Senior Claims Adjuster

Senior Property & Casualty Claims Adjuster

The 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 Evaluation

• Investigate complex property and casualty claims, including auto, general liability, property damage, bodily injury, premises liability, and other related claims
• Review policy language, endorsements, exclusions, and applicable coverage to determine liability and claim validity
• Gather and analyze claim documentation, including statements, police reports, medical records, repair estimates, appraisals, photographs, expert reports, and legal documents
• Conduct interviews with insureds, claimants, witnesses, attorneys, vendors, and other relevant parties
• Assess liability, damages, coverage, and exposure to determine appropriate claim strategy

Claims Management and Resolution

• Manage a caseload of complex, high-value, or litigated claims from initial assignment through resolution
• Establish and maintain accurate reserves based on claim exposure, coverage, liability, and damages
• Negotiate settlements with claimants, attorneys, insureds, and other parties within assigned authority limits
• Identify opportunities for early resolution while protecting the company's financial and legal interests
• Ensure timely and accurate claim payments, denials, or settlements
• Prepare detailed claim reports, coverage position letters, settlement evaluations, and litigation updates

Litigation and Vendor Management

• Work closely with defense counsel, coverage counsel, experts, appraisers, engineers, investigators, and other vendors
• Provide direction to legal counsel on claim strategy, discovery, settlement negotiations, mediation, arbitration, and trial preparation
• Attend mediations, settlement conferences, hearings, or trials as needed
• Monitor legal expenses and vendor performance to ensure cost-effective claim handling

Compliance and Documentation

• Ensure all claims are handled in compliance with state insurance regulations, fair claims practices, company standards, and applicable laws
• Maintain accurate, timely, and thorough claim file documentation
• Meet internal performance standards related to quality, timeliness, customer service, and regulatory compliance
• Identify and escalate coverage issues, potential fraud, subrogation opportunities, and significant exposure changes

Leadership and Mentorship

• Serve as a technical resource for claims team members
• Provide coaching, training, and mentoring to junior adjusters
• Assist with claim audits, process improvements, and quality assurance initiatives
• Support leadership in developing best practices and improving claim handling procedures

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Insurance, Risk Management, or related field preferred; equivalent experience may be considered
• Minimum of 5-7 years of property and casualty claims adjusting experience, including experience handling complex or high-exposure claims
• Strong understanding of insurance policy interpretation, liability analysis, damages evaluation, and claims litigation
• Experience with bodily injury, property damage, general liability, commercial auto, or related P&C claims
• Active adjuster license required in applicable jurisdictions, or ability to obtain within a specified timeframe
• Demonstrated experience negotiating claim settlements and managing litigation
• Strong knowledge of state insurance regulations and fair claims handling practices

Skills You Have

• Excellent analytical, investigative, and problem-solving skills
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities
• Advanced negotiation and conflict resolution skills
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Sound judgment and decision-making ability
• Strong customer service mindset with professionalism and empathy
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with internal and external partners
• Knowledge of claims best practices, reserving principles, and litigation management

Desired Qualifications

• Experience handling commercial lines claims
• Experience with catastrophic property claims, complex casualty claims, or litigated claims
• Designations such as AIC, CPCU, SCLA, ARM, or similar insurance-related certifications
• Multi-state claims handling experience
• Experience using claims management systems and related technology platforms

Modes of Work

Positions 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 Schedule

• Remote/hybrid work environment
• Occasional travel may be required for inspections, mediations, court appearances, conferences, or meetings
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods and use a computer and phone regularly
• May require occasional field inspections depending on claim type and business needs

Application Deadline

Job 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 Statement

The 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.