Auto claims adjuster [h1.location_city]

If you’re passionate about helping people protect what matters most to them at a Fortune 100 company with nearly $70 billion in annual sales, as well as innovating and simplifying processes and operations to provide the best customer value, then Nationwide’s Property and Casualty team could be the place for you! At Nationwide®, “on your side” goes beyond just words. Our customers and partners are at the center of everything we do and we’re looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care.

This is a field-based role on the National Catastrophe Response Team. This position is responsible for managing property claims in response to catastrophic events across the country. As a field-based adjuster, you will be deployed to areas impacted by large-scale disasters—such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, or other major events—to assess damages, support policyholders, and help communities begin the recovery process.  The role requires extensive travel (up to 80%), often on short notice, and the ability to work in high-pressure, fast-paced environments for extended periods.

You will regularly engage in direct, and at times, emotionally charged conversations with customers—clearly explaining coverage decisions, setting expectations, and delivering difficult news with empathy and professionalism.  The ability to remain composed and compassionate in the face of loss, frustration, or uncertainty is essential. Strong communication skills and emotional resilience are critical, as you’ll be guiding customers through some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

In this role, you’ll conduct on-site inspections, evaluate property damages, determine policy coverage, and make timely, accurate decisions using a variety of tools and resources, including vendor estimates, independent adjusters, and self-written assessments. You'll also be responsible for full file ownership, maintaining appropriate reserves, managing claim activity (including supplements and requests for depreciation), ensuring compliance with internal standards and regulatory requirements, and providing proactive communication with external customers throughout each stage of the claim. Collaboration with internal teams such as Special Investigations and Subrogation may be required to identify fraud or recovery opportunities. Staying current on industry repair practices, regional pricing trends, and legal developments is key to success.  This is a demanding, customer-facing role that requires a unique blend of technical expertise, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence.   Candidates should be comfortable working independently in disaster zones, managing a high volume of claims, working 12 hours a day, up to 21 days in a row, and adapting quickly to evolving priorities.  If you’re driven by purpose, thrive under pressure, and want to make a meaningful impact during times of crisis, this role offers a challenging and deeply rewarding opportunity.

Ideal candidates will have :

Prior insurance field / property claims handling or adjusting experience

Proficiency with Xactimate

Prior estimate writing experience

Ability to handle claims of varying complexity from start to finish

Prior experience working in on site in a catastrophe environment

Ability to carry a ladder and climb a roof

Strong customer service competency

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Job Description Summary

No two property claims are ever the same and each customer has unique needs. Our team thrives on providing the very best service and building lasting, successful relationships with our customers. If you are confident, curious, driven to learn and grow, and have a desire to help people when they most need it, we want to know more about you!

As a National Catastrophe (NATCAT) Field Claims Specialist primarily supporting our Personal Lines (PL) business, you'll investigate and resolve moderate to severe property damage claims by phone.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities :

Handles all assigned claims promptly and effectively, with little to no direction and oversight. Makes decisions within delegated authority as outlined in company policies and procedures.

Determines proper policy coverages and applies appropriate claims practices to resolve cases in alignment with company guidelines.

Opens, closes, and adjusts reserves according to company practices to ensure reserve adequacy. Adheres to file conferencing notification and authority procedures.

Maintains current knowledge of insurance and applicable product / services; court decisions which may impact the claims function; current guidelines; and policy changes and modifications. This may require attending various seminars and training sessions.

Maintains current knowledge of local industry repair procedures and local market pricing.

Submits severe incident reports, reinsurance reports and other information to claims management as needed.

Partners with Special Investigations Unit and Subrogation to identify fraud and subrogation opportunities. Assists or prepares files for lawsuit, trial, or subrogation.

Initiates and conducts follow-ups through proficient use of claims and other related business systems.

Delivers outstanding customer service to all internal, external, current, and prospective Nationwide customers. Adheres to high standards of professional conduct while providing delivery of outstanding claim's service.

May perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Reporting Relationships : Reports to Claims Manager. Individual contributor role.

Typical Skills and Experiences :

Education : Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience.

License / Certification / Designation : State licensing where required. Successful completion of required claims certification schools or classes. Obtain Xactimate Level 1 certification within a year of start date. Obtain Xactimate Level 2 certification within two years of employment.

Experience : Three to five years of related property claims experience or comparable job-related experience, or education preferred. Experience in a customer service environment, including flexible work schedules and extended work hours preferred. Commercial claims property experience preferred.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills : General knowledge of insurance theory and practices, and contracts and their application. Property estimating and automated claims systems. Demonstrated knowledge of the investigation, consultation and settlement activities used to resolve extensive property damage claims. Proven ability to meet customer needs and provide exemplary meaningful service by guiding customers through the claims process and ensuring a positive customer experience. Analytical and problem-solving skills necessary to make decisions and resolve issues related to application of coverages to submitted claims, application of laws of jurisdiction to investigation facts, and application of policy exclusions and exceptions. Ability to establish repair requirements and cost estimates for property losses. Ability to evaluate and successfully advise on property claims. Organizational skills to prioritize work. Command of written and verbal communication skills to effectively communicate with policyholders, claimants, repairpersons, attorneys, agents and the general public. Ability to efficiently operate a personal computer and related claims and business software. Able to provide leadership to less experienced claims associates. Must be able to safely access and inspect rooftops using a ladder. Must be prepared and capable of conductingphysical inspections on rooftops, including first and second story roofs with pitches up to 8 / 12.

Other criteria, including leadership skills, competencies and experiences may take precedence.

Staffing exceptions to the above must be approved by the business unit executive and HR Business Partner.

Values : Regularly and consistently demonstrates the Nationwide Values and Guiding Behaviors.

Job Conditions :

Overtime Eligibility : Not Eligible (Exempt)

Working Conditions : Normal office or field claims environment. May require ability to sit and operate phone and personal computer for extended periods of time. Able to make physical inspections of property loss sites; including climb ladders, balance at various heights and rooftops up to 8 / 12 pitch stoop, bend and / or crawl to inspect vehicles and structures; work outside in all types of weather. Must be willing to work irregular hours and to travel with possible overnight requirements. May be on-call. Must be available to work catastrophes (CAT). Extended and / or non-standard hours as required. Must have a valid driver’s license with satisfactory driving record in accordance with Nationwide standards.

ADA : The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some people assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties.

Credit / Background Check : Due to the fiduciary accountabilities within this job, a valid credit check and / or background check will be required as part of the selection process.

We currently anticipate accepting applications until 03 / 05 / 2026. However, we encourage early submissions, as the posting may close sooner if a strong candidate slate is identified before the deadline.

Benefits

We have an array of benefits to fit your needs, including : medical / dental / vision, life insurance, short and long term disability coverage, paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days paid time off each full calendar year pro-rated quarterly based on hire date, nine paid holidays, 8 hours of Lifetime paid time off, 8 hours of Unity Day paid time off, 401(k) with company match, company-paid pension plan, business casual attire, and more.