Catastrophe Property Claims Handling

1) Introduction of speakers

2) Differences between catastrophe and other claims

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspa) Researching storm

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspb) Data collection

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspc) Initial contact with insured

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspd) Public adjusters

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspe) Logistical challenges

3) Road closures

4) Trespassing

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspa) Entering property without permission

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspb) The necessity of collecting data without permission

5) Licensing

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspa) Emergency licensing

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspb) Jurisdictional breakdown

6) Recap

1) Shifting regulations of post catastrophe environment

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspa) Pronouncements of insurance departments, governors, FEMA

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspb) Statutory changes

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspc) Example: ACV in Connecticut

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspd) Example: Louisiana proof of loss

2) Flood lines

3) Ground water

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspa) Distinguished from flood lines

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspb) Likely points of intrusion into a structure

4) Wind-driven rain

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspa) Versus other types of damage

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspb) Proper documentation

5) Vacancy

6) Pipe freeze claims

7) Covered vs. non-covered losses

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspa) Burden of proof as to covered vs. non-covered

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspb) Majority rule: burden lies with carrier

8) Recap

1) Due diligence

2) Experts

3) Wind damage to trees

4) Method of assigning claims to experts

a) Written task assignments

b) Objective language

5) Daubert challenges

a) Methodology vs. qualifications

6) Loss scenario: wind damage vs. settling

a) Threat of litigation

7) Abnormal bad faith

a) Lack of a cognitive evaluation and review

b) Necessity of due diligence on all claims

c) Development in the courts

8) Recap

1) Loss scenario: Wind-driven rain

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspa) Use of experts

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspb) Policy language

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspc) Partial denials

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspd) Calculations

2) Loss scenario: wind damaged soffit

3) Partial denials

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspa) Documentation of worksheet

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspb) Insulate against bad faith claims

4) Flood vs. wind

5) Pipe freeze catastrophes

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspa) Loss scenario

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspb) Leak detection companies

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspc) Temporary repair issue

6) Hail catastrophes

7) Inspection practices

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspa) Get on every roof

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspb) Photo every floor and elevation

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspc) Document undamaged finishes

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspd) Note mechanical elements

8) Recap

1) Sampling

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspa) Geographically disperse areas

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspb) Necessary size of sample

2) Estoppel

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspa) Estoppel in mold mitigation scenarios

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspb) Document all communications

3) Who takes moisture readings?

4) Not-to-exceed budgets

5) Subrogation against contractor

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspa) Spread theory

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspb) Gross negligence required

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspc) Loss scenario

6) Recap

1) Shifting sands of regulatory environment

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspa) Example: New Jersey post-Sandy

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspb) New Jersey Executive Order 107

2) Safety

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspa) Tornadoes returning

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspb) Ladder safety

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspc) Electricity and Water

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspd) Structural integrity

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspe) Flood sludge

3) Prioritizing activity

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspa) Myth of multi-tasking

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspb) Activities to be handled before others

&nbsp&nbsp&nbspc) Immediate advice: short-form report

4) Audience questions

5) Recap