Claims Examiner

Claims Examiner / Desk Adjuster - Homeowners Claims

Location: In Office Role in our Sunrise, FL or Tampa, FL Locations

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (additional hours and CAT response support may be required during designated catastrophe events)

Join a Team That Protects What Matters Most

At Heritage Insurance, we're looking for a dedicated and customer-focused Claims Examiner/Desk Adjuster to manage homeowners property claims from first notice of loss through final resolution. This is a true cradle-to-grave claims handling role where you'll own the entire claims lifecycle, make meaningful decisions, and provide exceptional service to policyholders when they need it most.

We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, robust wellness programs, and a culture that values teamwork, professional development, and giving back. Community involvement and social responsibility are core to who we are, and our employees actively participate in charitable initiatives and volunteer opportunities throughout the year.

If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy investigative work, and are passionate about helping customers navigate challenging situations, we'd love to hear from you.

Position Summary

The Claims Examiner/Desk Adjuster investigates, evaluates, reserves, negotiates, and settles assigned homeowners property claims in accordance with company Best Practices and regulatory requirements. This role provides end-to-end ownership of claims, ensuring quality claim handling, superior customer service, and effective indemnity and expense management.

The ideal candidate will proactively manage claims through timely contact, thorough investigation, coverage analysis, damage evaluation, reserving, negotiation, and disposition while maintaining exceptional file quality and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide voice-to-voice contact with policyholders within 24 hours of first notice of loss.
• Manage homeowners property claims from initial reporting through final resolution.
• Conduct timely coverage analysis and communicate claim decisions based on policy language, facts, and circumstances.
• Consult with management regarding coverage issues and utilization of Claim Coverage Counsel when appropriate.
• Investigate claims through prompt contact with policyholders, claimants, agents, contractors, law enforcement agencies, witnesses, technical experts, and other relevant parties.
• Obtain and document statements and supporting evidence necessary to determine coverage, liability, damages, and recovery potential.
• Coordinate specialized investigations involving subrogation, fire origin and cause, fraud investigations, and other experts as needed.
• Verify the nature and extent of property damage through review of documentation, estimates, inspections, reports, and supporting records.
• Maintain an effective diary system to ensure timely claim progression and regulatory compliance.
• Evaluate claim exposure and establish appropriate indemnity and expense reserves.
• Utilize claim evaluation tools and documentation standards in accordance with department guidelines.
• Negotiate fair and timely settlements within delegated authority limits.
• Identify and implement alternative dispute resolution opportunities when appropriate.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely claim file documentation.
• Attend depositions, mediations, examinations under oath, and other legal proceedings as required.
• Deliver outstanding customer service and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Support catastrophe operations and workload surges, including working extended hours during designated CAT events.
• Participate in special projects and departmental initiatives as assigned.
• Travel overnight on occasion as business needs require.
• Maintain compliance with all federal and state regulations, company policies, and Claims Department Best Practices.
• Protect confidential information and uphold the integrity of the organization.

Qualifications

Required

• Associate's Degree; Bachelor's Degree preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and significant directly related experience may be considered.
• Active Florida 6-20 Adjuster License required.
• Minimum of 2 years of claims handling experience required; homeowners property claims experience. Strong investigative, analytical, and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong customer service orientation and ability to build rapport with policyholders and business partners.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while meeting deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team environment.

Preferred

• Homeowners property claims experience.
• Experience with Xactware products, including Xactimate and XactAnalysis.
• Knowledge of Florida property insurance claims handling practices.

Why Join Heritage?

• Competitive compensation package
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
• 401(k) with company match
• Generous paid time off and holiday programs
• Employee wellness initiatives focused on physical, financial, and emotional well-being
• Professional development and career growth opportunities
• Supportive and collaborative team culture
• Meaningful community engagement and volunteer opportunities throughout the year
• Opportunity to make a direct impact by helping homeowners recover from unexpected losses

Additional Information

All employees must successfully pass a pre-employment background screening. Additional screenings, including driving history and credit reports, may be required based on the position.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Management reserves the right to modify or assign additional responsibilities as business needs dictate.

Heritage Insurance Holdings, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected status.