Claims Manager, Commercial Auto & GL

About the role

Crum & Forster (C&F), founded in 1822, provides specialty and standard commercial lines insurance through admitted and surplus lines carriers. The company holds an AM Best "A+" (Superior) financial strength rating and employs over 2,000 people across the United States. C&F is part of Fairfax Financial Holdings, a global billion-dollar organization.

The Surplus & Specialty Lines (S&S) Division develops customized coverage for complex exposures, difficult-to-insure risks, and niche market segments. S&S has over 850 employees (including more than 250 in India), 10+ U.S. locations, and 2 locations in India. Product segments include Sharing Economy, Environmental, Energy, Transportation, Construction, Excess & Umbrella, Primary Special Risk, Security, and others. S&S is the second-largest division at over $1.5 billion in annual gross written premium.

This position manages a staff of adjusters handling Bodily Injury (BI) Transportation Claims, ensuring appropriate and timely coverage analysis, exposure recognition, reserve analysis, and claim resolution. The role involves frequent contact with claim department staff at all levels, brokers, retail agents, insureds, vendors, and internal partners such as accounting and underwriting.

Responsibilities

• Receive claims assignments and set up new losses
• Verify and determine applicability of coverage
• Determine the method and extent of investigation for each claim per company Best Practices
• Review and manage outstanding files for adequacy and timeliness of investigation, evaluation, and reserve; maintain a timely diary for each case
• Evaluate and adjust claims within assigned authority level
• Report directly on technical matters to management
• Evaluate and manage litigated claims; determine future course of handling and proper method of disposition
• Consult with the manager on claims needing assistance or exceeding assigned authority
• Assess recovery potential and develop information required to pursue recovery
• Meet with current and prospective customers to discuss C&F claims capabilities and address specific claim needs
• Ensure equitable and prompt adjustment and management of assigned claims to disposition per Best Practices
• Provide technical management of the BI claims unit, including coaching, training, performance management, and hiring/termination recommendations
• Provide strategic direction for claim analysis to ensure equitable and timely resolution
• Monitor staff and unit performance; review open and closed claims to ensure proper preparation for adjudication and resolution
• Act as a subject matter expert on coverage, exposure analysis, timely and accurate reserving, and settlement value and resolution strategy
• Review and manage litigation costs within guidelines to ensure cost-effective preparation and resolution
• Manage panel counsel to ensure litigation is managed and resolved effectively
• Ensure early recognition of exposures and setting of appropriate claim reserves for accurate future cost estimation
• Monitor changes in the legal environment; distribute pertinent changes in insurance law, tort law, or litigation practices
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with management and staff in other departments (underwriting, finance, executive)
• Adhere to and ensure staff adherence to organizational expectations for a positive work atmosphere, building trust with customers, clients, co-workers, and management
• Understanding/knowledge of contractual indemnity and additional insured risk transfer opportunities preferred

Requirements

• College graduate; Juris Doctorate a plus
• 8+ years of Commercial Auto Liability Bodily Injury experience
• Trucking, Rental, and/or Rideshare experience preferred
• 5+ years managing a Commercial Auto Liability Bodily Injury team
• Commercial General Liability experience a plus
• Outstanding people skills and communication skills (oral and written); ability to work well with internal and external customers at all levels
• Computer skills with working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite required
• Occasional travel required

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package
• Generous 401(k) employer match
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan with employer matching
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Excellent benefits beyond health, dental, and vision — programs focused on whole-family wellness (physical, mental, financial)
• Career development support: tuition reimbursement, industry-related certifications, professional training
• Dynamic, ambitious, fun, and exciting work environment
• Social and community responsibility: matching donation program, volunteer opportunities, employee-driven corporate giving program

Pay

The annualized base pay for this position ranges from $82,500.00 to $155,100.00. Actual compensation is determined by factors including market pay for the role, responsibilities and skills required, and employee performance. The position may also be eligible for discretionary equity (stock) based compensation and/or performance-based variable pay programs.