Property Claims Adjuster - West MI

Pioneer State Mutual Insurance Company; Michigan; On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Pioneer State Mutual Insurance Company is seeking a Property Field Claims Adjuster to investigate and resolve personal and farm property claims across West Michigan. Expect periodic travel within Michigan for on-site inspections and policyholder engagement.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years of direct claims experience, strong negotiation and communication skills, and solid knowledge of P&C property estimating practices. This field-based role emphasizes thorough documentation and timely settlements.

Qualifications

• 5+ years direct claims experience preferred.
• Valid Driver’s License and clean driving record required.
• In-depth knowledge of P&C property claims handling and estimating procedures.
• Strong negotiation, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities; detail-oriented reporting.

Responsibilities

• Conduct on-site investigations to determine cause, scope, and damage.
• Assess coverage by policy terms, endorsements, exclusions, and regs.
• Establish and adjust claim reserves as new facts emerge.
• Guide policyholders on the claims process and living expense options.
• Coordinate third-party vendors and IA assignments for quality and timeliness.
• Maintain thorough documentation in the electronic claim file system.
• Collaborate with Loss Control, SIU, Underwriting, and Legal.
• Attend mediations or court hearings as needed.

Skills

Field claims experience

Negotiation skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Xactimate

Regulatory knowledge

Driving license

Tools

Xactimate

Claims software

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The Property Field Claims Adjuster is responsible for investigating, evaluating, and resolving personal and farm property claims primarily in an assigned territory, however, workload demands and expertise may require periodic travel anywhere in Michigan. This position requires regular travel to loss sites to perform on-site inspections and engage directly with policyholders, contractors, and other third parties. The Adjuster independently manages moderate to high-severity losses from initial investigation through final resolution, ensuring prompt, fair, and accurate outcomes in accordance with company policy, regulatory guidelines, and service standards. Experienced candidates must have knowledge of Homeowner coverage, with a preference for experience in Farm Property coverage.

Primary Job Location: West Michigan.

Candidate should ideally reside in Kent, Mecosta or Newaygo County, Michigan.

Territory Coverage: This position will cover claims throughout West Michigan and parts of Northwest Michigan as part of the assigned territory.

Responsibilities

• Conducts on-site investigations of property losses to determine cause, scope, and extent of damage, including personal and farm claims.
• Determines coverage by analyzing policy terms, endorsements, exclusions, and applicable state regulations.
• Establishes and maintains accurate claim reserves that reflect anticipated costs, adjusting as necessary based on new findings.
• Provides guidance to policyholders regarding the claims process, emergency services, repair vendors, and additional living expense options.
• Coordinates and oversees third-party vendors including but not limited to; mitigation contractors, appraisers, engineers, consultants and temporary housing providers
• Manages Independent Adjuster (IA) assignments to ensure consistency in quality, file documentation, and timeliness.
• Maintains thorough, organized, and timely documentation in the electronic claim file system, including field notes, photos, estimates, and correspondence.
• Identifies and pursues salvage and subrogation opportunities when appropriate.
• Collaborates with internal teams such as Loss Control, SIU, Underwriting, and Legal to support claim outcomes, trend identification, and risk mitigation.
• Attends mediations, depositions, or court hearings as needed in support of litigated or complex claims.
• Stays current with changes in property claims practices, construction methods, estimating tools, and industry regulations through continuing education.
• Meets or exceeds internal service level agreements and ensures compliance with all regulatory reporting and documentation standards.

Other preferred skills & qualifications:

• Valid Driver’s License and good driving record required
• 5 + years direct claims experience preferred
• Demonstrates professionalism, empathy, and clarity in all interactions with policyholders, agency partners, vendors, and internal colleagues.
• In-depth knowledge of P&C property claims handling practices, including coverage analysis, construction methods, and estimating procedures.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to resolve complex claim scenarios independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to produce clear, detailed reports and correspondence.
• Highly self-motivated and organized, capable of prioritizing workload and meeting deadlines in a field-based environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and claims systems, including estimating software such as Xactimate or similar platforms.
• Demonstrates proficiency in, and adaptability to emerging technologies to enhance claim handling efficiency.
• Make timely decisions and document clear, well-supported rationale for those decisions.