Terry Leikam brings clarity and cultural understanding to one of insurance’s most nuanced spaces.
In insurance, the claims process is about trust. That trust becomes even more vital when working with Tribal Nations, where missteps carry deeper consequences and mutual understanding is essential.
That’s where Terry Leikam comes in.
As a commercial claims manager at American Claims Management (ACM) with over two decades of experience, Leikam delivers a steady hand, a thoughtful presence and an instinct for balancing the technical with the human.
For producers and Tribal clients alike, having someone like Leikam on the other end of a claim builds confidence from the start.
Every claim is personal
With over 25 years of experience in auto and general liability claims — almost 20 of them focused on Sovereign Indian Nations — Leikam has seen how critical it is to approach each tribe and its business enterprises with humility and an open mind. When it comes to understanding the nuances of tribal claims, he brings both longevity and perspective.
“You can’t box all Tribal insureds into the same mold,” he says. “Each has their own distinct laws, customs and goals.”
Leikam holds adjuster licenses in multiple states and earned his Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation back in 2009. But what stands out most isn’t just his technical expertise; it’s his approach. Leikam sees himself not only as a problem-solver, but as a bridge between cultures, someone who helps translate complex processes while respecting the sovereignty and values of each Nation.
Collaborating across teams to protect relationships
For Leikam, claims strategy is collaborative by design. He regularly meets with producers to discuss the status of claims and to collaborate on high-exposure cases, especially the ones that might extend the life of a claim.
“The most beneficial part of resolving claims is building relationships with our insured partners and their brokers,” he says. “Equally important is communication. It helps us not only resolve losses but also mitigate future claims.”
Sometimes, that also means explaining unfamiliar processes, correcting misconceptions about sovereign immunity or helping claimants navigate emotionally charged situations with clarity and care.
“A lot of claimants have no or limited experience with the claims process, or with the laws mandated upon insurance companies, like SCHIP,” Leikam explains. “I take the time to walk them through the process and the applicable laws, then refer them to publications they can review on their own.”
That attention to alignment makes a big difference, particularly in Tribal programs, where expectations, timelines and goals may differ from more traditional coverage environments. Leikam’s steady communication style, both internally and externally, helps minimize surprises and ensures producers can stay confident in the process they’re offering to clients.
Respecting sovereignty while pursuing a resolution
One of Leikam’s most memorable experiences was participating in a Peacemaking session with the Navajo Nation. “It was quite an honor,” he says, reflecting on the trust required to be welcomed into that space.
That experience — rooted in cultural tradition and conflict resolution — echoes the kind of compromise and understanding that often defines successful outcomes in tribal claims.
“In general, we work within the parameters of tribal law to obtain the most favorable outcomes,” he explains. “We look for compromise resolution, leveraging tort restrictions like damage caps and time limitations.”
A quiet commitment to the work
For Leikam, working with Arrowhead’s Tribal underwriting team and the producers who serve Tribal Nations has also been a highlight. “It’s a talented and knowledgeable group,” he says.
Despite the complexities of tribal insurance, Leikam finds the work deeply rewarding. “Each day I’m exposed to something new,” he says. “The broad range of claim type lets me use my skills, develop new ones and expand my knowledge.”
As with most working with Tribal clients, Leikam’s work might never make headlines, but it makes all the difference. In an industry shaped by policy and process, it’s his presence — thoughtful, consistent and culturally-attuned — that continues to make the biggest impact. It’s a quiet commitment, but one that continues to strengthen the trust between ACM and Arrowhead Tribal with every claim he touches.
Terry Leikam, CPCU – Claims Manager, American Claims Management, Inc.
This article originally appeared on Arrowhead’s corporate blog. It has been updated and modified to better fit the needs of our Tribal producers and their insureds.
This material has been prepared for general informational purposes and is not intended to be applied to any reader’s particular circumstances.
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