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Rapid growth across data centers, AI and energy infrastructure is creating new claim challenges for carriers. Join Sedgwick's property experts on Sept. 9 as they break down emerging risks and provide data-driven insights to help you stay ahead. After the session, you'll receive the 2026 Loss Adjusting Insights Report for an even deeper look into the trends reshaping our property industry.

WEBINAR
The severity you can control:
What's driving auto claim costs into 2027?
November 17, 2026 | 2 p.m. ET

Overview
Auto claim severity continues to rise heading into 2027, but not every cost driver is outside a carrier's control. Some pressures are driven by the market, while others are shaped by the claim process. Understanding the difference can help claims leaders focus on where operational changes can make a meaningful difference.
Hear directly from CNA Insurance about how their organization responded to rising claim pressures. Together with Sedgwick auto solutions experts, our panel will also explore the broader trends driving severity, how they're affecting claims operations and where operational decisions can make an impact.
Webinar details
DATE
Nov. 17, 2026
TIME
2 p.m. ET
LOCATION
Online
DURATION
30 minutes
During the session, you'll:
01
Understand what's driving auto claim costs and which pressures are market driven
02
Learn where process-related costs can surface throughout a claim
03
Hear directly from a CNA Insurance leader about how they responded to rising claim pressures
04
Identify where to look first within your own auto claims program

Chris Bakes
MANAGING DIRECTOR, AUTO SOLUTIONS
SEDGWICK
Chris leads Sedgwick’s auto solutions business, with direct responsibility for auto physical damage, including field and desk appraisal, the direct repair network, total loss, towing and storage, glass and rental services. He also oversees the auto claims administration and first-party fleet programs Sedgwick delivers to carriers, fleets, MGAs and self-insured organizations. Chris founded Nationwide Appraisals in 2010 and built it into one of the largest independent appraisal companies in the United States before its acquisition by Sedgwick in 2020. He holds a bachelor’s degree in telecommunications and brings deep expertise in claims technology, software development and modern system architecture.

Tim Szpila
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
SEDGWICK
Tim brings more than three decades of experience across the insurance, car rental and fleet leasing industries. He focuses on building strong client and industry relationships while helping organizations access claims administration solutions that support their evolving needs. An entrepreneur and longtime auto claims professional, Tim's career spans business development, operations, national account and vendor management, with deep experience in auto physical damage, first notice of loss, automotive glass and direct repair program. Throughout his career, Tim has focused on delivering high-quality service at a national scale.

Tom Mason
NATIONAL APD CLAIM DIRECTOR
CNA INSURANCE
Thomas Mason is CNA Insurance’s National Claim Director for Auto Physical Damage, leading the team responsible for all auto physical damage claims nationwide. With more than 30 years of insurance industry experience, he has served in a variety of leadership and technical roles, including overseeing large regional claims operations and teams of claim professionals. In addition to his industry leadership, Mason has taught AIC curriculum courses for the Insurance Institute of America and remains active in volunteer leadership, currently serving as Chair of the Advisory Board for the Zeigler School of Business at Bloomsburg University.

Kimberly George
GLOBAL CHIEF BRAND OFFICER
SEDGWICK
With 24 years of tenure at Sedgwick, Kimberly has held prominent operational, innovation and product development leadership positions and become a true industry expert in claims management, healthcare, benefits and business strategy. Her experience also includes leading two successful startups and serving in a variety of leadership roles across the industry. A well-known thought leader in the claims space and popular conference and webinar presenter, Kimberly is President and founding board member of the Alliance of Women in Workers' Compensation, a board member of the Workers' Compensation Research Institute and co-host of Out Front Ideas. She was named PropertyCasualty360's 2026 Thought Leader of the Year.
Prepare your absence program for what's next