From middle market to Fortune 500 companies, Berkley Custom’s team is committed to providing excellent service and a consistent approach to meet the needs of their brokers and their customers, bringing specific expertise in excess casualty as well as a variety of targeted primary and excess programs.  

They seek to outperform competitors with focus and deep understanding of their client’s priorities and by developing creative risk solutions to meet their long-term needs. Their key differentiators include the following:

EXCLUSIVE PARTNERSHIPS – Berkley Custom works exclusively the wholesale brokerage community as well as their program partners, and continually builds upon long established relationships with a passion for superior service for their appointed producers.

INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS – Berkley Custom attracts and retains professionals with significant experience in their field, many with over 25 years in the business. Their culture values and promotes deep industry knowledge, integrity, excellence, and respect.

LONG-TERM APPROACH TO ACCOUNTS – Berkley Custom continually seeks partners for the long term who share their values and risk management discipline.

Long-term relationships have been their management’s trademark in over 30 years of serving customers in the E&S and Program marketplace. Their team is dedicated to serving the varied casualty exposure needs of their brokers and their customers. By truly understanding risk exposures in a constantly changing global environment, they can better work with you to keep risk placement recommendations current and responsive.

The company is an equal opportunity employer.

The AVP, Claims is responsible for identifying and monitoring complex auto and GL casualty claims by participating in handling, reserving and resolution discussions.  S/he keeps the Vice President of Claims informed of significant developments and defensive strategies, reserving recommendations and attorney assignments on severe or complex claims arising under auto and GL and specialty policies.  Key functions include but are not limited to:

• Proactively manages claim files from inception to closure, including identification and
• investigation of coverage, liability and damage issues, determination and efficient execution of an appropriate plan of action, and prompt, economical file resolution, in compliance with Department guidelines and best practices.
• Establishes appropriate initial loss and expense reserves and continue to regularly evaluate the file for adequacy, accuracy and adherence to reserving guidelines.
• Analyzes and interprets policy language in conjunction with specific loss facts to reach appropriate coverage decisions. Manages coverage counsel on complex coverage decisions.
• Drafts frequent and complex coverage correspondence, including reservation of rights and
• coverage disclaimers in compliance with various state statutes and regulations.
• Composes a variety of other detailed correspondence to insureds, claimants, attorneys, agents and Regulatory agencies.
• Manages third party administrator adjusters and providing home office guidance and oversight.
• Appropriately and clearly documents claim file activity, including current strategy, plan of action and exit plan in file notes.
• Masters of coverage analysis, investigation, evaluation and negotiation skills.
• Directs and controls the activities and costs of numerous outside vendors including TPA adjusters, defense counsel and coverage counsel.
• Effectively presents and discusses loss facts and issues in roundtable discussions to peers and members of management. Composes and transmits detailed Large Loss Report documents.

• Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university with emphasis in Business, Insurance or related degree; J.D. preferred.
• Ten years of progressively responsible experience in claims and casualty insurance managing complex casualty and litigation claims; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Licensed adjuster in necessary jurisdictions.
• Advanced knowledge of claims operating practices, and claims litigation laws and regulations
• Organize and manage multiple priorities
• Strong Analytical skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Possess strong customer orientation
• Ability to travel as needed and work outside normal work schedule to fulfill responsibilities
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook