Claims Adjuster II, Field Property - National Catastrophe

Nationwide•Washington, DC

7d•$62,500 - $115,500

About The Position

Nationwide’s National Catastrophe Response Team is seeking a field-based property claims professional to help customers recover from major disasters, including hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, and floods. The role primarily supports Personal Lines claims and involves travel to impacted areas, potentially up to 80% and often on short notice. The work includes investigating and resolving moderate to severe property damage claims, assessing damage, determining coverage, preparing estimates, and guiding policyholders through the claims process with empathy and professionalism. The adjuster manages assigned claims with little oversight and within delegated authority, from opening and adjusting reserves through resolution and documentation. The position requires independent field work, customer communication, collaboration with internal teams such as Special Investigations and Subrogation, and compliance with company and regulatory standards. Catastrophe assignments may include extended deployments, 12-hour days for up to 21 consecutive days, irregular hours, overnight travel, and on-call availability. The role requires safe ladder access to roofs, including first- and second-story roofs with pitches up to 8/12, and working outdoors in all types of weather.

Requirements

Three to five years of related property claims experience or comparable job-related experience, or education preferred.
Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience.
State licensing where required.
Successful completion of required claims certification schools or classes.
Obtain Xactimate Level 1 certification within one year of start date and Xactimate Level 2 certification within two years of employment.
General knowledge of insurance theory and practices, contracts, and their application.
Knowledge of property estimating and automated claims systems.
Knowledge of investigation, consultation, and settlement activities for extensive property damage claims.
Ability to evaluate coverage, apply jurisdictional laws and policy exclusions or exceptions, and resolve claim issues.
Ability to establish property repair requirements and cost estimates and to evaluate and advise on property claims.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills, including prioritizing work.
Strong written and verbal communication skills for working with policyholders, claimants, repairpersons, attorneys, agents, and the public.
Ability to provide exemplary customer service and guide customers through the claims process.
Ability to operate a personal computer and related claims and business software efficiently.
Ability to safely access and inspect rooftops using a ladder, including first- and second-story roofs with pitches up to 8/12.
Valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record under Nationwide standards.
Willingness and ability to travel, work irregular and extended hours, respond to catastrophe assignments, and potentially be on call.
Ability to work independently in the field, manage a high volume of claims, and adapt to changing disaster situations.

Nice To Haves

Prior insurance field or property claims handling and adjusting experience.
Proficiency with Xactimate and prior estimate-writing experience.
Experience managing claims of varying complexity from start to finish.
Experience working on-site in catastrophe environments.
Experience in a customer service environment, including flexible schedules and extended work hours.
Commercial property claims experience.
Ability to provide leadership to less experienced claims associates.

Responsibilities

Conduct on-site property inspections and damage assessments in catastrophe zones.
Investigate and resolve moderate to complex property claims from start to finish.
Determine policy coverage and prepare property estimates using tools such as Xactimate.
Manage the full claims lifecycle, including reserves, supplements, documentation, and timely resolution.
Handle assigned claims promptly and effectively within delegated authority and company guidelines.
Open, close, and adjust reserves and follow file-conferencing notification and authority procedures.
Partner with Special Investigations and Subrogation to identify fraud and subrogation opportunities; assist with or prepare files for lawsuits, trials, or subrogation.
Maintain knowledge of insurance products, policies, applicable decisions, guidelines, changes, local repair procedures, and market pricing.
Submit severe incident reports, reinsurance reports, and other information to claims management as needed.
Initiate and conduct claim follow-ups using claims and related business systems.
Provide proactive updates, clear guidance, and outstanding service to customers and other stakeholders throughout the claims process.
Maintain compliance with regulatory and internal standards and professional conduct expectations.
May perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Life insurance.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
Paid time off, with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days per full calendar year, prorated quarterly based on hire date.
Nine paid holidays.
Eight hours of Lifetime paid time off.
Eight hours of Unity Day paid time off.
401(k) with company match.
Company-paid pension plan.
Business casual attire.