Auto Claims Examiner

Senior Commercial Auto & Garage Claims Examiner

Regular Full-Time, Charlotte, NC, US

The Senior Commercial Auto & Garage Claims Examiner independently manages a portfolio of complex, high-exposure Commercial Auto, Garage Liability, and Garagekeepers claims within an Excess & Surplus Lines environment. This position handles claims involving significant property damage, catastrophic bodily injury, coverage disputes, litigation, dealer operations, towing exposures, repair facilities, transportation risks, and other specialized automotive-related exposures.

The Examiner is responsible for conducting detailed coverage analysis, liability investigations, reserve management, litigation oversight, and settlement negotiations while ensuring timely and equitable claim resolution. The position serves as a technical resource to adjusters and management and works closely with defense counsel, independent adjusters, experts, and insureds to achieve favorable claim outcomes.

This role offers substantial authority and autonomy in handling complex claims and contributes to the continued development of best practices within the claims organization.

Analyze and interpret Commercial Auto, Garage Liability, Garagekeepers, Dealer, Tow Truck, Transportation, and other specialty E&S policies to determine coverage applicability.

Conduct detailed investigations involving liability, comparative negligence, damages, injuries, and policy coverage issues.

Evaluate complex coverage questions, exclusions, endorsements, contractual risk transfer provisions, and policy conditions.

Review police reports, witness statements, recorded interviews, accident reconstructions, medical records, repair estimates, and expert reports.

Determine appropriate investigative strategies to ensure timely and equitable claim resolution.

Independently manage a caseload of high-severity and litigated Commercial Auto and Garage claims.

Handle claims involving catastrophic injuries, fatalities, multi-vehicle accidents, dealer operations, customer vehicles in care, custody and control, and other complex exposures.

Establish, monitor, and maintain appropriate indemnity and expense reserves throughout the life of the claim.

Identify and pursue subrogation opportunities and salvage recoveries when applicable.

Maintain accurate and comprehensive claim documentation in accordance with company standards and regulatory requirements.

Manage litigated claims from assignment through resolution.

Direct and oversee defense counsel, independent adjusters, accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and other vendors.

Develop litigation strategies and evaluate exposure based on liability, damages, venue, and legal trends.

Attend mediations, settlement conferences, arbitrations, and trials as necessary.

Negotiate settlements within granted authority and present authority recommendations on high-exposure matters.

Serve as a subject matter expert for Commercial Auto and Garage claims.

Provide technical guidance and mentorship to claims staff and less experienced adjusters.

Assist with training initiatives and claim reviews as needed.

Participate in claim round tables and large loss strategy discussions.

Collaborate with underwriting and risk management teams on emerging trends and loss control opportunities.

Maintain proactive communication with insureds, claimants, agents, brokers, attorneys, and vendors.

Deliver exceptional customer service while balancing policy obligations and company objectives.

Respond promptly to inquiries and maintain effective diary management practices.

Ensure compliance with all applicable state regulations, company procedures, and claim handling standards.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or equivalent combination of education and claims experience.

Minimum of 7 years of Commercial Auto, Garage Liability, Garagekeepers, Transportation, or General Liability claims handling experience.

Demonstrated success managing complex, litigated, and high‑severity…