Construction Defect Examiner

Senior Construction Defect Claims Examiner

Atlantic Casualty Insurance Company (ACIC) is a recognized Excess and Surplus Lines carrier and proud affiliate of the Auto-Owners Insurance Group since 2016. With authority in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., ACIC provides innovative insurance solutions while maintaining a strong financial foundation, reflected in our A.M. Best rating of A+ (Superior).

Our strength comes from our people. For six consecutive years, we've been certified a Great Place to Work and consistently ranked among Fortune's "100 Best Small and Medium Workplaces". At ACIC, we foster a culture where everyone belongs. We're a team—supporting one another through leadership development, mentorship programs, career certifications, and comprehensive benefits.

Our benefits include:

• Health, Dental & Vision plans (HSA & PPO options)
• 401(k) with company match + financial advisor access
• Tuition reimbursement & student loan assistance
• Paid parental leave
• Counseling and mental wellness support
• Flexible work and in-office schedules

Whether you're just starting your career or looking to grow it, Atlantic Casualty is where talent thrives, and teamwork drives success.

The Senior Construction Defect Claims Examiner is responsible for the independent handling of complex, high-exposure construction defect claims from initial notice through resolution. This role involves in-depth coverage analysis, strategic claim planning, litigation management, and negotiation of settlements involving multiple parties and counsel. The examiner works closely with defense attorneys, insureds, experts, and internal stakeholders to control claim costs and ensure compliance with policy terms and regulatory requirements. The position requires advanced technical expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to mentor junior examiners while contributing to overall claims strategy and risk management objectives.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities:

• Handle a caseload of construction defect claims, ensuring thorough investigation, coverage analysis, and liability determination.
• Communicate effectively with claimants, attorneys, and vendors to assess damages and manage claim resolution.
• Develop litigation strategies and collaborate with defense attorneys to drive cost-effective claim outcomes.
• Conduct settlement negotiations, evaluate liens, and identify fraud indicators.
• Ensure compliance with state statutes, client guidelines, and company best practices.
• Attend mediations, trials, and client meetings as necessary.
• Provide mentorship to other adjusters and assist management with projects as needed.
• Maintain accurate reserves and process timely payments in accordance with statutory requirements.
• Prepare detailed reports on serious claims and large loss exposures.
• Maintain appropriate claim documentation and adhere to reporting guidelines.

Required Education/Experience:

• 4-year degree from an accredited institution.
• 8+ years of experience in claims adjusting, with a focus on construction defect or related specialty claims.
• Prefer designations such as AIC, SCLA, CPCU, etc.
• 5-7 years' experience with multi-state responsibilities is a plus.
• Experience with Excess and Surplus lines is a plus.
• Resident adjuster's license in home state (if applicable).
• Non-resident adjuster's license where required in the state where ACIC does business.

Required Skills:

• Knowledge of Commercial General Liability claims; coverage evaluation; claims investigation, loss assessment, evaluation and reserves; financial analyses; insurance regulations; negotiation and settlement of high complexity claims; other skills required include a focus on customers; decision making; results oriented; spoken communication; and adaptability; an ability to build relationships, listen (i.e., comprehend nuances and acknowledge others' viewpoints), mentoring and training team members, write business correspondence, produce accurate work, manage projects and vendors; and use core applications/spreadsheets.
• Knowledge of and adherence to state laws and regulations governing the handling of casualty and construction defect claims.
• Knowledge of the litigation process and procedures.
• Strong negotiation and litigation management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage a complex caseload.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency in claims processing systems and industry software.

Mental Requirements:

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of instructions in written or diagram form. Reasoning; dealing with problems involving a few variables in standard situations.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle controls and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, sometimes as much as 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Works primarily indoors. Normal office environment Non-standard hours based on project and system support needs.

Travel: 20%