Getting To Know: Josh Larson, Claims Representative
By Courtney Townsend, Assistant Claims Manager
We are continuing our feature on getting to know 1st Auto claims employees. We believe 1st Auto’s ability to provide exceptional service to our customers is due in part by maintaining supportive relationships between claims employees and our agency partners. Getting to know one another on a more personal level will help foster our partnership and may provide interesting information to chat about the next time we connect on a claims-related matter!
This issue features Josh Larson (no relation to Kristin Larson who was featured in the Spring issue of 1st Things 1st, although the Claims Department has a running joke that Kristin and Josh are siblings!).
Josh is a claims representative and has been with the company since January. He handles property damage claims including deer hits, vandalism, and hail and storm claims.
What are some of your hobbies?
Josh: Anything outside. I enjoy hiking, running, fishing, hunting, camping, golf, snow shoeing, camping and just about anything else outside.
What are five words that best describe you?
Josh: Honest, reliable, witty, detailed and caring
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
Josh: I enjoy exploring national parks and running half marathons with my wife. I’m proud of my third-place age group medal from a 2020 Utah half marathon. Sometimes I’m quick for a man of my age and stature.
Where is your favorite place you have traveled?
Josh: Glacier National Park in Montana. It’s the most beautiful place that I have ever been. There are countless hiking options, abundant wildlife and amazing views. I can’t wait to go back in July!
What is your favorite movie, TV show or podcast?
Josh: “Shawshank Redemption.”
If you could meet any celebrity or public figure from the past or present, who would it be and why?
Josh: I wish that I could shake Theodore Roosevelt’s hand and thank him for establishing our national parks. Prioritizing conservation and preserving some of the most beautiful areas of our country for future generations is an amazing contribution to our nation.
What led you to a career in the insurance industry?
Josh: I first explored working in insurance when I left police work in 2002, as I felt it was the next logical career choice to utilize my people and investigative skills without the negative aspects of police work. After a brief, local search, I accepted a position in the building materials business. Nineteen years later, I returned to a career in insurance.
What do you like most about handling insurance claims?
Josh: I enjoy interacting with people and being able to help them through difficult times.
What is one of your most memorable claims experiences?
Josh: A truck and cow trailer on different policies struck and damaged a large portion of guardrail on a major highway. The many different facets of this claim provided a great learning opportunity.
What advice would you offer our agents to assist the claims department in providing an exceptional claims experience for our customers?
Josh: Present all rental coverage options at renewal.
Decreased rental transportation availability has led to increased demand and corresponding price increases. Insureds are frequently disappointed by their coverage in most claims involving rental transportation. Many insureds tell me they were unaware coverage above $20 per day was available to them.