Surety Claims Specialist (Customs Bond Claims Adjuster)

Avalon Risk Management; Schaumburg (IL); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Tuition reimbursement

Student debt assistance

Hybrid in-office and work from home

Job summary

Avalon Risk Management is seeking a Surety Claims Specialist (Adjuster) to join its Bond Claims department at the Schaumburg, IL headquarters. This full-time role requires investigating and resolving bond claims, coordinating with CBP and claimants, and ensuring timely payments within guidelines.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years in imports/related fields, with a preference for tariffs and international shipping experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in importation industry or related fields such as contracts, finance, or billing support.
• Experience with tariffs, international shipping, and working with Customs and Border Protection preferred.
• Surety/insurance or claims experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Independently investigate, evaluate, and adjudicate surety bond claims within established guidelines.
• Communicate with claimants, principals, and CBP regarding claims files and document data in systems.
• Analyze claims for statutory compliance and proper disposition; determine validity and defenses.
• Research applicable federal statutes, regulations, and guidance to identify defenses and proper responses.
• Draft denials and petitions relating to claims; manage deadlines and escalation as needed.

Job description

Avalon Risk Management ("Avalon") is a specialty insurance broker with offices throughout the U.S. and Canada. We focus on the unique and exciting world of risk management and insurance products for the international trade and logistics industry. Avalon is a privately held company owned by our founding management team. We are looking for a Surety Claims Specialist (Adjuster) to join our Bond Claims department. This full-time exempt position will work from our headquarters located at 200 N. Martingale Rd., Ste. 700, Schaumburg, Illinois 60173.

Surety Claims Specialists work with importers/principals to resolve claims related to Customs and miscellaneous bonds, which may involve asking for payment on the claim. Our professionals must be able to confidently work in an ever-changing environment while they stay on top of new developments and legal requirements. Essential functions of this role include but are not limited to:

• Independently investigate, evaluate, and adjudicate surety bond claims. Claims are handled within our established guidelines for each Surety/Trust.
• Communicating directly with claimants, trustors/principals, and Customs & Border Protection (CBP) regarding claim files. Acknowledging claims, notifying client, recording claims data within appropriate systems and issuing payments in a professional and timely manner.
• Analyze claims for statutory compliance, procedural defects, and enforceability; determine the validity and proper disposition of each claim
• Proactively and regularly research applicable federal statutes, regulations, and agency guidance to identify defenses and determine appropriate responses
• Exercise professional judgment to decide when payment is proper versus when claims should be defended to protect the surety program
• Manage aggressive enforcement timelines, frequently requiring responses within compressed timeframes
• Draft and file petitions and/or protests referencing mitigation guidelines and other governing statutes to mitigate or cancel claims
• Answering calls on claims line and provide claim forms to claimants via email or fax
• Evaluate Bond Programs (i.e. TIA) claims issued to our surety/trust companies through investigation, data gathering, researching regulations, etc.
• Draft claim denials to claimants based on claim research.

A Claims Adjuster license will be required for this position within the first 180 days of employment. Avalon will help you obtain this license upon hire and we bear the associated expenses.

Bond Claims professionals demonstrate strong regulatory and statutory awareness by being proactive and curious. They have the ability to interpret and apply written guidance in ever-changing situations. And they are comfortable directly interacting with claimants and CBP across phone, email, mail, and fax. This role requires good judgment and clear documentation to support defensible decisions. Attention to detail is critical, along with the ability to manage a high volume of work while consistently meeting deadlines. Candidates must be able to prioritize effectively in an ever-changing environment and exercise good judgment in recognizing when issues require escalation or immediate attention.

We are seeking candidates with a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in a professional role within the importation industry or related fields such as contracts, finance, or billing support. Prior experience in direct insurance support, particularly with a focus on logistics, is a plus. Preference will be given to candidates who have direct experience with tariffs, international shipping, and/or working with Customs and Border Protection. Strong follow-up skills are essential, along with the ability to consistently meet deadlines. Candidates should have professional interpersonal skills and be willing to be firm with insureds.

Avalon is a premier provider of innovative insurance and surety solutions. This is a full-time, exempt position with a starting base compensation range of $52,000 - $56,000 per year, depending on experience. We offer an excellent benefits package that includes health, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), tuition reimbursement, student debt assistance, and more. After an introductory training period, new hires are eligible for a hybrid in-office and work from home environment. Avalon is an equal opportunity employer with a best in class culture for employees.