If you’re passionate about helping people protect what matters most to them at a Fortune 100 company with nearly $70 billion in annual sales, as well as innovating and simplifying processes and operations to provide the best customer value, then Nationwide’s Property and Casualty team could be the place for you! At Nationwide®, “on your side” goes beyond just words. Our customers and partners are at the center of everything we do and we’re looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care.
Who We’re Looking For
We’re seeking early‑career talent who are eager to learn, grow, and build a long‑term career in Claims. We welcome candidates who have graduated since Spring 2024 (or who expect to graduate by Spring 2026).
Location Requirement
This role requires working on‑site in Des Moines, IA for approximately 1–2 years to support onboarding, training, and collaboration. After that period, flexibility may be available depending on business needs and performance. This position follows a hybrid schedule (at least three days per week in the office).
About these Roles
We have two positions available to fill:
NWAG Commercial Property Material Damage Team - This role is responsible for handling repairable material damage auto claims. In this role, you’ll learn how to write vehicle estimates, manage loss‑of‑use and rental, and support customers throughout the repair process. You’ll gain experience investigating, evaluating, and resolving a variety of material damage auto claims including repairable losses, total losses, and direct repair network claims. As you progress, you’ll build the skills needed to make accurate coverage decisions, prepare damage estimates, communicate clearly, and deliver the high‑quality service our customers rely on.
NWAG Commercial Property Team - This role is responsible for handling small to middle‑market farm property claims, including reviewing policy coverage, evaluating damages using current market information, and preparing estimates with industry‑standard tools such as Xactimate. You’ll communicate coverage decisions, estimates, and evaluations clearly to insureds, agents, and other stakeholders. Deliver exceptional customer service to farm customers and contribute to a collaborative, high‑performing environment. Participation in catastrophe duty may be required during major weather events or periods of increased claim volume.
Why This Role Is Great for Recent Graduates
This position is part of our long‑term strategy to grow the next generation of Claims talent. You’ll receive structured training, hands‑on experience, and support from leaders invested in your development. No prior experience needed—just curiosity, critical thinking, and a desire to help customers.
What You’ll Gain
A clear career path with guided learning
Skills in communication, investigation, negotiation, and decision‑making
Real‑world business exposure and cross‑functional collaboration
Mentorship from leaders and peers
A strong foundation for future specialist or leadership opportunities
Who Will Be Successful in This Role
Recent graduates with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Agricultural Studies, or other related fields
Experience with Agriculture and/or Farm is strongly preferred
Individuals who enjoy solving problems, connecting with people, and helping others
Self‑starters who are eager to learn and open to feedback
Candidates who value a supportive team culture and want to build a long-term career
Job Description Summary
Do you have a strong desire to resolve complicated insurance claims by providing prompt, courteous and fair service to customers? Are you a skilled investigator, negotiator and communicator? If you thrive in an environment where you can problem-solve claims resolution, while following processes that provide fair resolution, customer satisfaction and cost management, then we want to hear from you!
As a Commercial Property Claims Specialist, you will investigate, evaluate, negotiate and resolve commercial property damage claims of low severity and complexity. We’ll count on you to promote and provide exemplary customer service in person and on the telephone when handling claims. In addition, you will be responsible for the handling of claims in accordance with prescribed authorizations.
Job Description
Key Responsibilities:
Responsible for all assigned claims, operating under moderate direction and oversight. Makes decisions within delegated authority as outlined in company policies and procedures. Adheres to high standards of professional conduct consistent with the delivery of superior service.
Determines proper policy coverages and applies where necessary. Applies best claims practices to conclude, investigate, evaluate and negotiate assigned material/physical damage claims cases per company guidelines.
Opens, closes and adjusts reserves in accordance with company practices designed to ensure reserve adequacy. Recommends Special Reserves where necessary, according to Corporate Reserving Guidelines. Adheres to file conferencing notification and authority procedures.
Maintains and develops current knowledge of: assigned insurance lines; court decisions which may impact the claims function; current guidelines in the claims function; and policy changes and modifications. This may require attendance at various seminars or training sessions.
Submits severe incident reports, reinsurance reports and other information to claims management as needed.
Partners with Special Investigative Unit (SIU) and Subrogation to identify fraud and subrogation opportunities
Assists or prepares files for suit, trial, or subrogation.
Initiates and conducts follow-ups via proficient use of claims systems and related business systems
Delivers positive and outstanding customer service experience to all internal, external, current and prospective Nationwide customers.
Adheres to high standards of professional conduct while providing delivery of superior claims service.
May perform other responsibilities as assigned.
Reporting Relationships: Reports to Commercial Claims Manager. Direct and indirect reports not typically assigned.
Typical Skills and Experiences:
Education: Undergraduate studies in business administration or related field preferred and/or relevant experience.
License/Certification/Designation: State licensing where required. Successful completion of required/applicable claims certification training/classes.
Experience: One to three years related experience in property claims or equivalent. Prefer exposure to commercial claims.
Knowledge, Abilities and Skills: Demonstrated knowledge of best claims practices to resolve claims of low severity and complexity. General knowledge of insurance theory and practices, insurance contracts and their application, and property damage estimating. Ability to operate various claims systems and related software. Proven ability to meet customer needs and provide exemplary service by informing customers of the claims process and ensuring a positive customer experience. Analytical skills necessary to make decisions and resolve conflicts in such areas as application of coverages to submitted claims, application of laws of jurisdiction to investigation facts, application of policy exclusions and exceptions. Ability to successfully negotiate commercial claims of low severity and complexity. Command of written and verbal communication skills for contact and/or negotiations. Organizational skills to effectively establish work priorities in accordance with best claims practices. Ability to operate personal computer and related software.
Other criteria, including leadership skills, competencies and experiences may take precedence.
Staffing exceptions to the above must be approved by the business unit executive and HR Business Partner.
Values: Regularly and consistently demonstrates the Nationwide Values.
Job Conditions:
Overtime Eligibility: Exempt (Not Eligible)
Working Conditions: Inside or field claims environment. May require ability to sit and use telephone and personal computer for extended periods of time. Representatives may be required to operate an automobile and have a valid driver's license with a safe driving record. Must be able to make physical inspections of accident scenes and property loss sites. Must be able to climb ladders, balance at various heights, stoop, bend and/or crawl to inspect vehicles and structures. Must be able to work outside in all types of weather. Must be willing to work irregular hours and to travel with possible overnight requirements. May be on-call. Must be available to work catastrophes (CAT) requiring travel to CAT sites with multiple on-site responsibilities and/or for extended periods of time. Extended and/or non-standard hours as required.
ADA: The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some people assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties.
Credit/Background Check: Due to the fiduciary accountabilities within this job, a valid credit check and/or background check will be required as part of the selection process.
Benefits
We have an array of benefits to fit your needs, including: medical/dental/vision, life insurance, short and long term disability coverage, paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days paid time off each full calendar year pro-rated quarterly based on hire date, nine paid holidays, 8 hours of Lifetime paid time off, 8 hours of Unity Day paid time off, 401(k) with company match, company-paid pension plan, business casual attire, and more. To learn more about the benefits we offer, click here.
Nationwide is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels challenged, appreciated, respected and engaged. Nationwide prohibits discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any characteristic (or classification) protected by applicable law.
Smoke-Free Iowa Statement: Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, its affiliates and subsidiaries comply with the Iowa Smokefree Air Act. Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed areas on or around company premises as well as company issued vehicles. The company offers designated smoking areas in which smoking is permitted at each individual location. The Act prohibits retaliation for reporting complaints or violations. For more information on the Iowa Smokefree Air Act, individuals may contact the Smokefree Air Act Helpline at 888-944-2247.
NOTE TO EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES:
We value the partnerships we have built with our preferred vendors. Nationwide does not accept unsolicited resumes from employment agencies. All resumes submitted by employment agencies directly to any Nationwide employee or hiring manager in any form without a signed Nationwide Client Services Agreement on file and search engagement for that position will be deemed unsolicited in nature. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is subsequently hired as a result of the referral or through other means.
Nationwide pays on a geographic-specific salary structure and placement within the actual starting salary range for this position will be determined by a number of factors including the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; the scope, complexity and location of the role as well as the cost of labor in the market; and other conditions of employment. If a Sales job, Sales Incentives, based on performance goals are possible in addition to this range. Note on Compensation for Part-Time Roles: Please be aware that the salary ranges listed below reflect full-time compensation. Actual compensation may be prorated based on the number of hours worked relative to a full-time schedule.The national salary range for Claims Specialist I, Commercial Property : $55,700.00-$103,500.00The expected starting salary range for Claims Specialist I, Commercial Property : $55,700.00 - $83,500.00
