Shola Azeez
Columbus,OH
Summary
Results-driven Insurance Executive known for productivity and completing tasks efficiently. Skilled in risk assessment, policy development, and claims management. Excel in negotiation, strategic planning, and customer relationship building. Capable of leveraging communication skills to navigate complex situations and achieve positive outcomes. Talented professional accustomed to high-volume work and demanding business targets. Clear knowledge and understanding of commercial and residential lines of insurance coverage. Maintains successful funnels and productive business relationships.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Contracted Claims Examiner
Robert Half Staffing Agency
Columbus, OH
11.2023 - Current
- Managed workloads efficiently by prioritizing tasks based on urgency or importance.
- Developed a detailed understanding of the company's policies and procedures related to claim processing and payment determination.
- Collaborated with internal departments such as Underwriting, Provider Relations, Medical Management, and Quality Assurance, as needed.
- Processed appeals from denied claims according to established procedures while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Performed data entry into the computer system to record information regarding claim status.
- Investigated discrepancies in claims and resolved issues with customers via telephone or written correspondence.
SENIOR CLAIMS EXAMINER
CRAWFORD & COMPANY
COLUMBUS, OH
01.2022 - 03.2023
- Engaged with clients to build rapport, identify needs and pain points, and create customized insurance solutions that drove retention and trust; boosted customer satisfaction rate to 97% for total loss claims
- Analyzed claims to ensure alignment with settlement guidelines; settled total loss claims with customers, communicating proactively to acquire needed information
- Issued payments to involved parties, reviewed estimates to ensure damages were consistent with facts of loss, and tracked pending tasks to streamline claims processing
- Investigated complex claims, recorded statements to assist with litigation investigation, and reviewed files to ensure proper claims handling
- Balanced multiple clients and claims simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines and strict quality standards; prioritized claims to handle critical issues promptly
- Identified innovative ways to improve processes and workflows; offered actionable recommendations to the management team.
DISABILITY CLAIMS SPECIALIST
SEDGWICK WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT
DUBLIN, OH
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Excelled as a primary contact for clients, concurrently managed 275 to 315 cases; handled leave of absence administration (FMLA, STD, LTD) as determined by each client
- Is this correct
- Yes
- Communicated proactively with clients and claimants via phone and/or written correspondence; answered questions and explained the claims process clearly and thoroughly
- Achieved 87% pass rating on all quality reviews, helping the team achieve status as one of the top two teams in the department; recognized as a top team player on multiple occasions
- Leveraged strong active listening and problem-solving skills to create memorable customer experiences; completed all tasks by or before the deadline.
CLAIMS EXAMINER
WESTFIELD INSURANCE GROUP
COLUMBUS, OH
08.2018 - 01.2019
- Processed and closed more than 2,100 claims in four months; investigated coverage, liability, legal climate, potential exposure, and damages to obtain relevant facts pertaining to assigned claims
- Led inspections to ascertain the cost of damage to property, vehicles, and individuals; compiled and reviewed all necessary documentation to support claim evaluation
- Built positive relationships with claimants, agents, attorneys, insurance companies, vendors, and internal stakeholders; delivered exceptional service and support to customers
- Monitored case development, drafting reports to ensure appropriate documentation throughout the claim lifecycle; relayed key updates and information to claimants and stakeholders
- Navigated intricate settlement negotiations, escalated claims to various specialists, and assisted the Unit Leader with staff management and training
- Coached associates in all aspects of the company’s claim process; mentored team members with a focus on continuous improvement and professional development.
- Investigated discrepancies in claims and resolved issues with customers via telephone or written correspondence.
- Provided guidance to other staff members regarding claim processing rules and regulations.
CATASTROPHIC CLAIMS ADJUSTER
AMERICAN STRATEGIC INSURANCE
ST. PETERSBURG, FL
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Completed 100% of claims assignments, increasing company closure rate to 97%; consistently met deadlines and was recognized as “Adjuster of the Month” on several occasions
- Interviewed insured parties and witnesses, consulted law enforcement, and inspected property damage to approve/adjust estimates of damage and loss, determine the extent of liability, and set case reserves
- Documented investigation findings and forwarded information to appropriate parties, composed settlement letters, denial letters, reservation of rights, and diary notes
- Managed clients and vendors, following up as needed to acquire information and expedite the claim process; answered questions and distilled complex information into easy-to-understand terms
- Applied in-depth knowledge of state statutes, including the insurance code of ethics, rules, regulations, and guidelines to drive claim resolution and ensure legal compliance.
CLAIMS ADJUSTER
STATE FARM INSURANCE
LAFAYETTE, IN
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Facilitated comprehensive claims management, serving as a contracted vendor for various clients; assessed claims, reviewing estimates, police reports, and medical records; issued payments and assisted the following clients:
- Crawford Catastrophe Claims (2017): Investigated claims, recorded statements to assist with litigation investigation, and reviewed files to ensure proper claims handling; issued payments to involved parties and reviewed estimates to ensure damages were consistent with the facts of loss; tracked and monitored pending tasks to streamline claims processing; ensured alignment with settlement guidelines, settling total loss claims with customers; boosted customer satisfaction rate to 97% for total loss claims.
Commercial Claims Underwriter
Eberls Claims Services
06.2015 - 01.2016
- Identified total loss threshold before settlement; explained total loss threshold and settlement process to customers and vehicle owners; assessed damage, provided settlement offers, and aided with settlement offer approval; increased customer retention by 45% through attentive, prompt, and empathetic service.
- Followed underwriting guidelines in developing rates for new and renewal groups.
- Trained junior underwriters and support staff in underwriting processes and policies.
- Ensured all underwriting activities complied with company policies and external regulations.
- Ensured compliance with federal and state regulations governing insurance industry operations.
- Guided customers on policy terms about rights and obligations.
- Managed escalated cases involving high-value claims or multiple parties involved.
Senior Claims Examiner
Renfroe Claims Services
01.2015 - 06.2015
- Reviewed policy reports and medical records for attorneys, submitting severe incident reports and other documents to claims management.
- Managed a diverse portfolio of 125 cases in the Auto Claims department; oversaw all aspects of the claims process including gathering data, conducting interviews, and communicating with parties involved.
- Developed strategies for improving customer service levels related to claim processing operations.
- Established relationships with external providers such as attorneys, adjusters, and appraisers to facilitate claim resolution processes.
- Reviewed and evaluated complex insurance claims to determine coverage, liability, and damages.
- Analyzed medical records to identify discrepancies between the claim and treatment history.
Education
Master of Business Administration -
Keller Graduate School of Management, DeVry University
Columbus, OH04-2004
Bachelor of Arts and Science -
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OH01.2000
Skills
- Organizational Skills
- Influencing business growth
- Multitasking
- Risk Management
- Managing
- Portfolio Management
- Customer Service & Support
- Analytical Thinking
- Project Management
- Budget Management
- Strategic Planning
- Decision Making
- Problem Solving
- Leadership
- Investigative skills
- Insurance knowledge
- Interpersonal Communication
- Problem-Solving
- Task Prioritization
Certification
Life, Accident, Health, Property & Casualty Insurance, Ohio, 966939
Technical Proficiencies
- Windows
- Mac OS
- Microsoft Exchange
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Microsoft Project
- Visio
- Access
- Visual Basic
- QuickBooks
- HTML
- CSS
- SQL
- Adobe PeopleSoft
Awards
2 time Employee of the Month at both American Family Insurance and Safe Auto Insurance.
Volunteer Experience
I donated my services to United Way and American Food Bank
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Websites
Timeline
Contracted Claims Examiner
Robert Half Staffing Agency
11.2023 - Current
SENIOR CLAIMS EXAMINER
CRAWFORD & COMPANY
01.2022 - 03.2023
DISABILITY CLAIMS SPECIALIST
SEDGWICK WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT
01.2019 - 01.2022
CLAIMS EXAMINER
WESTFIELD INSURANCE GROUP
08.2018 - 01.2019
CATASTROPHIC CLAIMS ADJUSTER
AMERICAN STRATEGIC INSURANCE
01.2017 - 01.2018
Commercial Claims Underwriter
Eberls Claims Services
06.2015 - 01.2016
CLAIMS ADJUSTER
STATE FARM INSURANCE
01.2015 - 01.2017
Senior Claims Examiner
Renfroe Claims Services
01.2015 - 06.2015
Master of Business Administration -
Keller Graduate School of Management, DeVry University
Bachelor of Arts and Science -
The Ohio State University
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