Getting to Know: Kristin Larson, Claims Representative
By Courtney Townsend, Assistant Claims Manager
Having a strong partnership between agents and claims professionals allows 1st Auto to provide a seamless claims experience for our customers. Although agents and our team spend a great deal of time communicating about claims, we want to provide an opportunity to get to know some of our claims professionals on a more personal level!
In this issue of 1st Things 1st, we are featuring Kristin Larson. Kristin is a claims representative and has been with 1st Auto since 2019. She handles claims varying in complexity from auto accidents with minor damage and injuries to claims involving fatalities and litigation.
What are some of your hobbies?
Kristin: I love to travel, bicycle riding, hiking, live music, attending sporting events and anything to do with a body of water!
What are five words that best describe you?
Kristin: Fun, personable, humorous, caring, inquisitive
Do you have any pets?
Kristin: I have a 2-year-old cat named Cecil that could be confused with a mini-lion! He is awesome and recently won cutest kitty at his apartment complex!
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
Kristin: I have an identical twin sister. We are four minutes apart (she is older) so that makes me the “baby” of the family. And yes, we do enjoy playing tricks on people.
What is your favorite travel destination?
Kristin: Maui. So magical!
What is your favorite movie, TV show or podcast?
Kristin: I am a true-crime freak! I love the podcast “Sword and Scale.”
What led you to a career in the insurance industry?
Kristin: I saw an ad in the newspaper (yes, I am aging myself) and it mentioned investigating accidents, which is right up my alley. I applied and landed my first adjuster job at Progressive 29 years ago (there I go aging myself again).
What do you like most about handling claims?
Kristin: Every claim and every person is different. Each claim brings something unique to the table and it’s a constant learning experience and a fluid job that never gets boring.
What is one of your most memorable claims experiences?
Kristin: I handled a double fatality that involved teenagers who were best friends. Because I talked to one of the mothers throughout the claims process, I became not only the claims professional but also almost a therapist of sorts. I gained her trust and she asked me to speak at her daughter’s high school regarding the dangers of drinking and driving. A sad situation that became a rewarding experience and hopefully impacted some young people.
What advice would you offer our agents to assist the claims department in providing an exceptional claims experience for our customers?
Kristin: Always, always report any claim that you are made aware of from an insured or claimant. Even if you think our insured is “not at fault.” There are so many factors and negligence laws that come into play that even though our insured does not appear the majority at fault, we do still owe damages in many scenarios. In the end, this helps protect our insured and reduce severity.