Surety Claims Coordinator

Avalon Risk Management (“Avalon”) is a specialty insurance broker with offices throughout the U.S. and Canada. We focus on the unique and exciting world of risk management and insurance products for the international trade and logistics industry. Avalon is a privately held company owned by our founding management team. We are looking for a customer support representative to join our Bond Claims department. This full-time position will work from our headquarters in Schaumburg, IL. After an introductory training period, new hires are eligible for a hybrid in-office and work from home environment.

We are looking for a team player who has an eye for detail and is highly organized. Successful candidates must be able to appropriately handle high volume of claims communications with proper prioritization and follow up. Having excellent written and verbal communication skills are a must. We are seeking reliable and proactive candidates with at least 3-5 years of relevant experience in a professional customer service role, preferably within the importation industry or related fields such as contracts, finance, or billing support. Prior experience in direct insurance support, particularly with a focus on logistics, is a plus. Strong written follow-up and organizational skills are essential, along with the ability to consistently meet deadlines. Strong computer skills are required, especially with Email (Outlook).

This position does not require an adjuster license and is an excellent opportunity to enter the trade and logistics insurance industry. Our top candidates will have demonstrated experience in high quality, professional customer support following established, yet complex, procedures.

What you’ll do: This new position improves the efficiency of the Surety Claims team by providing “white glove” service to clients such as preparing our clients for claims before final deadlines or sending courtesy copies of claims reports. By contacting our clients before the claim deadline, you’ll give them a crucial opportunity to correct or submit their claim information. This important new step in our process will both help our clients operate more smoothly and help our Surety Claims team prioritize more efficiently. Our professionals must be able to confidently work in an ever-changing environment to accurately maintain claims files. Essential functions of this role include but are not limited to:

• Based on automated reports or the running of client activity reports, email Liquidated Damages claims prior to demand on surety to importers and brokers.
• Collect and record proof of payment and other claim documents needed to mitigate claims for Liquidated Damages, Debit Vouchers, and Increased Duty Bills prior to demand on surety.
• Document and upload documents to claim files as they are received.
• Appropriately escalate and forward files to Claim Specialists (adjusters), such as for a demand on surety.
• Coordinate collateral verification checks by using the request template.
• Email Intent to Terminate notifications on delinquent bonds.
• Conduct internet searches for current address/contact information for importers.
• Facilitate completion of payments involving brokers, importers, and Customs.
• Assist with projects regarding data gathering, recording information in appropriate systems, and generating claim tracking reports.
• Assist with mail, claim intake, and forwarding payments to appropriate parties as needed.

Avalon is a premier provider of innovative insurance and surety solutions. This is a full-time, non-exempt position with a starting base compensation range of $21.65 to $23.05 per hour (approx. equivalent $45,000 to $48,000 per year). We offer an excellent benefits package that includes health, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), tuition reimbursement, student debt assistance, and more. Avalon is an equal opportunity employer that has been voted locally as Best Places to Work in IL and nationally as Best Places to Work in Insurance creating a best in class culture for employees.

Interested candidates should get to know us online at www.avalonrisk.com, or by viewing our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter social media profiles. Apply today via our quick application process!