Automobile Telephone Claims Representative - Il

About Portage Mutual Insurance

Portage Mutual Insurance is a long-established property and casualty insurer that has been serving policyholders since 1884. The company is owned by its policyholders and distributes home, auto, commercial, and farm insurance products exclusively through broker partners across Canada. It emphasizes a people-focused culture, innovation, and meaningful work that supports Canadian communities.

Why Join Portage Mutual

• Competitive total rewards: The organization offers pay, an incentive program, comprehensive health coverage, a pension plan, and generous paid time off, including personal days.
• Learning and advancement: Employees can access learning tools, tuition support for eligible programs, and bonuses tied to progress toward insurance designations.
• Flexible work setup: Team members may live anywhere in Canada and can choose remote, in-office, or hybrid arrangements that suit their needs.
• Inclusive culture: The company aims to create a workplace where different perspectives are welcomed, respected, and supported.
• Purpose-driven work: The role contributes to an organization that works to create a positive impact in the communities it serves.

Role Overview

The Automobile Telephone Claims Representative - Il supports claims handling by investigating automobile losses, assessing coverage, setting reserves, negotiating settlements, and resolving claims efficiently. The position requires clear communication with policyholders, brokers, and service providers, along with strong judgment and attention to detail.

Key Duties

• Assess incoming losses and build an investigation approach for each claim.
• Speak with insured clients to gather the facts surrounding the incident.
• Explain the claims process in simple, professional language so policyholders understand what to expect.
• Obtain recorded statements from policyholders, third parties, witnesses, and other relevant parties when needed.
• Collect supporting materials such as photographs and diagrams related to the loss.
• Involve specialists such as engineers or appraisers when additional expertise is required.
• Analyze detailed policy wording to determine whether a claim is covered.
• Stay current on legislation and case law trends that may affect coverage decisions.
• Share coverage positions with policyholders and brokers both verbally and in writing.
• Gather the information needed to estimate damages and define the scope of loss.
• Negotiate claim settlements within assigned authority based on investigation findings, coverage analysis, and damage evaluation.
• Investigate, evaluate, reserve, negotiate, and settle assigned automobile claims.
• Use remote investigation methods to obtain claim information, review estimates, secure statements, and work toward fair resolutions.
• Flag underwriting concerns and route them to the underwriting team for review when necessary.
• Work closely with customers and vendors/service providers to deliver timely claim outcomes.

What the Company Is Looking For

• 3 to 5 years of experience in insurance, customer service, or a transferable technical field; backgrounds in construction, auto repair, or agriculture are considered helpful.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
• Experience with Guidewire Suite is considered an advantage.
• A high school diploma is required.
• Post-secondary education in business, agriculture, or insurance is preferred.
• A CIP designation, or a commitment to work toward it, is required.
• Applicants should be detail-oriented, enthusiastic, collaborative, and committed to excellent service.

Work Location and Schedule

This is a hybrid position based in St. Catharines, Ontario, with in-office attendance expected 2 to 3 days per week. The company also states that employees may live anywhere in Canada and choose from remote, in-office, or hybrid work arrangements, depending on the role and needs.

Compensation

The target annual salary range for this Ontario-based role is CAD 64,000 to CAD 80,000. The company notes that compensation may vary based on job-related skills, experience, and education or training.

Additional Information

Portage Mutual Insurance uses artificial intelligence and automation in parts of its recruitment process, including candidate search, screening, interview question preparation, interview recording, transcription, and administrative support. AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

The company provides accommodation for applicants and employees with disabilities throughout the recruiting process, including the application stage. Candidates who need accommodation are encouraged to inform the HR representative if selected for an interview.

Applicants are asked to submit both a resume and a cover letter. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No agencies, please.

The role is described as full-time.

No start date, application deadline, or vacancy count was provided.

No separate perk list, eligibility restriction, or internship duration was specified beyond the experience and education requirements above.