Automobile Accident Investigation Specialist
Martin Lazarus
Business Professional with over 30 years experience in the auto insurance industry.
Areas of strength and expertise include:
* Property Damage
* Legal Compliance
* Customer Service Skills
* Analytical Skills
* Investigation
* Negotiating Skills
* Decision Making
* Claims/Risk Management
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
STATE FARM INSURANCE COMPANIES, Charleston, SC 1970-2004
Auto Claims Specialist
Investigated automobile property damage, liability and injury claims. Collected data and analyzed this information to make proper decisions as to the payment or denial of claims. Determined the value of claims by working with medical professionals, including physicians and hospitals, repair facilities, and attorneys. Developed and applied knowledge of anatomy, medical terminology, injury causation, medical tests and procedures to better understand injuries and how they relate to auto accidents.
* Maintained full responsibility for legal compliance and accurate reporting to uphold State Farm's legal requirements and had no sustained claims presented to the Insurance Commissioner or any violations of the Unfair Claims Practices Act.
* Increased profitability of department by accurately investigating, evaluating, denying, and paying the proper amount on claims thereby keeping costs down and resulting in increased customer satisfaction.
* Assisted in a restructuring effort resulting in a reduction of the salaried workforce by taking on an increased workload while maintaining fast and efficient service to customers resulting in decreased costs and better rates for customers.
* Participated in catastrophe programs to help expedite the handling of an extensive number of claims during storms/disasters to provide fast and efficient service to customers.
* Covered for other employees out on various leaves so the level of response and efficiency of the office's claim handling would be maintained resulting in increased customer satisfaction.
* Assisted sales agents by obtaining names of potentially good customers to increase the number of policies in force.
* Developed program to train new employees by observing and assisting them on new claims, phone calls, and decision making to prepare them to take on their workload.
* Attended and testified at trials to achieve positive outcomes.
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
*Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
Numerous workshops and seminars including:
* Diversity & Inclusion
* Customer Service
* Medical Management
* Safety
* Document Retention
* Compliance
* Litigation
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Past President of Charleston Area Claims Association.
Twice selected as Adjuster of the Year for Charleston area.
Needs assessment, problem identification and resolution, quality service standards, performance improvement, corporate restructuring, interpersonal skills, detail-oriented, work scheduling, negotiations, multi-tasking, policies and procedures.