Litigation & Appraisal Adjuster

You will manage complex homeowner property claims from assignment through final resolution, taking full ownership of litigation and appraisal files. You will drive litigation strategy in close partnership with defense counsel, guide the appraisal process from invocation through award, and make independent, high-stakes decisions with confidence. You will conduct thorough coverage and damages investigations, write and critically review your own property estimates, and issue formal claim correspondence such as coverage position letters and reservations of rights. You will provide clear, timely communication to insureds, claimants, agents, attorneys, and leadership, and negotiate settlements with fairness and professionalism. You will collaborate with vendor partners including appraisers, umpires, engineers, and field inspectors, and you will have the opportunity to mentor peers and help shape Openly's litigation program.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end handling of HO property claims in litigation and appraisal, from assignment through final resolution, including supplements and post-resolution activity
• Drive litigation development and strategy on the file, partnering closely with defense counsel and providing clear direction on case posture, exposure, and resolution path
• Manage the appraisal process from invocation through award, including appraiser selection, umpire engagement, and oversight of scope and methodology
• Make difficult, independent decisions with confidence and sound judgment, taking ownership of outcomes and escalating appropriately when warranted
• Conduct thorough investigations including review of policy terms, complete coverage analysis, and damages evaluation on complex HO property claims
• Examine claims for potential subrogation opportunities and identify potential fraudulent issues
• Issue coverage position letters, reservation of rights, and other formal claim correspondence as needed
• Independently scope and write property damage estimates using Cotality, applying independent technical judgment to scope and methodology
• Critically review estimates prepared by public adjusters, contractors, and opposing experts, identifying gaps and unsupported positions
• Prepare and maintain thorough file documentation, including coverage letters, estimates, activity notes, and settlement documentation
• Adhere to reserving best practices and update reserves accurately throughout the life of the claim
• Provide superior customer service to insureds, claimants, agents, public adjusters, attorneys, and appraisers throughout the claims process
• Discuss and provide updates to insureds, claimants, agents, attorneys, and leadership throughout the life of the claim
• Maintain proactive control of every file, anticipating next steps and setting clear action plans
• Apply strong verbal negotiation skills to work through complex, high-stakes claim situations
• Negotiate settlement of claims with insureds, claimants, public adjusters, attorneys, and vendors
• Manage and collaborate with vendor partners including defense counsel, appraisers, umpires, engineers, building consultants, and field inspectors
• Provide feedback on process and performance as Openly engages with new litigation partners
• Partner with internal functions including SIU, Subrogation, Legal, and Catastrophe to drive aligned claim outcomes
• Support and mentor peers on litigation strategy, appraisal handling, and complex estimating

Requirements

• 8+ years of HO claims experience, with demonstrated experience handling litigation matters from assignment through resolution
• Proven ability to independently scope and write property estimates in Cotality
• Experience managing the appraisal process from invocation through award
• Strong verbal negotiation skills and a track record of working collaboratively with defense partners
• Experience with formal claim handling, reservation of rights, coverage position letters, and related correspondence
• Active adjuster license(s) or eligibility to obtain licenses in all required states; must maintain licensure
• Experience in a remote or hybrid claims environment, with the ability to work from home without distraction
• Proficiency in Microsoft and Google productivity tools
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organization, time management, and multi-tasking abilities
• Tech-savvy with comfort using high-end technology tools for adjusting
• Ability to work highly independently and make difficult decisions without constant direction
• Agile and change-ready mindset, comfortable with constant change and adaptability

Benefits

• Remote-first culture
• Competitive equity
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plan offerings
• Life and disability coverage including voluntary options
• Parental leave - up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of paid parental leave
• 401K company contribution of 3% of gross income
• Work-from-home stipend of $1,500
• Annual professional development fund of $2,000
• Be Well Program - $50 per month toward well-being
• Paid volunteer service hours
• Referral program and reward