical, or interior damages related to covered claims.
- Processed remote claims, achieving high accuracy and efficiency.
- Locate quality recycled or remanufactured parts based on policy allowance.
- Strong technical background including extensive knowledge of auto repair and repair techniques.
- Knowledge of Audatex, Mitchell, and CCC estimating platforms.
Underwriting service assistant III
State farm insurance
04.2001 - 12.2007
- Corresponded with agents and their staff to gather information and update them on policy status and changes.
- Review and verify data, such as age, name, address and principal sum and value of vehicles on insurance applications and policies.
- Modify, update, and process existing policies to reflect any change of use in vehicle, amount of coverage, and or type of insurance.
- Calculate premiums and refunds using insurance rate standards.
- Examined letters from policyholders and agents, along with other company documents, to identify necessary changes and assess their impact.
- Collaborated with team managers to review peer work and provide constructive feedback.
- Worked on specialized reports from corporate.
- Process new business applications.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Doane College
Lincoln, NE12-2013
Associate of Applied Science - Auto Collision Repair And Refinish
Southeast Community College
Milford, NE12-1996
Skills
- Claims management
- Regulatory compliance
- Performance analysis
- Data-driven decisions
- Team leadership
- Team mentoring
- Employee mentoring
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Customer Service
- Communication
- Problem resolution
- Conflict resolution
- Critical thinking
- Complex problem-solving
- Employee development
- Team reliability
Timeline
LDA Fire In-Office Team Manager
State Farm Insurance Inc
06.2025 - 05.2026
Auto Estimatics APPRAISER
State farm insurance
08.2023 - Current
Claims Specialist-hccs Stewardship
State farm insurance
03.2015 - 08.2023
Auto estimatics APPRAISER
State farm insurance
12.2007 - 03.2015
Underwriting service assistant III
State farm insurance
04.2001 - 12.2007
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Doane College
Associate of Applied Science - Auto Collision Repair And Refinish
Southeast Community College