Senior Property Adjuster (Commercial Property Claims) - Washington, DC

Job Description

SUMMARY OF JOB PURPOSE: 
The General Adjuster effectively determines and communicates the extent of loss or damage associated with relatively complex and/or extensive commercial property claims in a variety of business classes. The incumbent in this role is typically assigned loss or damage assessments in a cost range that may exceed $500,000, depending on the adjuster’s experience and demonstrated ability for handling larger or more complex claims.

*This is a commuting position and requires weekly travel throughout our Washington, D.C. territory to support claims-related responsibilities. This is not a Desk adjusting role.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Investigates insurance claims in any of a variety of settings, including, but not limited to, retail establishments, private or public office buildings, commercial habilitation, hospitality, corporate facilities, transportation sites, manufacturing sites, governmental facilities, schools, clinics, or hospitals; assesses loss or damage resulting from various events including, but not limited to, inclement or catastrophic weather, earthquakes, fire, vandalism, or accidents.

• Uses a broad and in-depth knowledge of property and construction, and/or knowledge of the specific industry or business affected, personally conducts property inspections and photographs claim sites as necessary to depict and substantiate losses or damage, or the lack thereof; coordinates or leads the work of a large, diverse team of experts.

• Thoroughly investigates and researches all aspects of claims through the use experts such as architects, engineers, construction consultants, police and fire investigators, specialists, accountants, and others to fully and accurately assess the cause of loss, extent of the loss including damage assessment and subrogation potential.

• Works cooperatively with attorneys, public adjusters, and carrier’s examiners as needed to conduct investigations, confirm findings and support evaluations.

• Effectively communicates with all stakeholders including insureds, claimants, carriers, brokers and managing agents, effectively and clearly defining expectations, timelines and updates on claim process and agreements. Often needing to exhibit patience, empathy and direction to the claim process in circumstances surrounding a large event or significant loss.

• Applies a thorough understanding of insurance policies and policy interpretation, establishing appropriate loss estimates based on all relevant information and findings; demonstrates understanding of a variety of coverage and loss types.

• Recommends the reasonable and proper amount the insurance company should pay on a claim.

• Ensures the accuracy of information collected and reported and guards against fraudulent claims.

• Prepares accurate, clear, thorough, and concise reports and letters to insurance carriers, including reports on complex and/or highly detailed claims, providing conclusions and recommendations. Follows established policies, procedures, and processes in preparing information, exercising sound judgment in applying these to potentially unusual or complicated situations, and submits reports and documents in a timely manner and in accordance with insurer’s standards and expectations. Effectively uses software systems such as Xactimate as necessary to produce accurate estimates. Applies in-depth knowledge and skills related to a wide variety of loss types, including but not necessarily limited to time element, builders’ risk, and stock losses.

• Maintains accurate, thorough field notes, journal entries, and time and expense records as required. Submits reimbursement reports in keeping with organization and client policies, procedures, and practices and with accepted industry standards. Applies knowledge of both time-and-expense and fee-for-service procedures, according to the stipulations of the agreement with the insurer.

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree Preferred

• 6-10 years’ experience in commercial property loss adjusting; experience with catastrophe claims; wide range of experience in various classes and types of business risk, including manufacturing, retail, industrial, habitational, and hospitality.

• Ability to understand claims adjudication process with sound knowledge of commercial and residential construction industries, and commercial coverages.

• Knowledge of property claim law. 

• Active license, or ability to promptly obtain such, in the assigned state(s).

Desired Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• One or more of the following designations preferred: CPCU, ARM, AIC, AINS.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, time sensitive tasks, and meet deadlines.

• Passionate about providing exceptional customer service.

• Skilled in analyzing, interpreting, and reporting pertinent information (discerning the essential from the non-essential).

• Strong research and investigative skills.

• Conflict resolution and negotiation abilities

• Highly organized, detail oriented and disciplined in time management

• Excellent problem solving and critical thinking skills.

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

• Exhibits a positive attitude and growth mindset about business goals of company, personal goals and continued development as an individual

• Desire to have a direct impact, in small losses and in response to large events

• Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Xactimate, Corelogic, and ability and openness to adapt to new technologies

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Frequently requires work to be performed at the site of the property damage or loss, including locations where disasters or catastrophes have occurred.  May require evening, overnight, and weekend travel and work.  During catastrophes, required travel could last 2 weeks or more.  The incumbent could be exposed to outside weather and environmental conditions, including, but not limited to, extreme heat, cold, and precipitation.  Could also be exposed to inside environmental conditions, including, but not limited to noise, vibrations, proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, heights, chemicals, fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, or poor ventilation.

The incumbent may be required to work in close quarters, crawl spaces, small, enclosed rooms, narrow aisles, passageways, or other enclosed areas, requiring physical agility and resistance to claustrophobia.  The incumbent may be required to work in high areas such as roofs or scaffolding, requiring physical agility, and balance.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND REQUIREMENTS:

In addition to the working conditions and associated physical activities and requirements above, the incumbent may be required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, lift, finger, grasp, or feel, especially in the course of investigating and assessing property damage; these requirements may include the need to lift weights of up to 50 pounds, including a ladder. 

The work requires close visual acuity, with or without correction, to prepare reports containing words, symbols, and numerical figures; the incumbent is required to view a computer terminal, use a keyboard, read printed documents, make detailed visual inspections, perceive color, perceive depth, and have a sufficient field of vision to carry out all inspection and related duties.