www.linkedin.com/in/renée-soileau-a167a8262
Curriculum Vitae is Below
Hello! My name is Renée Soileau, and just like how my dog Tina guards her bone, I stand by my hard-earned insurance claim experience—because, that’s one chew no one’s taking away.
I grew increasingly frustrated with the way insurance claims companies tend to encourage victim blaming and punishment, utilizing algorithms to place reduced value to human physical experiences, and realized I needed to take a different path. That decision led me to focus exclusively on helping the plaintiff side, and this shift has brought me a level of fulfillment I hadn't anticipated. It feels like a natural evolution—applying my deep experience and insight to the same types of cases I've reviewed countless times throughout my career, but now from a perspective that empowers those seeking justice.
Having handled tens of thousands of casualty claims across various roles and companies over more than two decades (1999-2022), I’ve developed a unique understanding of the nuances and pitfalls within insurance claims processes. This extensive background enables me to help bridge the gap between complex insurance information and the practical needs of plaintiff personal injury attorneys. In this way, I’m able to provide innovative, informed support that truly advances the interests of those I serve.
I’ve worked with insurance defense attorneys at all experience levels, from newly minted associates to seasoned partners with decades of practice. This broad exposure has given me a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by defense counsel at different stages of their careers. For junior attorneys, the focus often lies in navigating complex policy language and developing effective strategies to minimize exposure while building litigation and negotiation skills. Mid-level attorneys typically balance the demands of managing caseloads with mentoring junior staff and negotiating settlements. Meanwhile, senior attorneys emphasize shaping overall defense strategies and leveraging extensive trial experience to achieve favorable outcomes.
Kemper | Litigation Specialist
11/17/2014 - 07/20/2022
Objected to and protested the return of Colossus.
Consistently achieved top-tier audit ratings from Kemper’s corporate auditing department over multiple years.
Served as one of two in-person Litigation Specialist Field Representatives covering all of San Diego County.
Led litigation strategy meetings to drive case resolutions favorably.
Analyzed and summarized pre-litigation data, ensuring identification and adherence to all deadlines and conditions; routinely engaged in negotiations with plaintiff’s counsel.
Provided detailed analysis and management reports on coverage questions, offering clear recommendations for claim processing while maintaining communication across all involved parties.
Collaborated closely with In-House Counsel, Panel Counsel, Coverage Counsel, Cumis Counsel, SIU Counsel, Subrogation Counsel, and Corporate Counsel on complex casualty claim assignments.
Reviewed, summarized, and discussed litigation evidence with assigned counsel, reporting exposure, valuation, and strategic considerations to the carrier.
Identified and applied exposure risk diversification tactics, including subrogation opportunities.
Managed vendor assignments, audited, and processed expense invoices in compliance with company guidelines.
Executed special projects as assigned by management.
Anchor General Insurance Company | Bodily Injury Claim Representative
06/2013 – 11/2014
Determine applicable coverage(s) based upon available event information and update as new data is obtained.
Review and obtain evidence required for coverage, liability, and exposure information.
Take telephone recorded statements.
Identify and protect statutory liens.
Once exposure information is known with all applicable evidence is obtained, process casualty claims payments within state and carrier requirements.
Retain and oversee independent investigator field investigations while ensuring expenses are within carrier guidelines and minimized whenever possible.
Obtain, analyze, and document applicable reports and certificates from governmental agencies.
Negotiate casualty settlements with involved parties and attorneys.
Respond to Inter Company Arbitration filings by other carriers.
Identify recovery potential and refer for subrogation wherever applicable.
Completed special projects as assigned by management.
David Morse & Associates | Field Investigator
10/2012 - 06/2013
Take in person written and recorded statements.
In person representative for client carrier court appearances.
Complete scene investigations, drafting diagram, and photographing incident locations.
Create light timing sequence reports.
Witness canvassing.
Cold Calls.
Vehicle and property photograph only inspections.
Obtain reports and certificates from governmental agencies requiring in person requests.
Create and submit client specific reports documenting work as assigned.
Wawanesa | Senior Field Investigator
04/2004 - 10/2012
Investigate and analyze event, coverage, liability, and damages for casualty incidents and bring file to resolution.
Take in person recorded statements.
Investigate and photograph incident locations.
Obtain reports and certificates from various governmental agencies in person.
Create evidence packet with cover letter and appear at and assist insureds at Small Claims Court hearings.
Train new field employees on in person statements.
Identify recovery potential and refer for subrogation wherever applicable.
American Claims Management | Litigation Specialist
12/2002 - 04/2007
Used Colossus extensively for all pre-litigation Bodily Injury and Casualty claims assigned.
Analyzed commercial, homeowners, renters, and personal automobile casualty claim files at the onset of litigation to identify event details, coverage, liability, and damages for resolution prior to further litigation for multiple carriers nationwide.
Began employment as a Bodily Injury Claim Representative and earned promotion to Litigation Specialist.
Reported to various department heads depending on assignment types.
Completed special projects as assigned by management.
Geico Direct | TA2 - Disputed liability, Medical Payment, PIP Claims Processing
05/1999 - 10/2001
Began insurance career in the Direct Handling (Intake) department, where I developed a strong foundation in managing initial claim intake and customer communication. Through dedication and proven expertise, I earned multiple promotions, progressively taking on greater responsibilities. Ultimately, I advanced to a pivotal role overseeing disputed liability claims, where I specialized in the intricate processing of medical payment and Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claims. This position required a deep understanding of insurance policies, meticulous attention to detail, and effective negotiation skills to resolve complex claim disputes efficiently and fairly. My experience in this capacity has equipped me with a comprehensive perspective on claim lifecycle management and the nuanced challenges that plaintiff personal injury attorneys often face.
Completed special projects as assigned by management.
