Senior Claims Adjuster

Senior Property & Casualty Claims AdjusterThe Senior Property & Casualty Claims Adjuster is responsible for managing, investigating, evaluating, negotiating, and resolving complex property and casualty insurance claims. This role requires advanced technical claims knowledge, strong coverage analysis skills, sound judgment, and the ability to handle high-exposure or litigated claims with minimal supervision.The Senior Claims Adjuster serves as a subject matter expert, providing guidance to junior adjusters, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, and ensuring claims are handled in accordance with company policies, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.Responsibilities*Claims Investigation and EvaluationInvestigate complex property and casualty claims, including auto, general liability, property damage, bodily injury, premises liability, and other related claimsReview policy language, endorsements, exclusions, and applicable coverage to determine liability and claim validityGather and analyze claim documentation, including statements, police reports, medical records, repair estimates, appraisals, photographs, expert reports, and legal documentsConduct interviews with insureds, claimants, witnesses, attorneys, vendors, and other relevant partiesAssess liability, damages, coverage, and exposure to determine appropriate claim strategyClaims Management and ResolutionManage a caseload of complex, high-value, or litigated claims from initial assignment through resolutionEstablish and maintain accurate reserves based on claim exposure, coverage, liability, and damagesNegotiate settlements with claimants, attorneys, insureds, and other parties within assigned authority limitsIdentify opportunities for early resolution while protecting the company's financial and legal interestsEnsure timely and accurate claim payments, denials, or settlementsPrepare detailed claim reports, coverage position letters, settlement evaluations, and litigation updatesLitigation and Vendor ManagementWork closely with defense counsel, coverage counsel, experts, appraisers, engineers, investigators, and other vendorsProvide direction to legal counsel on claim strategy, discovery, settlement negotiations, mediation, arbitration, and trial preparationAttend mediations, settlement conferences, hearings, or trials as neededMonitor legal expenses and vendor performance to ensure cost-effective claim handlingCompliance and DocumentationEnsure all claims are handled in compliance with state insurance regulations, fair claims practices, company standards, and applicable lawsMaintain accurate, timely, and thorough claim file documentationMeet internal performance standards related to quality, timeliness, customer service, and regulatory complianceIdentify and escalate coverage issues, potential fraud, subrogation opportunities, and significant exposure changesLeadership and MentorshipServe as a technical resource for claims team membersProvide coaching, training, and mentoring to junior adjustersAssist with claim audits, process improvements, and quality assurance initiativesSupport leadership in developing best practices and improving claim handling proceduresRequired Qualifications*Bachelor's degree in Business, Insurance, Risk Management, or related field preferred; equivalent experience may be consideredMinimum of 5-7 years of property and casualty claims adjusting experience, including experience handling complex or high-exposure claimsStrong understanding of insurance policy interpretation, liability analysis, damages evaluation, and claims litigationExperience with bodily injury, property damage, general liability, commercial auto, or related P&C claimsActive adjuster license required in applicable jurisdictions, or ability to obtain within a specified timeframeDemonstrated experience negotiating claim settlements and managing litigationStrong knowledge of state insurance regulations and fair claims handling practicesSkills You HaveExcellent analytical, investigative, and problem-solving skillsStrong written and verbal communication abilitiesAdvanced negotiation and conflict resolution skillsHigh attention to detail and strong organizational skillsAbility to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environmentSound judgment and decision-making abilityStrong customer service mindset with professionalism and empathyAbility to work independently while collaborating effectively with internal and external partnersKnowledge of claims best practices, reserving principles, and litigation managementDesired Qualifications*Experience handling commercial lines claimsExperience with catastrophic property claims, complex casualty claims, or litigated claimsDesignations such as AIC, CPCU, SCLA, ARM, or similar insurance-related certificationsMulti-state claims handling experienceExperience using claims management systems and related technology platformsModes of WorkPositions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.Work ScheduleRemote/hybrid work environmentOccasional travel may be required for inspections, mediations, court appearances, conferences, or meetingsAbility to remain in a stationary position for extended periods and use a computer and phone regularlyMay require occasional field inspections depending on claim type and business needsApplication DeadlineJob openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.U-M EEO StatementThe University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.