AUTOMOTIVE CLAIMS ADJUSTER JOB DESCRIPTION

State-mandated claim handling timelines and reserve adequacy requirements define the operating environment for auto claims work in personal and commercial P&C lines. When neither is managed correctly, carriers face regulatory penalties and policyholder disputes that compound fast. The Automotive Claims Adjuster owns the full claim file from first notice of loss through settlement - investigating liability, confirming coverage, setting reserves, and negotiating with insureds, claimants, and adverse carriers. Accuracy here is not administrative; it determines the financial outcome of every file.

You will own the end-to-end resolution of auto and property damage claims, serving as the Automotive Claims Adjuster responsible for coverage determinations, reserve adequacy, and negotiated settlements within approved authority limits. Working within a structured claim inventory system, you collaborate with agents, repair facilities, independent adjusters, and legal counsel while adhering to state-specific statutory guidelines.

Career Impact: Developing hands-on expertise in multi-line coverage analysis, liability resolution, and reserve methodology positions you as a credentialed specialist - a foundation that supports advancement toward senior adjuster, team lead, or large-loss roles within P&C carriers.

Business Impact: Every file you close directly affects policyholder trust, loss ratio performance, and the carrier's compliance standing with state insurance regulators - outcomes that reach far beyond a single transaction.

Growth Opportunity: Exposure to subrogation recovery, arbitration support, and moderate-complexity multi-line files builds a skill profile that opens pathways to specialty units, litigation liaisons, or insurance designation programs such as AIC or CPCU.

• Investigate auto and property damage claims by obtaining recorded statements, official reports, and loss documentation from insureds, claimants, and witnesses.
• Establish and adjust reserves throughout the claim lifecycle in compliance with company reserving philosophy and state statutory requirements.
• Determine coverage, confirm liability, and communicate applicable policy provisions clearly to policyholders, claimants, and agents.
• Negotiate settlements with insureds, claimants, adverse carriers, and attorneys within approved payment authority limits.
• Coordinate vehicle damage assessments, appraisals, repair authorizations, rental arrangements, and total loss determinations.
• Manage an assigned claim inventory using a diary system to ensure timely file progression and accurate claims coding.
• Identify and pursue subrogation and salvage recovery opportunities across eligible files.
• Liaise with internal departments, independent adjusters, and legal counsel to support suits, mediations, and arbitrations on escalated claims.

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 2 or more years of auto claims adjusting experience, with demonstrated competency in coverage analysis and settlement negotiation.
• Working knowledge of state-level P&C compliance requirements, policy provisions, and standard claims handling procedures.
• Strong analytical and investigative ability, including sound judgment on liability exposure and claims valuation.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to conduct recorded statements and produce detailed file documentation.
• Solid organizational skills with the ability to manage a high-volume claim inventory under time-sensitive conditions.
• Proficient computer navigation skills, including experience with claims management systems and standard business software.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable motor vehicle record, where field travel is required.

• Insurance designations such as AIC, CPCU, or equivalent coursework demonstrating commitment to professional development in P&C claims.
• Experience handling non-standard auto or commercial lines claims, including exposure to moderate-complexity multi-line files.
• Bilingual communication ability, supporting policyholder and claimant interactions in diverse markets.
• Prior experience supporting subrogation recovery, arbitration proceedings, or litigation referrals.

• Reserve adequacy rate, measuring alignment between initial reserves and final settlement values across the managed inventory.
• Claim cycle time in days, tracking how efficiently files progress from first notice of loss to closure within state compliance windows.
• Subrogation recovery ratio, reflecting dollars recovered relative to eligible exposure identified on closed files.
• Settlement authority utilization rate, measuring the proportion of files negotiated and closed within approved payment limits without escalation.
• Diary compliance percentage, indicating timely file review and documented follow-up actions across the active caseload.
• Typical tools: Claims management platforms (commonly Guidewire, Xactimate); estimating software (commonly CCC ONE or Mitchell).

• Base Salary Range: $48,000 to $72,000 annually, depending on experience and claim complexity scope
• Bonus: Performance-based incentive, typically 5% to 10% of base salary tied to productivity and reserve metrics
• Equity: Not standard for this role level at most P&C carriers
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contribution varies by carrier size
• PTO: 15 to 20 days annually, plus standard holidays; accrual schedule varies by employer
• Common Perks: Licensing and designation exam reimbursement, remote or hybrid scheduling where state licensing permits, mileage reimbursement for field assignments

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Work authorization in the United States is required for this position. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include driving record review consistent with role requirements. Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations at any stage of the hiring process. All candidates are evaluated without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

The Automotive Claims Adjuster owns end-to-end evaluation and investigation of policy coverage, liability, and damages, including subrogation and salvage recovery, within general claim and statutory guidelines. Working with both internal and external customers via phone and written correspondence, the role delivers timely settlements and reserve management that protect the company's financial exposure.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate and investigate policy coverage, liability, and damages following general claim and statutory guidelines.
• Recognize excess exposures and communicate the implications verbally and in writing to customers.
• Recognize and resolve minor injury exposures.
• Conduct thorough investigations, including obtaining necessary documents and conducting recorded statements.
• Ensure timely completion of appraisals and determine accident-related damages.
• Negotiate appropriate settlements with claimants, insureds, and attorneys within approved payment authority.
• Recognize and pursue recovery opportunities related to subrogation and salvage.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required, with an undergraduate degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• INS or other insurance-related courses preferred.
• 2 or more years of auto claims adjusting experience or similar work experience, with non-standard auto experience a plus.
• Proficient PC and Windows skills, including the ability to perform basic math calculations and averages.
• Good critical thinking and investigative skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication, time management, negotiation, and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to provide excellent customer service.

Embedded within the claims operations team, the Automotive Claims Adjuster adjudicates and coordinates auto damage claims across a full caseload of internal and external customer inquiries, coverage reviews, and loss investigations. Working closely with supervisors and claim management, the role builds accurate, well-documented claim files while supporting the training and mentoring of new employees.

Core Functions

• Answer phones and provide accurate, courteous, and timely information to all internal and external customers regarding claim status and inquiries.
• Review contract coverage terms, conditions, and inspection reports.
• Adjudicate claims cost-effectively and recommend further action on claims exceeding authority limits.
• Enter claims and estimates into computer claims systems, ensuring files are properly documented and claims coding is correct.
• Conduct and coordinate loss investigations on all claims.
• Review coverage questions and work with supervisor and claim management for approval.
• Aid in the training and mentoring of new employees as needed.

Qualifications & Experience

• Strong understanding of how a vehicle operates mechanically, including knowledge of automotive parts.
• Experience in the automotive industry.
• Basic Microsoft Office 365 and internet search engine experience, with the ability to pass a Computer and Typing Skills Assessment.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in written format.
• Excellent customer service and phone management skills.
• Strong multitasking skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Hard-wired high-speed internet of at least 50 MBPS download and 6 MBPS upload required for remote work.

Reporting to claim management, the Automotive Claims Adjuster shapes the resolution of auto and property damage claims by managing a diary-based inventory to meet state compliance guidelines and estimating standards. Partnering with insureds, claimants, repair facilities, and other involved parties, the role delivers accurate policy explanations, timely file documentation, and coordinated repair and total-loss outcomes.

Primary Duties

• Investigate, evaluate, negotiate, and settle auto and property damage claims.
• Manage a claim inventory using a diary system to review and resolve claims within state compliance guidelines.
• Open claims and acquire required information and loss details from insureds, claimants, and other involved parties.
• Explain policy, coverage, and appropriate course of action to customers through follow-up and status communications.
• Document claim files and send appropriate correspondence to customers and repair facilities.
• Ensure compliance with state regulations, policy provisions, and standard operating procedures.
• Arrange and pay for repairs, rental, towing, total losses, and negotiate storage within estimating standards.

Skills & Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required, with a bachelor's degree preferred.
• Property and Casualty industry experience preferred, with general insurance experience a plus.
• 2 or more years of customer service experience in a fast-paced setting.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to handle several tasks simultaneously.
• Strong computer navigation abilities.
• Capability to train and perform the job in a remote setting, meeting all work-from-home requirements as needed.
• Bilingual ability a plus.

Sitting at the intersection of auto damage claims and residential property coverage, the Automotive Claims Adjuster leads end-to-end processing, from first notice of loss through settlement negotiation with insureds, claimants, and adverse carriers, for a highly customized commercial and personal lines book of business. Operating across both insured and claimant populations, this role shapes caseload management decisions including independent adjuster assignments and dwelling damage estimates via computer-estimating software.

Duties

• Create all new claims for the business and adhere to all state guidelines for claims handling.
• Process all aspects of auto damage claims for both insureds and claimants, including coverage determination and liability confirmation.
• Coordinate vehicle damage assessments and assign appraisals.
• Negotiate settlements with insureds, claimants, and other carriers, including adverse carriers.
• Accept and input first notices of loss from policyholders and respond to customer inquiries.
• Handle low-end residential property damage claims and prepare estimates on smaller dwelling damage using computer-estimating software.
• Manage a caseload of pending claim files and determine when to assign a claim to an independent adjuster.

Requirements

• College degree preferred.
• Previous insurance experience in customer service or claims preferred.
• Strong phone, negotiation, and business writing skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• A strong customer service focus.
• Ability to handle a high volume of claims quickly, efficiently, and with strong organizational and prioritization skills.
• Process-oriented with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

A key member of the claims team, the Automotive Claims Adjuster leads the investigation and resolution of multiple-line claims of moderate complexity - verifying coverage, setting reserves, and negotiating settlements across auto, liability, and recovery matters. Collaborating across departments to share risk reports and submit referrals, the role supports suits, mediations, and arbitrations while upholding high standards of professional conduct and organizational accuracy.

Functions

• Investigate multiple-line claims of moderate complexity and verify coverage, deductibles, and claim payee information.
• Initiate contact with insureds, claimants, and witnesses to obtain information and explain the claims process.
• Document claim files and secure official reports, claim forms, invoices, and receipts.
• Set timely and adequate reserves in compliance with company reserving philosophy and methodology.
• Resolve questions of coverage, liability, and claims value, and negotiate settlements accordingly.
• Assist in suits, mediations, and arbitrations as required.
• Communicate with other departments to submit referrals and share risk reports, and identify recovery opportunities to investigate and pursue.

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required.
• Insurance designations preferred.
• 3 or more years of claims adjusting experience.
• Strong knowledge of insurance contracts, medical terminology, and legal aspects of court procedures.
• Solid analytical ability and sound judgment on liability and coverage.
• Solid investigative and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong knowledge of computers and claims systems.
• Strong organizational and written and verbal communication skills.
• High standards of professional conduct.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable motor vehicle report required, as travel may be required.