Auto Physical Damage Claim Adjuster

Merchants Mutual Insurance; Buffalo (NY); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Paid time off

Full benefits package

Job summary

Merchants Insurance Group in Buffalo, NY is seeking an Auto Physical Damage Claim Adjuster to join our Corporate Claims team on a hybrid schedule. You will manage a portfolio of Auto Physical Damage claims, collaborate with policyholders, agents, and service providers, and conduct investigations and settlements with guidance from established reserves.

The role emphasizes strong communication, organization, and customer service, with a requirement to obtain state licensing within 6 months.

Qualifications

• 4-year degree or equivalent work-related experience.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in handling auto physical damage investigations.
• Total Loss experience is a plus.
• Exceptional organizational, verbal and written communication skills.
• Computer experience including Microsoft Office.
• ImageRight knowledge is a plus.
• Professional designations or working towards industry designations are a plus.
• Must obtain any required State licensing within 6 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Cultivating relationships with claims and other internal staff, policyholders, attorneys, agents and service providers.
• Providing a high level of customer service while managing Auto Physical Damage claims.
• Conducting timely and quality claim investigations, evaluations and equitable settlements.
• Ensuring timely and accurate reserves in line with reserving philosophy.

Skills

Auto claims experience

Total Loss experience

Communication skills

Licensing within 6 months

Professional designations in progress

Licensing readiness

Analytical/Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

ImageRight knowledge

Job description

Description

Auto Physical Damage Claim Adjuster

Hybrid Work Schedule

Merchants Insurance Group is a leading Property and Casualty Insurer in the Northeast and is looking for an Auto Physical Damage Claim Adjuster (APD) to join our Corporate Claims team located in Buffalo, New York.

The APD Claim Adjuster will become part of a dedicated claims team focusing on Auto Physical Damage claims. This position interacts extensively with internal colleagues as well as policyholders, agents, attorneys, appraisers, auto repair facilities and a multitude of claim-related service providers.

Merchants offer their colleagues a Hybrid work schedule. The Hybrid work schedule requires 2 full days per week in the office, with the option to work the remaining days at home or in the office. This exciting Hybrid Work benefit offers colleagues a flexible work schedule with the ability to remain connected with their Merchants team and colleagues.

Merchants Insurance Group is rated A- (Excellent) with a stable outlook by A.M. Best and is consistently recognized as a top employer and high-performing organization. Recent honors include:

• Best Places to Work in Western New York (Buffalo Business First, 2023–2026)
• Fast Track Company (2019–2025) and Top Private Company (2019–2025)
• Ward’s 50 top-performing property-casualty insurer (2021–2024)
• Ivans Spark Award for Innovation (2024–2025)
• Named to Newsweek and Statista’s America’s Most Reliable Companies list (2025), ranked among the top 300 of 1,500 B2B organizations evaluated

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Cultivating relationships with claims and other internal staff, policyholders, attorneys, agents and a variety of service providers and experts all while working towards achieving the most optimal outcomes for Merchants and our policyholders.
• Providing a high level of customer service while managing a portfolio of Auto Physical damage claims.
• Conducting and directing timely and quality claim investigations, evaluations and equitable settlements of all assigned claims.
• Ensuring timely and accurate reserves consistent with established reserving philosophy and practices.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Qualified candidates will have a 4-year degree or equivalent work-related experience.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in handling coverage and liability investigations for auto physical damage claims.
• Total Loss experience is a plus.
• Exceptional organizational, verbal and written communication skills are required.
• Computer experience including Microsoft office experience.
• ImageRight knowledge is a plus.
• Professional designations or working towards industry specific designations are a plus.
• Must obtain any required State licensing within 6 months of hire.

Merchants Insurance Group Pay information:

Merchants Insurance Group offers a competitive pay scale. The estimated salary for this role ranges from $25.00 – $33.00 hourly based on leveling and geography, along with an equity component and a comprehensive benefits package. This range is merely an estimate; actual compensation may deviate from this range based on skills, experience and qualifications.

Merchants Insurance Group Benefits:

• Welcoming and positive work environment.
• Flexible work arrangements, including flex scheduling and summer hours.
• Hybrid work schedule. The Hybrid work schedule will require 2 full days per week in the office, with the option to work the remaining days per month at home or in the office
• Flexible work arrangements, including flex scheduling and summer hours.
• Competitive pay scale.
• Generous paid time off package.
• Full Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short Term Disability, 401(k) employer match amount is 100% up to 6% of your annual contributions. You are immediately 100% vested in the employer match dollars.
• Outstanding company bonus program.
• Tuition Reimbursement.

And many more exciting company benefits!!

Merchants Insurance Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. Merchants Insurance Group supports a safe workplace through pre-employment background screenings.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.