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Claim Handler Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

State Farm

Claims Appraiser - Auto Estimatics

Fremont, CA · On-site

$73K - $102K/yr

Providing technical support to claim handlers on vehicle repair issues * Applying knowledge of market value and other factors affecting reparability issues * Evaluating bid content and photo ...

Hiscox

Portfolio Claims Handler

Los Angeles, CA

Reviews and provides analysis of claim documentation and legal filings * Drives litigation best practices to lead defense strategy on litigated files * Shares subject-matter expertise and provides ...

State Farm

Claims Appraiser - Auto Estimatics

Fremont, CA · On-site

$78K - $102K/yr

Providing technical support to claim handlers on vehicle repair issues * Applying knowledge of market value and other factors affecting reparability issues * Evaluating bid content and photo ...

Allied Public Adjusters

Public Adjuster I

Glendale, CA

$80K - $105K/yr

The Public Adjuster I is a professional claims handler who advocates for the policyholder in appraising and negotiating a claimant's insurance claim throughout the claim process. The PA works well in ...

Panda Restaurant Group

HR LOA Administrator

Rosemead, CA · Hybrid

$72K - $101K/yr

Ensures ongoing leaves and disability claim management is within the company's service standards ... Obtaining a valid Food Handler's Card within 30 days of employment is a requirement of this ...

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All JobsClaim Handler JobsClaim Handler Jobs in California

Claim Handler information

See California salary details

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How much do claim handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for claim handler in California is $17.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a claim handler, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Claim Handler, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a foundational understanding of insurance policies, typically supported by a relevant degree or experience in insurance or finance. Familiarity with claims management software and knowledge of regulatory compliance systems are commonly required. Excellent communication, negotiation abilities, and empathy help build trust with clients and efficiently resolve claims. These skills ensure accurate claim assessments, customer satisfaction, and compliance with industry standards.

What is a claim handler?

Claim handlers, also known as claims adjusters or claims processors, are professionals who manage and assess insurance claims submitted by policyholders. Their main responsibilities include investigating the validity of claims, determining coverage, negotiating settlements, and ensuring claims are processed efficiently and fairly. They may work for insurance companies, third-party administrators, or as independent adjusters, and often communicate with clients, witnesses, and medical or repair professionals to gather the necessary information. Claim handlers play a crucial role in helping customers receive appropriate compensation while preventing fraudulent or ineligible claims.

What is the difference between Claim Handler vs Claims Adjuster?

AspectClaim HandlerClaims Adjuster
CredentialsTypically requires insurance or claims processing certificationsOften requires similar certifications, plus licensing depending on region
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, handling claims via phone or onlineField or office-based, inspecting damages and assessing claims
Employer & Industry UsageInsurance companies, third-party administratorsInsurance companies, independent adjusting firms
Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing roles in claims processingIndividuals interested in claims assessment and damage evaluation

While both Claim Handlers and Claims Adjusters work within the insurance industry and handle claims, Claim Handlers primarily process claims through administrative tasks, often remotely. Claims Adjusters typically inspect damages and assess claims in the field. The roles overlap in certifications and industry usage, but their daily responsibilities and work environments differ.

How does a claim handler typically collaborate with other departments during the claims process?

As a Claim Handler, you will frequently interact with various internal teams such as underwriting, legal, and customer service. Collaboration is key to ensuring claims are processed accurately and efficiently. You’ll often consult with underwriters to clarify policy coverage, coordinate with legal teams on complex or disputed claims, and communicate with customer service representatives to keep claimants informed. This cross-functional teamwork helps provide a seamless experience for customers and supports accurate, timely claim resolutions.

How much do claim handlers make?

Claim handlers typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and the industry. Entry-level claim handlers may start at lower salaries, while experienced professionals or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages. Compensation often includes benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.

Is claims processing a stressful job?

Claims processing is a core responsibility of claim handlers, who review and evaluate insurance claims. The job can be stressful due to tight deadlines, high workload, and the need for accuracy, but it also involves problem-solving and communication skills to manage complex cases effectively.
Claim Handler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Claim Handler job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $36,884 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Senior Claims Account Manager

Argonaut Management Services, Inc

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Company

Argo Group

Argo Group is an underwriter of specialty insurance products in the property and casualty market. Argo offers a full line of products and services designed to meet the unique coverage and claims-handling needs of businesses. The Argo entities are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Clearbrook Group Holdings Inc.


Job Description

Business Title(s): SeniorClaims Account Manager

Employment Type:Full-Time

FLSA Status:Exempt

Location:In-Office

Summary:

We are looking for a highly capableSeniorClaims Account Manager to join our teamand work from our Albany, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Omaha, or Richmond office.We work together in the office five days a week in order to strengthen our culture, build team connections, and drive profitability.This position reports into the VP of Program Claims who works from our San Antonio, TX office.This individual oversees a third-party claim administrator handling a discontinued workers' compensation program on Argo's behalf.

The successful candidate must bring deep workers' compensation claims expertise and the ability to immediately provide meaningful leadership, technical direction, and accountability to the TPA handling the workers' compensation runoff program. This includes strong command of compensability, medical management, litigation strategy, reserving, settlement evaluation, return-to-work considerations, regulatory compliance, and claims cost containment. The candidate must also understand that runoff claims management requires a different operating mindset than active business, with emphasis on disciplined reserving, targeted closure strategies, leakage control, recovery opportunities, expense management, data quality, and achieving optimal financial outcomes while maintaining appropriate claims handling standards.

This is a 100% in-office position. Candidates must be able to work on-site at a designated company office during standard business hours.

Essential Responsibilities:

  • Drive runoff outcomes through disciplined claim strategy, accurate reserving, targeted resolution planning, litigation and medical management, cost containment, recovery pursuit, and timely closure where appropriate.
  • Provide technical direction on complex workers' compensation, professional liability, and casualty claims, including compensability, coverage, liability, damages, exposure evaluation, settlement strategy, and litigation posture.
  • Monitor TPA and internal claims performance against Claims Administration Agreements, claim handling guidelines, regulatory requirements, financial objectives, and runoff management goals.
  • Lead audits, claim reviews, large loss reviews, and stewardship discussions, ensuring findings are documented and followed by specific corrective action when needed.
  • Use claims data, dashboards, audit results, and claim review findings to identify trends, leakage, stagnant files, reserve concerns, process gaps, and opportunities to improve financial outcomes.
  • Hold TPAs and internal claim handlers accountable for timely investigation, supportable reserves, effective medical and litigation management, prompt authority requests, and meaningful action plans.
  • Maintain continuity and claim handling discipline during TPA adjuster transitions, staffing changes, file transfers, or runoff program changes.
  • Support onboarding and oversight of additional runoff programs as Clearbrook acquires new companies, portfolios, or lines of business, including transition planning, TPA implementation, claim file transfer, authority protocols, reporting expectations, and governance routines.
  • Communicate regularly with actuarial, finance, legal, compliance, operations, TPAs, and senior claims leadership regarding program performance, adverse trends, reserve development, large losses, litigation activity, and runoff strategy.

Qualifications / Experience Required:

  • Strong business acumen and understanding of how runoff claims management affects carried reserves, loss development, expense management, operational risk, capital considerations, and portfolio value.
  • Deep workers' compensation technical expertise, including compensability, medical treatment, disability exposure, return-to-work, settlement valuation, Medicare considerations, litigation management, jurisdictional requirements, and claim resolution strategy and exception customer service focus typically obtained through:
    • Bachelor's Degreefrom an accredited university. At least seven years of workers' compensation claims experience required, including significant experience overseeing TPAs, complex indemnity claims, litigated matters, reserve reviews, settlement strategy, medical management, and regulatory compliance.
  • Advanced technical expertise related workers' compensation policies, claims resolution, and skills and knowledge of insurance and claims settlement principles, practices and procedures. Experience conducting claims audits TPA reviews, stewardship meetings, and performance assessments, with the ability to communicate findings and drive corrective action.
  • Strong communication, negotiation, presentation, and influencing skills, with the ability to lead through technical credibility and accountability rather than direct line management.
  • Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to use claims data, dashboards, audit results, and financial reporting to identify trends and improve outcomes.
  • Ability to partner effectively with finance, actuarial, legal, compliance, operations, IT, TPAs, brokers, and senior leadership.
  • Strong execution orientation, with the ability to create structure, drive action, and produce measurable improvements in claim handling and financial outcomes.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities across legacy programs, emerging runoff portfolios, and cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Intellectual curiosity and sound judgment, including the ability to challenge conventional claim handling when a different approach may better support runoff objectives.
  • Ability to articulate the financial value of the role's work to Clearbrook and carrier-level senior executives, including Argo leadership and leadership of other acquired or managed insurance platforms.
  • Ability to regularly exercise discretion and independent judgment with respect to matters of significance.

The base salary range provided below is for hires in those geographic areas only and will be commensurate with candidate experience. Pay ranges for candidates in other locations may differ based on the cost of labor in that location. In addition to base salary, all employees are eligible for an annual bonus based on company and individual performance as well as a generous benefits package.

  • Richmond metro area Pay Range: $137,500 - $167,000
  • Albany and Chicago metro area Pay Range: $151,000 - $181,250
  • Los Angeles and New York City metro area Pay Range: $165,000 - $198,000

About Working in Claims at Argo Group

  • Argo Group does not treat our claims or our claims professionals as a commodity. The work we offer is challenging, diverse, and impactful.
  • Our Adjusters and Managers are empowered to exercise their independent discretion and, within broad limits and authority, be creative in developing solutions and treat each case as the unique situation it is.
  • We have a very flat organizational structure, enabling our employees have more interaction with our senior management team, especially when it relates to reviewing large losses.
  • Our entire claims team works in a collaborative nature to expeditiously resolve claims. We offer a work environment that inspires innovation and is open to employee suggestions. We even offer rewards for creative and innovative ideas.
  • We believe in building an inclusive and diverse team, and we strive to make our office a welcoming space for everyone. We encourage talented people from all backgrounds to apply.

PLEASE NOTE:

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. At this time, we are not able to sponsor or assume sponsorship of employment visas.


If you have a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act or similar state or local law and you wish to discuss potential reasonable accommodations related to applying for employment with us, please contact our Benefits Department at 210-321-8400.


Benefits and Compensation

We offer a competitive compensation package, performance-based incentives, and a comprehensive benefits program-including health, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.


Core Values

At Clearbrook our Core Values are Integrity, Collaboration, Pursuit of Excellence and Forward Thinking. These values reflect who we are today and who we apsire to be - guiding how we work, how we lead and how we succeed.


Apply