JobsAmerican Family Insurance

Desk Adjuster

American Family Insurance · Madison, WI

Posted Sep 17, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 20, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

Behavioral

Tell me about a time you had to determine liability on a claim where the facts weren't clear cut.

how the candidate reasons through ambiguous evidence and reaches a defensible decision

Describe a time a customer was upset about how their claim was being handled. What did you do?

customer service instincts under emotional pressure, a core part of good-faith claims handling

Tell me about an on-site inspection you did where what you found in person changed your view of the claim.

attentiveness to physical evidence versus relying only on reported information

Tell me about a time you had to deliver bad news to a customer, like a denial or a lower payout than they expected.

ability to communicate difficult outcomes while maintaining trust and following good-faith obligations

Technical

Walk me through how you'd handle a first-party property claim from the initial call to closing the file.

whether the candidate understands the full claim lifecycle, not just one piece of it

What's the difference in how you'd approach a first-party claim versus a third-party claim?

basic grasp of claims fundamentals before getting into complexity

Tell me about a claim where the policy language was tricky to interpret. How did you work through it?

ability to read and apply policy, endorsement, and contract language accurately

How do you keep track of multiple open claims at different stages so nothing falls behind?

organizational systems and prioritization under a caseload

Situational

Say you're handling a third-party claim and the claimant's attorney disputes your coverage determination. How do you approach that conversation?

composure and communication skill when facing adversarial pushback

How do you decide when a claim is complex enough that you need to escalate it or bring in help?

self-awareness about limits and judgment on when to ask for support

How would you go about negotiating a settlement with a public adjuster who has a very different damage estimate than yours?

negotiation skill and ability to justify a position with facts, not just hold a line

What do you know about catastrophe duty, and how would you handle being deployed to a CAT event for an extended stretch?

realistic expectations about travel demands, up to 75 percent during CAT season

What would you do if you suspected a claim involved fraud, but you didn't have solid proof yet?

knowledge of when and how to loop in the special investigation unit properly

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The full job description

As published by American Family Insurance.

Investigates and manages property claims from initial report through resolution. Responsibilities include determining liability, gathering and evaluating claim information, reviewing policy coverage, coordinating appraisals, and negotiating and settling claims. For candidates who do not have a strong claims background, we may also consider hiring at the Associate Adjuster level, an hourly position that provides an opportunity to develop foundational claims handling experience. Position Compensation Range: $57,000.00 - $94,000.00 Pay Rate Type: Salary Compensation may vary based on the job level and your geographic work location. Relocation support is offered for eligible candidates. Primary Accountabilities • Investigates origin and cause of claims by contacting the appropriate parties including insureds, claimants, agents, attorneys, contractors, experts, special investigation unit, other adjusters, public personnel, etc. • Identifies complex issues and seeks assistance as needed. Handles claims on a good faith basis. • Handles both 1st party and 3rd party claims under multiple policy types and numerous endorsements. • Conducts on-site inspections when needed, evaluates damages, and handles claim negotiations with insureds, claimants, attorneys, public adjusters. • Responds to customer inquiries, makes appropriate decisions and closes file as needed. • Interprets and determines policies, leases, by-laws, declarations, articles and contract coverages and applies to all parties for assigned losses. • Proactively provides all parties with claim process and status as appropriate; answers questions or redirects to other areas. • May be required to complete other assignments, job duties, or participate in projects based upon skills, achievements, or experience.  Specialized Knowledge & Skills Requirements • Demonstrated experience providing customer-driven solutions, support, or service. • Demonstrated experience handling 1st and 3rd party, multi-line claims across our operating territories, or other equivalent experience. • Demonstrated experience handling moderately complex claims, or other equivalent experience. • Solid knowledge and understanding of policies and endorsements related to casualty coverages, or other equivalent knowledge. • Solid knowledge and understanding of each phase of the claim handling process, or other equivalent knowledge. Licenses • Obtain state specific property casualty claims licensing as required. Travel Requirements • Up to 10%. • Catastrophe duty up to 75% as applicable. Physical Requirements • Work that primarily involves sitting/standing. Working Conditions • Not applicable. Additional Information • To ensure a strong start, all employees participate in our New Employee Orientation during their first week.  This experience is held in person at our Madison, WI Headquarters or one of our AmFam core locations to help you connect with our mission, meet key team members and build relationships that support your growth.  At times, sessions may be delivered virtually based on scheduling and availability.  • Offer to selected candidate will be made contingent on the results of applicable background checks • Offer to selected candidate is contingent on signing a non-disclosure agreement for proprietary information, trade secrets, and inventions • Sponsorship will not be considered for this position unless specified in the posting We provide benefits that support your physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing. You will have access to comprehensive medical, dental, vision and wellbeing benefits that enable you to take care of your health. We also offer a competitive 401(k) contribution, a pension plan, an annual incentive, 9 paid holidays and a paid time off program (23 days accrued annually for full-time employees). In addition, our student loan repayment program and paid-family leave are available to support our employees and their families. Interns and contingent workers are not eligible for American Family Insurance Group benefits. We are an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws pertaining to non-discrimination, non-harassment and equal opportunity. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. American Family Insurance is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please email AskHR@AmFam.com to request a reasonable accommodation. #LI-LS1

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