Claims Examiner – Spinnaker

Claims Examiner – Spinnaker

Job Title: Claims Examiner – Partner Programs

Location: Austin, TX / Dallas, TX / Bedminster, NJ

Reports To: Claims Program Manager or Claims Manager

About Hippo

Hippo was built on a promise: make homeownership effortless. Nearly a decade later, that mission still drives us. We use technology and data to help our customers stay ahead of problems and protect what matters most.  

Today, that same tech-native approach powers our work beyond homeowners. Hippo operates as a diversified carrier platform, partnering with MGAs to deliver tailored program solutions that help them grow and deliver better customer experiences. Behind that work is a team that values ownership, curiosity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. 

If you're energized by building what's next, we'd love to meet you. 

About The Role:

The Claims Examiner – Partner Programs is responsible for the timely and accurate review and approval of claims exceeding the TPA’s/Claim Administrator’s authority, in accordance with company guidelines, regulatory requirements, and best claim practices. This role analyzes coverage, authority requests for reserves and payment on claims through resolution, including communication with internal and external stakeholders.

What You’ll Do:

Claim Handling & Investigation

• Review claims submitted by TPAs and authorize reserves and payments where those amounts exceed the TPA’s authority
• Provide guidance to TPAs to ensure proper investigation and timely, equitable disposition of claims, including retention of experts and/or attorneys where needed
• Assist TPA with coverage analysis, seeking underwriting assistance where appropriate
• Review and approve reservation of rights and coverage denial letters to ensure accuracy and consistency in coverage analysis
• Review claims to ensure appropriate reserve levels and that changes are made on a timely basis
• Refer claims more than authority to supervisor
• Prepare notifications to underwriters and reinsurers for large or contentious claims
• Review and approve TPA funding requests within authority
• Participate in claim file audits to monitor TPA performance
• Assist with preparation of reports for underwriting, agents, insureds or state agencies as needed

Communication & Service

• Provide clear and professional communication to TPAs/Claim Administrators, brokers, and program partners
• Issue timely claim correspondence, status updates, and regulatory notices
• Participate in claim reviews and provide updates to management as requested
• Escalate complex coverage or high-exposure matters to senior leadership

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure claim handling complies with regulatory requirements and internal guidelines
• Maintain proper documentation in claim management systems
• Support data calls, audits, and reporting requests
• Assist with reinsurer reporting requirements when applicable

Professional Development

• Participate in training programs and technical development opportunities
• Seek feedback and coaching to continuously improve claim handling skills
• Contribute to team collaboration and knowledge sharing

What You Bring:

• 2–5 years of claims handling experience in property, casualty, or specialty lines
• Basic understanding of insurance coverage principles and policy interpretation
• Experience investigating and resolving claims, including exposure analysis and reserving
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Organizational skills with the ability to manage a caseload effectively
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Nice to Have:

• Experience working with TPAs or program business
• Exposure to litigated claims
• Professional designations in progress or interest in pursuing (AIC, ARM, CPCU, etc.)

The base pay range for this role is $80,000- $95,000 for our Texas (Austin and Dallas regions). The SF Bay Area (and New Jersey) base pay range for this role is $90,000- $106,000. Exact compensation may vary based on several job-related factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to: skill set, experience, education/training, location, business needs and market demands. 

Benefits and Perks:

Hippo treats its team members with the same level of dedication and care as we do our customers, which is why we’re fortunate to provide all of our Hippos with: 

• Relocation Assistance - Support available for qualified candidates relocating to one of our hub locations
• Healthy Hippos Benefits - Multiple medical plans to choose from and 100% employer covered dental & vision plans for our team members and their families. We also offer a 401(k)-retirement plan, short & long-term disability, employer-paid life insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for health and dependent care, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
• Equity - This position is eligible for equity compensation  
• Training and Career Growth - Training and internal career growth opportunities 
• Flexible Time Off - You know when and how you should recharge 
• Little Hippos Program - We offer 12 weeks of parental leave for primary and secondary caregivers 
• Hippo Habitat - Snacks and drinks available and catered lunches for onsite employees 

Hippo is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to building a team culture that celebrates diversity and inclusion.  

Hippo’s applicants are considered solely based on their qualifications, without regard to an applicant’s disability or need for accommodation. Any Hippo applicant who requires reasonable accommodations during the application process should contact the Hippo’s People Team to make the need for an accommodation known. 

Hippo CCPA