Auto Claims Adjuster

Description

Position Summary

Vault is seeking an experienced and customer-focused Auto Claims Adjuster to join our Claims team. This position will be responsible for investigating, evaluating, negotiating, and resolving automobile physical damage liability and some bodily injury claims while delivering exceptional service to our policyholders, brokers, and business partners. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical claims expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to effectively manage claims through resolution.

This role requires a proactive and detail-oriented professional who can balance thorough investigation, timely decision-making, and superior customer service while handling a volume of fast-paced auto claims.

This role will be hybrid (3 days/week) in one of the following office locations: Dallas, TX (coming soon!), Chicago, IL, Tampa, FL, West Palm Beach, FL, or New York, NY.

Key Responsibilities

Claims Management

 Handle mostly automobile physical damage and some fast-track to medium-severity bodily injury claims from first notice of loss through final resolution. The position will include some attorney-represented matters and claims involving significant injury exposure. Ensure timely, accurate, and fair claim handling in accordance with company guidelines and industry best practices.

Damage Inspection: Work with external vendors to examine damaged cars, trucks, or motorcycles in the field, at repair shops, or via digital photos to assess the full scope of an accident and vehicle physical damage.

Cost Estimation: Write and review repair estimates for parts and labor using industry standards and external automotive software.

Claim Investigation: Gather police reports, detailed witness statements, and photos to verify the facts of loss and review policy coverage terms and limits.

Settlement Negotiation: Negotiate repair costs and total loss payouts with policyholders, claimants, and auto body repair shops.

Customer Communication: Explain the claims and repair process clearly while providing timely updates to all parties involved.

This position will include some attorney-represented matters and claims involving significant injury exposure. Ensure timely, accurate and fair claim handling in accordance with company guidelines and industry best practices.

Coverage Analysis

Review and analyze applicable coverage provisions to determine policy applicability and liability exposure. Communicate coverage decisions clearly and professionally to customers, claimants, and business partners.

Investigation & Evaluation

Conduct thorough investigations by obtaining recorded statements and reviewing police reports, medical records, repair estimates, and other relevant documentation. Evaluate liability, causation, damages, and injury exposure to establish appropriate reserves and claim strategies.

Negotiation & Settlement

Negotiate settlements with claimants, attorneys, and other involved parties. Effectively manage claim costs while pursuing fair and equitable claim resolutions.

Risk Assessment & Reporting

Identify and escalate high-exposure claims and emerging issues. Maintain accurate reserve adequacy and provide timely updates to leadership on claim developments and potential exposures.

Collaboration

Partner closely with underwriting, risk management services, customer relations, and legal teams to address claim trends, coverage concerns, and customer experience opportunities. Communicate adverse developments and significant claim activity to leadership as appropriate.

Customer & Broker Relationships

Provide an exceptional claims experience for insureds, claimants, brokers, and agents through proactive communication, empathy, and professional claim handling. Guide customers through the claims process and maintain strong business relationships.

Claims File Management

Ensure complete, accurate, and timely documentation of all claim file activities in compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements. Maintain detailed records of investigations, communications, reserve changes, and settlement discussions.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant claims experience.

Experience

• 3+ years of automobile physical damage and some bodily injury claims handling experience.

• Excellent conflict resolution, customer service, and active listening skills.

• Demonstrated experience managing liability investigations and injury claims from inception through resolution.

• Strong understanding of liability, negligence, comparative negligence, and bodily injury evaluation.

• A state adjuster license or willingness to obtain one, depending on state regulations.

Knowledge

• Automotive Knowledge: Strong understanding of vehicle systems, parts, and modern auto body repair processes.

• Software Proficiency: Familiarity with automotive estimating platforms, such as CCC ONE.

• Thorough understanding of personal auto insurance coverages and claims practices.

Skills

• Strong analytical and investigative abilities.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Effective negotiation and conflict resolution capabilities.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.

• Strong organizational, decision-making, and customer service skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• High-net-worth personal lines claims experience.

• Multi-state claims handling experience.

• Experience managing daily auto physical damage and injury claims.

• Knowledge of bodily injury claim evaluation, medical terminology, injury assessment, and settlement negotiation.

• Familiarity with applicable state insurance regulations and legal principles affecting liability claims.

• Active adjuster licenses where applicable.

• Industry designations such as AIC, CPCU, SCLA, or similar professional certifications.

Why Choose Vault?

• An innovative, open-minded environment built on trust, collaboration, and empowerment.

• A diverse and inclusive organization where we value each individual's strengths and expertise.

• Opportunities to learn from some of the industry's top insurance professionals.

• A forward-thinking team dedicated to delivering exceptional service and driving innovation.

• Career growth, advancement, and continuing education opportunities.

Benefits Include But Are Not Limited To:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Company-Paid Life and Disability Insurance

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) with Company Contributions

• 24/7 Telehealth Access

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Company 401(k) Retirement Plan with Day 1 Eligibility (6% Company Match, 100% Immediate Vesting)