Introducing Kate Hopkinson, Claims Manager
At Westcor, client service is something we pride ourselves on, and no one embodies that more than our dedicated in-house Claims Manager. Kate Hopkinson recently stepped into this role, when she joined the business just a few months ago. With a career spanning both underwriting and claims, Kate brings a rare 360° perspective to the table, one that’s already adding real value to clients and colleagues alike.
“They always say claims people shouldn’t become underwriters,” Kate jokes, “because once you know all the bad things, you don’t want to underwrite anything. But having seen both sides has really helped me understand the whole picture, how and why certain things are written, and how they play out when tested by a claim.”
That dual insight is invaluable. It allows Kate to bring empathy and strategic thinking to every claim she manages, whether that’s identifying trends for underwriters, improving internal processes, or guiding clients through complex situations.
After starting her career in underwriting, Kate spent several years in claims at CLS and Ergo before returning to underwriting for two years. But the pull of problem-solving and client-facing impact brought her back to claims when she joined Westcor.
“I enjoy claims because you get to problem-solve,” Kate shares. “It’s not simply a processing job, it’s about navigating complex issues, supporting clients through challenges, and seeing things through from beginning to end. There’s a real sense of satisfaction in that.”
Kate’s return to claims was driven by the unique opportunity at Westcor, a delegated authority role within a smaller, agile team, but backed by a powerful corporate structure. “It’s like working for a boutique firm with the muscle of a much larger company behind you,” she explains.
That combination of independence and infrastructure enables her to deliver a proactive, responsive claims service, a feature she sees as vital for any MGA serious about its client experience. “When you’re buying insurance, you’re buying the claims service,” she says. “That’s when the policy really gets tested.”
One of Kate’s standout areas of expertise is rights to light, a niche but critical space for developers. Her extensive experience in this area, including hundreds of claims handled, is a major asset as Westcor continues to expand into that line. “Title is a small market, but rights to light is even smaller. Knowing the people and understanding the nuances matters.”
Looking ahead, Kate is focused on getting to know Westcor’s lender clients, who make up the majority of claims, while refining internal processes for consistency and efficiency. She’s also excited about contributing to new areas of growth and ensuring the claims experience remains a true differentiator.
With her analytical mindset, broad market experience, and commitment to client outcomes, she’s already becoming an integral part of the Westcor offering.
