Claims Specialist - Accident Benefits

The Opportunity

Are you looking for a caring, collaborative, values-driven workplace with inspiring teammates and leaders? Do you have the ambition and desire to be the best and thrive at the most impactful global insurance provider in the world? Look no further than Zurich Canada.  

If you have experience handling Accident Benefit, Automobile Bodily Injury or Property Damage claims, and are looking for a new challenge, we would love to hear from you.  

Zurich Canada is currently looking for a Claims Specialist in our Toronto office or Waterloo office. Reporting to the Senior Claims Manager, you will handle Accident Benefits claims for commercial and personal lines insureds of low to moderate exposure and complexity within specific limits of authority. You will follow established protocols to ensure that claims are handled in the most efficient, effective way while delivering a customer‑centric claims service.  

The job’s core deliverables rely on delivering service to external clients and customers. The role involves building relationships, promoting Zurich, and focusing on excellent customer service with proactive communication to keep customers informed at all stages of the claim.  

This is a unique opportunity to build your knowledge and experience for the future in a supportive environment where your voice matters. This posting is for an existing vacancy.  

Zurich Canada uses artificial intelligence–enabled tools to support certain aspects of the recruitment process, including the initial review and screening of applications. Artificial intelligence is not the sole basis for candidate shortlisting or selection. All hiring decisions are reviewed and made by qualified hiring professionals.  

Zurich follows a hybrid work model requiring three days per week of in‑person presence, which may include time in the office or market-facing engagements.  

The position is currently based in Waterloo, with plans to relocate to our new Kitchener office when it opens in early 2027.

What you will do

• Handle Accident Benefits claims in good faith and in accordance with legislative requirements and best practices.  
• Serve as the primary contact for injured claimants by delivering professional, empathetic guidance through the end-to-end Accident Benefits process, ensuring regulatory compliance, and proactively collaborating with medical partners to optimize client recovery outcomes.
• Handle Accident Benefits claims up to the non‑catastrophic limits.  
• Handle minor to moderate loss transfer claims.  
• Determine priority for commercial and personal lines accident benefit claims.  
• Document claim files by accurately capturing and updating claims data/information in compliance with best practices for single and multi‑party personal or commercial line claims of minor to moderate exposure and complexity, including LAT disputes.  
• Exercise judgment to determine liability by gathering and analyzing relevant facts, applying applicable law and establishing basic principles of negligence.  
• Perform policy verification and coverage determination by analyzing applicable coverage and determining whether the loss falls within accident benefits coverage.  
• Develop case strategies and evaluations to ensure timely resolution of claims, escalating issues as appropriate.  
• Establish timely reserves and perform ongoing reviews throughout the claims cycle within authority limits by estimating and validating the value of claims.  
• Assess damages by calculating applicable damages or range of damages allowed by law.  
• Negotiate settlements by establishing appropriate negotiation strategies and utilizing available tools and resources within authority limits.  
• Maintain quality standards by following best practices.  

Job Qualifications - What you bring to the table

Required:
• Bachelors Degree and 2 or more years of experience in the Claims or Insurance area
OR
• Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 2 or more years of experience in the Claims or Insurance area
OR
• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 4 or more years of experience in the Claims or Insurance area
OR
• Completion of Zurich Claims Training Program and 2 or more years of experience in the Claims or Insurance area
AND
• Must obtain and maintain required adjuster license(s)
• Microsoft Office experience
• Knowledge of insurance regulations, markets and products

Preferred:
• 1–2 years of experience in accident benefit claims handling claims within the MIG and up to the non‑catastrophic limits.  
• Experience handling Income Replacement Benefit claims.  
• Experience with claims reviews and presenting to various stakeholders.  
• Experience maintaining relationships with brokers, underwriting partners and other business functions.  
• Strong analytical, critical thinking and problem‑solving skills.  
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.  
• Understanding of the claims adjustment process and ability to determine scope/exposure for losses.  
• Understanding and application of financial and actuarial/reserving concepts.  
• Familiarity with negotiation strategies and experience suggesting alternative approaches.  
• Ability to manage a pending and multi‑task; strong organizational and time management skills.  
• Strong customer service experience.  
• Proficiency with Office 365 productivity tools and apps.  
• Completed or actively pursuing the Canadian Insurance Institute (CIP) designation.  

At Zurich Canada, we are committed to pay equity. We determine compensation based on objective criteria such as skills, experience, and internal equity. The salary range for this position is $60,000 – $76,000. This range reflects the expected pay for the role across Canada and may vary depending on factors like office location, specific responsibilities, and individual qualifications. As required by local law, Zurich provides in good faith a reasonable compensation range, but starting salaries may exceed this range based on a candidate’s skills and experience.  

Our Culture

• At Zurich, we are proud of our culture. We are passionate about Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging (DIEB). We want you to bring your whole self to work, and we want our employees to be reflective of the communities in which we live and work. Our DIEB initiatives are creating an environment where everyone feels welcome.  
• We have a collaborative culture where diversity of thought is valued. We value your input and strive to give our employees the tools they need to make an impact.  
• We care about our employees’ well‑being and offer a comprehensive health/benefits plan with varying levels of coverage to suit your specific needs and a competitive total compensation package.  
• We understand how important it is to rest, recharge and do the things you love. At Zurich, all employees receive a minimum of four weeks of vacation per year to do just that.  
• We also understand that employees require time off for personal reasons. Maybe you have an appointment during a workday, a cultural or religious holiday you would like to observe, or you need time off to focus on your mental health. Zurich employees receive four personal days per year to be used at their discretion.  
• We are committed to continuous improvement and offer access to a comprehensive range of training and development opportunities.  
• We care about our communities. Our communities are where our customers, people, and shareholders live and work. While we can be proud of the contribution to society Zurich makes through our core business of insurance, we must also give back to our communities through our talent, time and resources.  
• We have won numerous awards for our workplace culture. We are proud to be one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers and to have received Insurance Business Canada’s 5‑Star Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award.    

Make a difference. Be challenged. Be inspired. Be supported. Love what you do. Work for us.   

About Us

Zurich Canada is part of the Zurich Insurance Group, a multi‑line insurer with approximately 55,000 employees worldwide serving customers in global and local markets. Zurich Canada has been a leading insurance provider serving mid‑sized and large companies, including multinational corporations, in the Canadian commercial market for 100 years. With over 900 employees in offices across the country, Zurich offers the global strength of a top insurance provider combined with in‑depth knowledge of industries and local markets. Zurich Canada aspires to be risk management professionals’ first choice as their premier partner to help meet the risk challenges of today and tomorrow. Read more at www.zurichcanada.com.