EF2 Tornado Ravages Mt. Juliet, TN

Storm reports are still coming in after last nights rare breakout of January tornadoes. As of now it would appear that Tennessee has been hit the hardest, leaving Nashville heavily damaged by strong winds and Mt. Juliet ravaged by an EF2 Tornado. As of now 1 person has been killed. The gentleman who passed away was taking shelter in a shed when a large tree fell on top of the structure. His family, who lives in the house nearby, heard the tree fall around 3:30am and rushed to the mans aid. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead on the scene. Prayers go out to this family who will be coping with this loss as they clean up from the storm.

Alabama is currently getting hammered by this same storm. The storm is headed northeast, threatening these states along the way. The warm weather streak is going to end and snow is going to move in to take its place. This will make storm cleanup difficult for the folks in TN.

[caption id="attachment_472" align="alignleft" width="650"] severe storm forecast - 1/30/2013[/caption]

NJ to implement strict post-Sandy building code

Insurance companies are praising NJ governor Chris Christie for implementing strict building codes after hurricane Sandy ravaged the entire NJ coast line.  Hurricane Sandy is responsible for at least 40 deaths in New Jersey alone; and it would appear that governor Christie is bound and determined to prevent this magnitude of a loss from happening again in the future.

On Tuesday, the governor announced that the new building codes will take effect immediately for zones that are at high risk for floods.  This will require homeowners to spend several thousand dollars, from their own pockets, to bring their homes up to the new "aggressive" building code standards.  If homeowners fail to act now, they could face steep insurance premium spikes.

Source:

Bloomberg Businessweek News

How to create a personal property list

Creating a contents inventory summary (or a personal property list) for your insurance company is very simple!  When a loss occurs at your home and items that are not considered part of the structure are damaged, then that is where personal property coverage comes into play.  This includes food loss!  Yes, the food in your refrigerator can be covered!  However, it is important to know that in order for your food to be covered it needs to be due to a general power outage (caused by a covered peril).  If you are the only person on your block who has lost food due to not having any power, then this does not apply!

There are several things that need to be included in this list to maximize your claim settlement amount.  Now when I say "maximize" I don't mean "I pay my premiums and this is the first claim I have ever filed.  So I should squeeze every extra penny out of my insurance company, just because I feel entitled to more money..."  When I say "maximize" I mean showing your insurance adjuster exactly what is owed from items that have genuinely been damaged beyond repair.

When creating a list of damaged personal property items, you should try to include the following (when applicable):

• Quantity: Be sure to show the adjuster the number amount of a particular item that has been damaged.


• Pricing: Insurance adjusters love it when the policy holder can tell them exactly how much the item costs.  Be sure to submit supporting documentation (receipts, magazine ads, to your insurance company and/or insurance adjuster.


• Model Numbers/SKUS: This helps the adjuster research accurate pricing based on your item's model number. This comes in handy for electronics or appliances.


• When did you purchase the item? And how much did the item cost at that time?: This is particularly useful for older items, as depreciation will apply.  If your policy allows for recoverable cost benefits (RCBs) then you will be reimbursed for an item of like kind and quality or similar value (should the item no longer be available).


• Technician Reports:  If the damaged item is considered a "big ticket item" in other words "an expensive piece of equipment" then your insurance company may require you to obtain a detailed technician report.  Insurance adjusters are not specialists in every field.  This is why your insurance company will need a detailed report from a specialist.  In this report the specialist must list the cause of loss and how much it will cost to be replaced/repaired.  If the item was lost due to a covered peril, then your insurance company will reimburse you for any applicable technician feeds.


• Tell your adjuster where your purchased the item: This will help when researching item pricing (if you do not remember how much you bought the item for).

Your list of damaged personal property items can be hand written, however its preferred to have a formal computer printed list.  Because, well... lets face it!  Not everyone has beautiful handwriting!  You want to make sure your adjuster can read everything clearly, so it will benefit you the most if you formally prepare all of the documentation that you wish to submit to your insurance company.

Insurance premium paid to defend killer in court

Three years ago, an auto insurance claim had the whole internet in an uproar.  Which is quite uncommon, considering that most people would like nothing to do with the insurance industry.  The story comes from the family of a girl named Katie Fisher, who was killed in a car accident in Maryland.

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="190"] Katie Fisher - image from the New York Times[/caption]

Katie was determined to be at fault for running a red light.  Katie's policy allowed for up to $100,000.00 of liability coverage.  The motorist that hit her had liability coverage of only $25,000.00.  Katie's parents tried to claim for the full $100,000.00 of liability, but did not receive it.  To receive full liability coverage, the other motorist needs to be at fault.  That is where liability coverage in an automotive accident can become confusing.  Katie's parents are still fighting to prove that she was not at fault for the accident.

So why bring up an old article that had nearly all forms of social media in a blind rage?  I feel it is very important for all of us to remember that insurance is a frustrating and confusing industry.  Most people sign a contract and pay their premiums every month without knowing the full extent of their coverages.  This is why I always remind people to constantly be in touch with their insurance agents! Wither it's automobile or home insurance, it is important to know exactly what perils would cover you.  If you add-on to your home, or purchase a new vehicle; be sure to notify your insurance company ASAP so you will have the proper policy limits!  Also be sure you have proper endorsements added onto your insurance policy.  For example, most people believe all forms of water damage are covered under a standard homeowner policy.  This is a myth!  Homeowners policies will NEVER cover any flood related damages.  So be sure to do your homework and read all of the fine print.  It could leave you seeing red one day...

This information comes from an article that was written by Ron Lieber from the New York Times; and is a very good read!  If you would like to view the full New York Times article, then please click here!

 

What is an Insurance Claims Adjuster? - Insurance Adjuster Help

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TU1jhi3b_3A

Learn what an insurance claims adjuster does. An instructional guide to insurance claims adjusting. Insurance Adjuster Help is dedicated to offering free guidance and advice to individuals who are interested in entering the insurance adjusting profession. Get invaluable claims advice to gain a competitive edge in the field.

 

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5 Important Tips for New Adjusters

So you are brand spanking new to the industry.  You've received all of the training and certification you need to begin adjusting your first batch of claims.  You then get the call from your independent insurance vendor to deploy you to your first storm site and start your exciting new career as an insurance claims adjuster.  What do you do now?  Don't worry!  We've all been there before!  Here are 5 important tips for new insurance claims adjusters:

1.) Show up early!

     When you are deployed to a storm, you are usually given 48 - 72 hours to get to a specific office or building listed by your independent adjusting firm.  It is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT that you show up on time for your first meeting!  Important state adjusting guidelines and regulations will be reviewed during your orientation.  It is a strange new territory for you.  So it's easy to get lost!  Make sure you give yourself enough time to find the building, and navigate your way to the orientation room.  Its usually a good idea to arrive the day/night before your given arrival date.  Take this extra time to scope out the area so you can be sure to show up on time!

2.) Pack enough clothing and equipment to last you for a few months

     Rookies will typically only pack enough clothing to last them for a few weeks.  It is not unusual for an insurance claims adjuster to be on a storm site for several months.  Think of the future weather conditions and pack accordingly.  For example, if you get called out on a storm in late September, pack some long sleeved clothes and a warm jacket; because you might be there when it is snowing!

3.) Book a hotel room ASAP!

     After a large storm event it is not uncommon for hotel rooms to sell out faster than your daughter's concert tickets for Justin Bieber!  Homeowners, utility workers, and other insurance adjusters will be fighting you for a hotel room.  Utilize search engines to find nearby hotels.  The destination that your independent insurance firm gave you will most likely be the office that you will work from; and hand your paperwork in.  Try to find a hotel close to this location at the beginning of the storm.  Once you have a few claims under your belt and you are feeling more confident, then you can search for a hotel closer to where some of your claims will be.  If hotel rooms are all sold out, look on websites like Expedia, Priceline and Hotels.com.  Most hotels will hold back specific rooms in their facilities for these companies exclusively.  So if the hotel you want has been listed as "no vacancy", then you may be able to squeeze in with one of these 3rd party companies.

 4.) Physically introduce yourself to all of your managers!!!!!!

     This goes for your insurance carrier's management and your independent adjusting firm's management.  I CANNOT STRESS TO YOU HOW VALUABLE THIS IS FOR FUTURE RE-DEPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES!  Sorry for the CAPS...  But you need to really pay attention to this one!  Your managers are your key to get deployed again in the near future!  If your managers see your face often and know who you are, then they will think of you for future opportunities.  It doesn't matter how much experience you have, YOU MUST DO THIS IF YOU WANT TO CONTINUE WORKING ON A MORE CONSISTENT BASIS!  Make it a habit to go into the office at least every other day and talk with your managers and peers.  This is a great chance for you to learn valuable tips and tricks from experienced adjusters.  Plus it'll prevent you from feeling lonely and homesick during your deployment.  Your co-workers will usually ask the people they know to "extra-curricular activities" during time off (i.e. dinner, beers, and even casino's or other activities popular in the area).

5.) Accept constructive criticism humbly and keep your chin up!

     You are the rookie... There is no getting past that.  Frustrating homeowners and workflows are bound to throw a wrench into your diabolical master plans...  So don't be shocked if everyone and their mom wants to ride along with you for a co-adjust during the duration of your first storm.  Regardless of how much experience you think you have, it is inevitable...  It may seem annoying to some of you, or it may be a God send for some of you who are eager for a security blanket.  Just nod your head and say "Yes sir/ma'am".  Some of the tips and corrections that will be given to you may seem stupid and pointless; however it is important to make a mental attempt to perform these tips/corrections throughout the storm.  The people who co-adjust with you will actively look through your files to see if you are making an attempt to "do what they say".

Storm season starts in less than a month and a half!  Where does the time go?!  So make sure your bags are packed and that you have purchased all of the equipment that you will need!  Give your vehicle a fresh oil change before you head out.  Your vehicle is about to take a lot of miles and abuse, so show it some love!  Good luck to all of you and keep in touch!  Let me know if you have any questions or concerns throughout your deployment. :)

Devin

Winter Storm Gandolf

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While it isn't spelled like Mr. Tolkien's "Gandalf" we'll just roll with it.  If you are working insurance claims in the northern plains, prepare to have a wrench thrown into your operations for awhile!

[caption id="attachment_370" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Gandalf prevents insurance adjusters from "passing"[/caption]

An estimated 46.8 inches of snow fell in the mountains of Idaho!  From Utah to Nebraska and then to Lake Superior, that is one big AOE!  While most of the east coast is enjoying spring like weather, it won't be long lived.  Temperatures are set to head back down to freezing on the right coast... "One does not simply.... have a warm winter."

Popular Asus Laptops with a Great Price Tag! - Ideal for Insurance Claims Adjusters

With the rise in popularity of tablets such as the ipad and Samsung Galaxy, laptop and notebook computer prices are becoming more affordable every day!  Amazon.com is currently running a sale on a few popular models of the ASUS S56CA-WH31 15.6-Inch Ultrabook and the ASUS A55A-AH31-BU 15.6-Inch LED Laptop.  These computer models support Windows 8 and meet all of the technical specifications to run current generation insurance claims adjusting software.

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ASUS S56CA-WH31 15.6-Inch Ultrabook

 

Product Features

• Intel Core i3-3217U 1.8 GHz


• 4 GB DDR3


• 500 GB 5400 rpm Hard Drive, 24 GB Solid-State Drive


• 15.6-Inch Screen, Intel GMA HD


• Windows 8

Prices for the ASUS S56CA-WH31 15.6-Inch Ultrabook are currently listed at $549.99.  A higher-end version of the ASUS S56CA include the technical specifications of: Intel Core i5 3317U 1.7 GHz, 6 GB DDR3, 750 GB 5400 rpm Hard Drive, 24 GB Solid-State Drive, 15.6-Inch Screen, Intel GMA HD and also include Windows 8.  You may also purchase this upgraded ultrabook (ASUS S56CA-DH51 15.6-Inch Laptop) at Amazon.

 

ASUS A55A-AH31-BU 15.6-Inch LED Laptop

 

Product Features

• Intel Core i3-3110M 2.4 GHz


• 4 GB DDR3


• 750 GB 5400 rpm Hard Drive


• 15.6-Inch Screen


• Windows 8

The ASUS A55A-AH31-BU 15.6-Inch LED Laptop is very easy on the eyes and also comes in the colors of: Black, Blue, Pink, Red and White.  Prices for the ASUS A55A-AH31-BU 15.6-Inch LED Laptop is easy on your wallet, starting at $524.09 and can be purchased directly through Amazon.com today.

The NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) is officially out of money!

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With everyone raving over the fiscal cliff, money has become an extremely hot topic lately.  Everyone in the country seems to be concerned with what the government is doing with their hard earned tax money.  On Friday, congress accepted legislation to increase the borrowing limit to pay for NFIP flood claims from Hurricane Sandy.  This legislation will add $9.7 billion dollars to the nations debt, so the NFIP can continue to pay out claims.  The NFIP has already reached its borrowing cap of $21 billion dollars!  So where will this additional $9.7 billion dollars come from?  It certainly won't come from any federal spending cuts.  The answer is in your wallet... Your taxes are going to pay for the flood program to settle the NFIP's own insurance claims.  This will be a small part of many tax increases that are set to begin in 2013.  The senate passed the measure without any opposition 354 - 67.  The 67 votes to oppose the legislation all came from Republicans, including former vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan.

There are still 100,000 claims awaiting action.  In fact, the House is predicted to approve an additional $51 million in Hurricane Sandy relief on January 15th; which raises the question "When will the spending end?"  It has become clear that the government does not plan on cutting any expenses on their end (i.e. government higher-ups salaries and funding foreign programs).  Which means our debt ceiling only has one place to go, and that is up!  How high will our debt ceiling go before we cannot pull ourselves out of a national crisis?  Or has that time come and gone already?

Sources

The Wall Street Journal

Staten Island NY Local News, Sports & Weather

Product Review of the Bosch DLR130K Digital Distance Measurer Kit

As an insurance claims adjuster, I am often asked "How do you adjust 5 or more claims per day, while producing quality inspections?"  Besides general work experience, I will attribute part of my speed to the Bosch DLR130K Digital Distance laser measuring device.  This niftly little device will save me up to 30 minutes or more, per interior inspection!  Time is money to an insurance claims adjuster; and the Bosch DLR130K allows me to focus on more important elements of the damage assessment process.  This was the first piece of equipment I purchased as an adjuster; and it was the best investment I have ever made!  It also doubles as a fancy laser pointer to torture my dog and cat when I am at home. ;)



The Bosch DLR130K is easy to use.  All you have to do is point and click, and the unit will display the distance (or how far away) an object is.  It is accurate to within a sixteenth of an inch!  This is very useful to me when I am measuring eave heights, fence lengths, elevations, cabinets, interior rooms and ceiling heights.  The Bosch DLR130K Digital Distance Measurer can be displayed in inches/feet, decimals and metrics.  It will also measure areas and volumes.  The Bosch DLR130K is very durable.  I use mine every day and it has been abused!  I've dropped it countless times onto the concrete and even off of roof tops and it still works perfectly!

The Bosch DLR130K laser measurer is also very reasonably priced!  The Bosch DLR130K Digital Distance Measurer is currently listed on Amazon.com for only $89.99 new.  I would strongly recommend this item if you are an insurance claims adjuster, general contractor, carpenter or if you are just a handy person who enjoys fixer-uppers!  For more insurance claims adjuster related items, please visit the Insurance Adjusting Equipment page and the "What equipment will I need when adjusting insurance claims?" page.

Insurance Claims Adjuster Jobs

Here is a current listing of insurance claims adjuster jobs (auto, health, liability, subrogation, worker's compensation and property) throughout the United States:

• Insurance Claims Adjuster / IACP Certified Auto Appraisers / Expert Witness (auto) - Houston, Texas


• 
  

  Auto PD / BI Insurance Claims Adjuster (auto) - Sacramento, California

  
  


• Health Insurance Claims Adjuster Needed (health) - Westlake, Ohio


• Insurance Claims Adjuster (property adjuster) - Pennsylvania and New Jersey

• Insurance Adjuster (property adjuster) - Fort Wayne, Indiana


• Insurance Claims Adjuster (liability and property) - Bloomfield, New Jersey


• Insurance Claims Adjuster (property) - Chicago, Illinois


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  Entry Level Auto Insurance Claims Adjuster Trainee (auto) - Addison, Texas

  
  


• Insurance Claims Adjuster - Richmond, Virginia


• Auto Insurance Claims Adjuster (auto) - Mesa, Arizona


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  Resident Material Damage Claims Adjuster (auto and property) - Lawton, Oklahoma

  
  


• Allstate - Total Loss Claims Adjuster (auto) - Roseville, California


• Geico - Auto Damage Adjuster Intern Job (auto) - Albany, New York


• Casualty Adjuster Trainee Job - Phoenix, Arizona


• Claims Adjuster - Lincoln, Nebraska


• Senior General Liability Adjuster Job - Seattle, Washington


• Senior Commercial Liability Adjuster - Chicago, Illinois


• Commercial General Liability Adjuster - Oakland, California


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  Workers' Compensation Claims Adjuster, Level I - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

  
  


• Claims Adjuster Licensed - Dallas, Texas


• Claims Adjuster Trainee - Saint Louis, Missouri


• Geico - Field Auto Damage Adjuster / Appraiser - Trainee (auto) - San Jose, California


• Claims Adjuster - Charles City, Iowa


• Progressive - Claims Adjuster Trainee Job - Phoenix, Arizona


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  Field Claim Adjuster - Equipment Breakdown Claims - Los Angeles, California

  
  


• Subrogation Claims Adjuster - Lynnwood, Washington


• Claims Field Adjuster (property) - Denver, Colorado


• Claims Field Adjuster Job - Saint Louis, Missouri