Property Field Adjuster

United Mutual Insurance Association; Grinnell (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

United Mutual Insurance Association in Grinnell, Iowa, seeks a Property Field Adjuster to investigate, evaluate, negotiate, and resolve residential and farm property claims. You will conduct on-site inspections, determine coverage, prepare estimates, and deliver compassionate customer service throughout the claims process.

You will serve as the primary contact for policyholders, contractors, and vendors, ensuring accurate, fair handling in compliance with regulations.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of property insurance coverage, claim investigation, and settlement practices.
• Ability to interpret construction diagrams, estimates, and repair documentation.
• Strong investigative, analytical, negotiation, conflict-resolution, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organization and time-management skills, with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with claims management software, Microsoft Office products, and mobile field technology.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field inspections of damaged property including homes, farms, and other insured structures, documenting findings through photographs, measurements, diagrams, and detailed field notes.
• Investigate cause of loss and review applicable policy provisions, coverages, and endorsements to determine coverage and claim eligibility.
• Interview policyholders, claimants, contractors, agents, witnesses, and other involved parties.
• Identify potential fraud indicators and refer suspicious claims as appropriate.
• Evaluate liability exposures, salvage opportunities, and subrogation potential.
• Prepare accurate repair and replacement estimates using Xactimate and review contractor estimates, invoices, engineering reports, and related documentation.
• Determine actual cash value, replacement cost, depreciation, and settlement amounts.
• Negotiate and resolve claims within assigned authority and provide recommendations for claims exceeding authority limits.
• Maintain regular contact with policyholders and interested parties throughout the claims process, responding promptly to inquiries and providing timely updates.
• Explain coverage decisions, claim procedures, and settlement calculations in a clearly and professionally.

Skills

Property insurance knowledge

Investigations & settlement

Negotiation

Communication

Construction interpretation

Organization & time management

Software proficiency

Education

High school diploma

Associate/Bachelor in Business/Insurance/Construction

Xactimate Certification (1/2)

Tools

Xactimate

Claims management software

Microsoft Office

Job description

United Mutual Insurance Association is an established insurance company based in Grinnell, Iowa, serving policyholders across the entire state. The organization is a leader in the farm mutual insurance industry with a passion to serving others, securing futures, and being stronger together. Our core values are to be positive, collaborative, committed and authentic.

JOB SUMMARY

The Property Field Adjuster is responsible for investigating, evaluating, negotiating, and resolving residential, farm, and other property insurance claims. This position conducts on-site inspections, determines coverage, prepares estimates, assesses damages, and delivers exceptional customer service throughout the claims process. The Property Field Adjuster serves as the primary point of contact for policyholders and external parties while ensuring claims are handled accurately, fairly, and in compliance with company guidelines and regulatory requirements.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct field inspections of damaged property including homes, farms, and other insured structures, documenting findings through photographs, measurements, diagrams, and detailed field notes.
• Investigate cause of loss and review applicable policy provisions, coverages, and endorsements to determine coverage and claim eligibility.
• Interview policyholders, claimants, contractors, agents, witnesses, and other involved parties.
• Identify potential fraud indicators and refer suspicious claims as appropriate.
• Evaluate liability exposures, salvage opportunities, and subrogation potential.
• Prepare accurate repair and replacement estimates using Xactimate and review contractor estimates, invoices, engineering reports, and related documentation.
• Determine actual cash value, replacement cost, depreciation, and settlement amounts.
• Negotiate and resolve claims within assigned authority and provide recommendations for claims exceeding authority limits.
• Manage supplemental damage requests and reopened claims when necessary.
• Maintain regular contact with policyholders and interested parties throughout the claims process, responding promptly to inquiries and providing timely updates.
• Explain coverage decisions, claim procedures, and settlement calculations in a clearly and professionally.
• Provide compassionate service during catastrophic and traumatic loss situations.
• Demonstrate the company values of being positive, collaborative, committed, authentic while building effective relationships with policyholders, agents, contractors, vendors, and coworkers.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely claim file documentation.
• Handle claims in accordance with state insurance regulations, company standards, and established service, quality, and productivity expectations.
• Participate in catastrophe response, assist with workload surges, attend trainings, and maintain required licenses and certifications.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong understanding of property insurance coverage, claim investigation, and settlement practices.
• Ability to interpret construction diagrams, estimates, and repair documentation.
• Strong investigative, analytical, negotiation, conflict-resolution, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organization and time-management skills, with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with claims management software, Microsoft Office products, and mobile field technology.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent education required.
• Associate or Bachelor's degree in Business, Insurance, Construction, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of two years of property claims adjusting experience or equivalent insurance industry experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of residential and commercial construction methods and materials.
• Experience utilizing Xactimate or similar estimating platforms; Xactimate Level 1 or Level 2 Certification preferred.
• Professional designation such as AIC, AINS, CPCU, SCLA, preferred.
• Aability to obtain and maintain required state adjuster licenses.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.

PHYSICAL AND TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Frequently drive within the assigned territory (Southeast Iowa) and occasionally travel overnight for training, catastrophe response, or large-loss inspections.
• Ability to climb ladders and inspect roofs, walk on uneven terrain and construction sites, enter attics, crawl spaces, or other confined areas.
• Lift and carry up to 35 pounds and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Be available for catastrophe deployment or after-hour emergency response when required.

HOURS AND BENEFITS

• This is a Full-time position offering a competitive salary, bonus/profit sharing potential, and comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance after eligibility period.
• 401(k) plan available after the eligibility period.
• Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays.

This position requires a combination of field inspections and office or remote documentation work.