Surety Claims Specialist (Customs Bond Claims Adjuster)

Avalon Risk Management (“Avalon”) is a specialty insurance broker with offices throughout the U.S. and Canada, focusing on risk management and insurance products for the international trade and logistics industry. This full-time exempt position is based at our headquarters in Schaumburg, Illinois.

About the role

Surety Claims Specialists work with importers/principals to resolve claims related to Customs and miscellaneous bonds, which may involve requesting payment on the claim. Professionals must confidently operate in an ever-changing environment while staying current with new developments and legal requirements.

Responsibilities

• Independently investigate, evaluate, and adjudicate surety bond claims within established guidelines for each Surety/Trust.
• Communicate directly with claimants, trustors/principals, and Customs & Border Protection (CBP) regarding claim files.
• Acknowledge claims, notify clients, record claims data in appropriate systems, and issue payments professionally and timely.
• Analyze claims for statutory compliance, procedural defects, and enforceability; determine validity and proper disposition of each claim.
• Proactively research applicable federal statutes, regulations, and agency guidance to identify defenses and determine appropriate responses.
• Exercise professional judgment to decide when payment is proper versus when claims should be defended to protect the surety program.
• Manage aggressive enforcement timelines, frequently requiring responses within compressed timeframes.
• Draft and file petitions and/or protests referencing mitigation guidelines and other governing statutes to mitigate or cancel claims.
• Answer calls on the claims line and provide claim forms to claimants via email or fax.
• Evaluate Bond Programs (e.g., TIA) claims issued to surety/trust companies through investigation, data gathering, and researching regulations.
• Draft claim denials to claimants based on claim research.

Requirements

• A Claims Adjuster license will be required within the first 180 days of employment; Avalon will assist in obtaining this license and cover associated expenses.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in a professional role within the importation industry or related fields such as contracts, finance, or billing support.
• Prior experience in direct insurance support, particularly with a focus on logistics, is a plus.
• Direct experience with tariffs, international shipping, and/or working with Customs and Border Protection is preferred.
• Strong regulatory and statutory awareness, with the ability to interpret and apply written guidance in evolving situations.
• Comfortable interacting directly with claimants and CBP across phone, email, mail, and fax.
• Good judgment and clear documentation to support defensible decisions.
• Attention to detail and ability to manage a high volume of work while consistently meeting deadlines.
• Strong follow-up skills and ability to prioritize effectively in an ever-changing environment.
• Professional interpersonal skills and willingness to be firm with insureds.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Student debt assistance.
• Hybrid in-office and work-from-home environment after an introductory training period.

Pay

Starting base compensation range of $52,000 - $56,000 per year, depending on experience.