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To make Pinnacol’s Multi-State Coverage program even easier to sell and service, we created a position dedicated exclusively to supporting the claims process for customers outside Colorado. Megan Vatole will oversee the relationship with our multi-state carrier partner and act as Pinnacol’s liaison for our multi-state claims. In the past few years, rapid changes have resulted in a dispersed workforce, meaning more and more employers need coverage outside Colorado. We’re committed to meeting their needs, and this position greatly improves our ability to do so.

Megan’s role will ensure smooth and efficient claims handling by bridging the gap between Pinnacol and our multi-state carrier partner. She’ll build a working relationship with the claims representatives who handle claims for Pinnacol customers with exposure outside the state to guarantee that you, our agent partners and our mutual customers still receive the same excellent service you expect from Pinnacol. We’re committed to caring for all Colorado workers, and that means helping our agents serve customers with needs beyond state lines. 

We asked Megan a few questions to get to know her and this new role. ‍

What do you do in your role?‍

I serve as the claims liaison between Pinnacol and Zurich (our multi-state coverage partner). Since Pinnacol can’t adjust claims outside Colorado, we have a unique partnership with Zurich. Zurich handles and adjusts our out-of-state claims, and we reinsure Zurich for the costs it accrues. My role is to provide a seamless experience, whether our agents and customers are receiving the Pinnacol experience they know or are working with our partner Zurich on a claim outside Colorado. I also assist Zurich to ensure its claims representatives receive all the information they need from our customers and agents. Part of my role is also looping in our underwriters and business directors so they know about any exposures and setting up claims reviews for our employers and agents to keep everyone involved and aware.  

‍Whom do you partner with in your role?‍

Agents, customers, underwriters, and Pinnacol’s and Zurich’s claims disciplines, as well as  Pinnacol and Zurich attorneys.

‍How is your role advancing how Pinnacol handles claims outside Colorado? ‍

It’s an excellent opportunity to put Pinnacol’s caring touch on claims outside the state. This role helps streamline our multi-state claims handling and gives our agents and customers a place to go with questions or issues that might pop up so we can address them quickly and in the way they are accustomed to while working with Pinnacol.

‍How is this role beneficial to agents?‍

This role provides insight into Zurich’s claims management and offers assistance, when needed, to Zurich’s claims representatives on customer service or claims strategy. It also provides agents a direct Pinnacol point of contact for addressing all multi-state issues instead of them having to track down multiple claims representatives on multiple claims. Finally, this role initiates claims reviews and provides timely updates as needed to agent partners. 

‍What excites you about your role?‍

I’m excited about the opportunity and the potential for the future. Pinnacol has a strong reputation, especially regarding our claims handling and ability to provide caring service and optimal outcomes for injured workers and customers. This role is an incredible chance to implement Pinnacol’s service on a national platform. I’m also excited to build relationships. One of the aspects I loved most about my career as a claims representative was the relationships I developed with injured workers, customers and agents. Although I’m in a different role, I have the opportunity to build new relationships with our agents, customers and, now, Zurich claims representatives. 

I’m looking forward to building on my knowledge of workers’ compensation outside Colorado. I’m a lifelong learner and look forward to gaining new knowledge and experiences in this role. Finally, I’m excited to help build more confidence among our agents to place their multi-state business with Pinnacol and expand our best-in-class service to all Pinnacol’s customers, regardless of their location.  

‍How long have you worked with Pinnacol?‍

I’ve been with Pinnacol for almost 10 years and worked in claims for most of that time. 

‍What improvements have you seen in our multi-state coverage related to your role?‍

Although I’m new to my position, I’ve already built on relationships with the Zurich claims representatives to open lines of communication. I’ve also taken a proactive approach to handling and monitoring claims to improve outcomes and ensure claims are reviewed and adjusted appropriately. I’m also initiating more claims reviews between Zurich and our customers to improve relationships and create more accountability. 

‍How do you anticipate this role changing in the coming years?‍

I think there’s a lot of opportunity to continue building relationships and to be creative with the resources we offer our agents and customers. I’m excited to learn more about rules and regulations outside Colorado and to understand how to bring those together with Pinnacol’s excellent claims philosophy.

‍What’s the most important thing you would like our agents to know?‍

I’m here to help! I’m always open to feedback and suggestions to help improve the program, and I welcome any insight. I hope to make this process as streamlined as possible. 

If you have a customer that needs workers’ comp coverage in another state, we’ve got them covered. Remember, your clients don’t need to be Colorado-based to take advantage of our Multi-State Coverage program; they just need Colorado exposure. Give us a chance to show you what we can do, and send us your submissions. 

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