Commercial Trucking and Auto Claims Adjuster

Position Summary

The Auto Specialist is responsible for the timely investigation, evaluation, and determination of settlement or denial of minor to moderate automobile claims. This role manages claims from initial report through closure.
This position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 37.5 hours per week.

Primary Responsibilities

• Apply claims-handling concepts, practices, and techniques, including coverage issues and product-line knowledge; understand applicable laws and insurance regulations across jurisdictions.
• Use strong written and verbal communication, analytical judgment, decision-making, and negotiation skills.
• Understand MSC 90 as an extension of coverage in the commercial trucking trucking industry.
• Interpret vehicle and driver endorsements, including symbol coverage, leases and rentals, policy deductibles, and stated values.
• Handle claims in which stated values may be insufficient to cover vehicle damage and related charges, including towing, storage, loss of use, and other fees.
• Evaluate environmental and hazardous-materials exposures common to commercial auto and trucking operations.
• Coordinate and handle multi-vehicle accidents involving five or more automobiles.
• Handle property-damage claims involving buildings, bridges, or dwellings damaged by vehicles or other covered auto events.
• Manage claims that exceed policy limits when no excess coverage is available because the underlying combined single limit is exhausted or may be depleted, and coverage is insufficient for the property-damage portion of the claim.
• Recognize when defense counsel is needed for potential policy-limit exposure claims and manage preservation-of-evidence notices.
• Process, log, track, evaluate, coordinate, and resolve total losses involving personal autos, classic vehicles, and commercial heavy equipment/vehicles, including required state forms and documentation.
• Investigate coverage issues, including insurance coverage problems or disputes.
• Investigate and evaluate claims, determine settlement value, and assess or deny liability as appropriate.
• Measure damages for each loss and establish and maintain appropriate reserves.
• Document and manage claims from inception to closure, including recording statements, updating diaries, and preparing reports.
• Ensure payments are appropriate and negotiate settlements within individual authority (generally $15,000 unless otherwise specified).
• Maintain and update action plans for each claim.
• Assign and coordinate vendors, legal counsel, appraisers, or experts as needed.
• Facilitate communication among claimants, insureds, brokers, and attorneys to help resolve liability claims.
• Exchange information with claimants, insureds, brokers, inspectors, producers, and account managers.
• Provide customer service and support to insureds and claimants.
• Assist with training new employees and attend meetings or educational seminars for professional development.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required; associate, bachelor's, or equivalent degree preferred but not required.
• At least three years of automobile claims-handling experience, preferably involving commercial claims.
• Knowledge of property and casualty insurance policies.
• Knowledge of auto insurance laws, codes, procedures, and liability concepts.
• Must hold an adjuster license in the state of residence or designated home state and at least one license in New York, Texas, or Florida. Additional state adjuster licenses may be required within 180 days.
• Ability to maintain required licenses and continuing education in all applicable states.
• Experience investigating and resolving complex or high-level auto physical-damage and casualty claims.
• Ability to use experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong negotiation skills and ability to achieve effective settlement outcomes.
• Well-developed verbal and written communication skills and strong attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to type quickly and accurately for extended periods.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to learn additional computer programs.
• Strong reasoning, problem-solving, and analytical skills, including the ability to research facts, identify issues, and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Dependable, trustworthy, team-oriented, and committed to professional service and results.
• Ability to handle difficult situations with integrity and professionalism.
• Ability to reliably travel to meetings and events as required.

Equal Opportunity

The employer provides equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees without regard to legally protected status and complies with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
This description summarizes the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties. Responsibilities and requirements may change, and relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities may be acquired through education, self-study, prior experience, or on-the-job training.