Auto Damage Claims Specialist

Central Insurance; Van Wert (OH); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Central Insurance in Van Wert, OH is seeking an Auto Damage Claims Specialist to investigate claims, negotiate settlements, and deliver exceptional service to policyholders and agents.

You will manage claims through their lifecycle, coordinate with salvage teams, and apply coverage analysis while upholding regulatory requirements and company policies.

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain all required state department of insurance adjusting licenses and CE’s within 90 days of employment
• Bachelor’s degree and 1 year of related experience
• Associate’s degree and 2 years of related experience
• Or 3 years of related experience
• Travel as needed

Responsibilities

• Manages assigned claims with hospitality, optimal claim outcomes, and efficiency throughout the life of the claim
• Investigates, evaluates, negotiates and settles assigned claims within authority limits
• Assesses vehicle damages, including negotiates total loss settlements and works collaboratively with the salvage team
• Provides proactive hospitality by appropriately setting expectations, building rapport, and responding to requests in a timely manner
• Builds relationships and appropriately communicates with agency partners and internal stakeholders
• Understands all applicable coverage forms; provides thorough and timely coverage analysis and communication
• Detects and mitigates fraud when investigating a claim
• Conducts thorough and proactive claim investigations including utilization of ISO
• Executes on coverage documentation, use of Reservation of Rights, Non‑Waivers, and coverage letters
• Completes liability determination and analysis
• Sets accurate initial reserve in a timely manner and continually reviews in the context of ultimate probable exposure
• Obtains, analyzes and evaluates damage documentation, implements appropriate control of rental/loss of use, and mitigates advanced charges
• Maintains appropriate Loss Adjustment expense control and utilizes approved suppliers
• Implements proper recognition, investigation, referral, and communication regarding subrogation
• Reviews estimates
• Assists team development with subject‑matter expertise learning, onboarding assistance, and assists supervisor when needed
• Completes training as needed

Job description

Location: Van Wert, OH

Work Model: Hybrid

Position type: Full time - salary

At Central Insurance, we believe claims handling is more than resolving losses — it’s about delivering peace of mind during challenging moments. Our Auto Damage Claims team combines technical expertise, innovation, and exceptional service to help customers navigate the unexpected with confidence. As an Auto Damage Claims Specialist, you will investigate claims, solve complex problems, build strong relationships with policyholders and agents, and drive optimal outcomes for customers and the company.

Key Responsibilities Of The Role

• Manages assigned claims with hospitality, optimal claim outcomes, and efficiency throughout the life of the claim
• Investigates, evaluates, negotiates and settles assigned claims within authority limits
• Assesses vehicle damages, including negotiates total loss settlements and works collaboratively with the salvage team
• Provides proactive hospitality by appropriately setting expectations, building rapport, and responding to requests in a timely manner
• Builds relationships and appropriately communicates with agency partners and internal stakeholders
• Understands all applicable coverage forms; provides thorough and timely coverage analysis and communication
• Detects and mitigates fraud when investigating a claim
• Conducts thorough and proactive claim investigations including utilization of ISO
• Executes on coverage documentation, use of Reservation of Rights, Non‑Waivers, and coverage letters
• Completes liability determination and analysis
• Sets accurate initial reserve in a timely manner and continually reviews in the context of ultimate probable exposure
• Obtains, analyzes and evaluates damage documentation, implements appropriate control of rental/loss of use, and mitigates advanced charges
• Maintains appropriate Loss Adjustment expense control and utilizes approved suppliers
• Implements proper recognition, investigation, referral, and communication regarding subrogation
• Reviews estimates
• Assists team development with subject‑matter expertise learning, onboarding assistance, and assists supervisor when needed
• Completes training as needed

Required Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain all required state department of insurance adjusting licenses and CE’s within 90 days of employment
• Bachelor’s degree and 1 year of related experience
• Associate’s degree and 2 years of related experience
• Or 3 years of related experience
• Travel as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• AINS or AIC designation(s)
• Claims experience in both Personal Lines and Commercial Lines

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Ability to professionally interact with our customers
• Ability to investigate, gather facts and information, and analyze coverage
• Understand the importance of capturing data
• Possess an innovative and continuous improvement mindset
• Possess a positive, professional, cooperative, and quality‑conscious service attitude
• Ability to work under pressure, deal with interpersonal conflict, and handle a heavy workload
• Possesses analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Possesses verbal and written communication skills, including negotiation, presentation, and influence skills
• Ability to understand Central Insurance’s policies and processes
• Completes our AMD Claims Training Program
• Possesses a change champion mindset to help facilitate the adoption of new tools and processes
• Achieves optimal claims outcomes
• Complies with state regulatory/statutory requirements, corporate privacy and other claim policy requirements
• Understands and utilizes various resources including technology and tools
• Ability to reach key performance metrics

Total Rewards

Central establishes base pay based on several factors including labor market data and an evaluation of candidate qualifications relative to role requirements. Base pay is one component of a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support employees’ financial, health, career, and retirement objectives. Central provides extensive health and wellness benefits to promote flexibility, work‑life balance, and long‑term financial security. For more information, see Central Insurance Benefits.

Work Authorization

Central will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F‑1 (including those with OPT or CPT), H‑1, H‑2, L‑1, B, J or TN, or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.

Equal Opportunity Employer

It is the policy of Central that all recruiting, hiring, training, compensation, overtime, job classification and assignment, facilities, promotions, transfers, employee treatment and all other terms and conditions of employment shall be maintained in a manner which will not discriminate against any person because of race, color, age, sex, national origin, ancestry, religion, marital status, military status, or disability. The applicant should respond to questions on this application in a way that will not divulge such information.