Guest Blog by Dr Michael Birzon, UCF Insurance Department “Tall Tails from Texas” Warning about FL Adjusters false belief TX Licenses waives FL License Exam for Residents

I had no idea when I posted the blog on the adjuster license problems in our last blog here:

http://dimechimes.wordpress.com/2009/03/06/organization-chart-for-the-claims-handling-blame-game-a-humorous-grap-of-where-all-participants-stand-in-this-game-on-claims/

Then Dr Birzon, our regular mentor on Fl licensing issues for ClaimSmentor told me he had also written an article on his warning we told you about in the last blog.  The link above has a link to his bio and insurance website at UCF for FL licensing online.

I knew the problem was very bad, just from what I was receiving on licensing information on adjuster resumes we regularly receive, but his story in the below Ezine article about 60 Allstate Adjusters is even beyond my worst nightmare on how bad the issue was! You can read his entire article on”" Tall Tails from Texas below:

—–Inline Attachment Follows—–

http://ezinearticles.com/?Florida-Adjuster-License—Be-Careful-of-Tall-Stories-From-Texas&id=1950585

Google Birzon Ezine and you should pull up other articles of interest…thanks!

Dr. Michael Birzon
Florida Insurance University/UCF
(407) 927-1235
(407) 386-6454 FAX

***************

I am hoping that adjusting firms and adjusters will pass the link to this blog or copy and paste his article link and pass it on to adjusting firms you work with to post the warning on their website. To forward this link- just click on the blog title and it will give you just this blog article you can forward.

We thank everyone for passing this important warning on folks wanting to get licensed to handle claims. Adjusting firms should insist on seeing the license information online for the state where you assigning adjusters as we are seeing

FL Emergency Adjuster Regulations for Tropical Storm Fay

 

Independent adjusters working Tropical Storm Fay claims will need a FL Emergency Adjuster license per the following directive by the FL Department of Insurance if you do not have a resident or non resident FL license:

http://www.myfloridacfo.com/agents/Emer-Rules/Emer_Adj_Instruct.htm

Hurricane Dolly Makes Landfall in Texas-Checking Availability for Rosters

 

We are receiving numerous inquiries and stand by requests from adjusting firms as I am sure most independent adjusters individually are receiving. We will be contacting adjusters as we receive more definite information on deployment opportunities. If you have not already submitted a resume and would like consideration for any staffing requests received, please view our Opportunities link for a detailed list of information we need contained in your resume for immediate consideration (preference to those with TX resident or non resident license). We have a heavy request list for large loss commerical adjusters and for billingual adjusters as well.

This is the latest NOAA report stating Hurricane Dolly now has sustained winds of 100 mph and currently a category 2 hurricane:

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/MIATCPAT4+shtml/231457.shtml

WTNT34 KNHC 231457
TCPAT4
BULLETIN
HURRICANE DOLLY ADVISORY NUMBER  13
NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL   AL042008
1000 AM CDT WED JUL 23 2008

…DOLLY VERY NEAR THE TEXAS COAST WITH 100 MPH WINDS…EYE SHOULD
CROSS THE COAST IN A FEW HOURS…

A HURRICANE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE COAST OF TEXAS FROM
BROWNSVILLE TO CORPUS CHRISTI…AND FOR THE NORTHEASTERN COAST OF
MEXICO FROM RIO SAN FERNANDO NORTHWARD TO THE BORDER BETWEEN MEXICO
AND THE UNITED STATES.  PREPARATIONS TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY
SHOULD BE RUSHED TO COMPLETION.

AT 10 AM CDT…1500 UTC…THE TROPICAL STORM WARNING NORTH OF PORT
O’CONNOR HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED.  A TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN
EFFECT FROM NORTH OF CORPUS CHRISTI TO PORT O’CONNOR.

A TROPICAL STORM WARNING AND A HURRICANE WATCH ARE IN EFFECT FROM LA
PESCA TO SOUTH OF RIO SAN FERNANDO.

FOR STORM INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO YOUR AREA…INCLUDING POSSIBLE
INLAND WATCHES AND WARNINGS…PLEASE MONITOR PRODUCTS ISSUED
BY YOUR LOCAL WEATHER OFFICE.

AT 1000 AM CDT…1500Z…THE CENTER OF HURRICANE DOLLY WAS LOCATED
BY RADAR AND A RECONNAISSANCE PLANE NEAR LATITUDE 26.0 NORTH…
LONGITUDE 97.0 WEST OR ABOUT 30 MILES…50 KM… EAST-NORTHEAST OF
BROWNSVILLE TEXAS.

DOLLY IS MOVING TOWARD THE NORTHWEST NEAR 7 MPH…11 KM/HR.
A WEST-NORTHWESTWARD MOTION WITH A SLIGHT DECREASE IN FORWARD SPEED
IS EXPECTED LATER TODAY.  ON THE FORECAST TRACK…THE EYE OF
HURRICANE DOLLY WILL BE CROSSING THE COAST NEAR THE TEXAS/MEXICO
BORDER IN A FEW HOURS. PERSONS ARE ADVISED NOT TO VENTURE OUTDOORS
DURING THE RELATIVE CALM OF THE EYE BECAUSE WINDS WILL SOON
INCREASE QUITE RAPIDLY.

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS HAVE INCREASED TO NEAR 100 MPH…160
KM/HR…WITH HIGHER GUSTS.  DOLLY IS A CATEGORY TWO HURRICANE ON
THE SAFFIR-SIMPSON SCALE. STRONGER WINDS…ESPECIALLY IN
GUSTS…ARE LIKELY ON HIGH RISE BUILDINGS. SOME ADDITIONAL
STRENGTHENING IS POSSIBLE BEFORE LANDFALL.

HURRICANE FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 25 MILES…35 KM…FROM
THE CENTER…AND TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 140
MILES…220 KM. PORT ISABEL AIRPORT JUST MEASURED 54 MPH…87 KM/HR
SUSTAINED WINDS WITH GUSTS TO 70 MPH…113 KM/HR. AN UNOFFICIAL
OBSERVER JUST EAST OF MATAMOROS MEXICO REPORTED SUSTAINED WINDS OF
65 MPH…105 KM/HR WITH GUSTS TO 119 MPH…192 KM/HR.  

MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE REPORTED BY AN AIR FORCE RECONNAISSANCE
PLANE WAS IS 964 MB…28.47 INCHES.

DOLLY IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE TOTAL RAINFALL ACCUMULATIONS OF 6 TO 10
INCHES…WITH ISOLATED AMOUNTS OF 15 INCHES…OVER PORTIONS OF SOUTH
TEXAS AND NORTHEASTERN MEXICO OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS.  THESE RAINS
WILL LIKELY CAUSE WIDESPREAD FLOODING ACROSS PORTIONS OF SOUTH
TEXAS AND NORTHEAST MEXICO.

COASTAL STORM SURGE FLOODING OF 6 TO 8 FEET ABOVE NORMAL TIDE
LEVELS…ALONG WITH LARGE AND DANGEROUS BATTERING WAVES…CAN BE
EXPECTED NEAR AND TO THE NORTH OF WHERE THE CENTER MAKES LANDFALL.

ISOLATED TORNADOES ARE POSSIBLE OVER PORTIONS OF SOUTH TEXAS TODAY
AND TONIGHT.

REPEATING THE 1000 AM CDT POSITION…26.0 N…97.0 W.  MOVEMENT
TOWARD…NORTHWEST NEAR 7 MPH.  MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…100 MPH.
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE…964 MB.

INTERMEDIATE ADVISORIES WILL BE ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL HURRICANE
CENTER AT 1200 PM CDT AND 200 PM CDT FOLLOWED BY THE NEXT COMPLETE
ADVISORY AT 400 PM CDT.

$$
FORECASTER AVILA

Here is some pertinent information and links you will find useful should you be considering deployment opportunities for  Hurricane Dolly and emergency preparedness information coming out in the news:

Texas Department of Insurance Adjuster License Information:

http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/licensing/agent/index.html

Texas Department of Insurance Emergency Adjuster License information (for those who do not carry the Resident or Non Resident adjusters license):

http://tlo2.tlc.state.tx.us/statutes/docs/IN/content/htm/in.013.00.004101.00.htm#4101.101.00

http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/licensing/agent/revagtemeradj.html

Note that an adjuster must apply within 5 days of beginning work and the emergency adjuster license is only valid for 90 days unless that time is extended by the state.

Be sure to read this special memo to catastrophe adjusters and emergency adjusters in Texas for current information as well:

http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/licensing/agent/agemeradj.html

Here is the link for the emergency adjuster form and other TX license forms:

http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/webinfo/08qforms.html

It should be noted that the firms we have staffed for have all been requiring either a resident or non resident license versus allowing adjusters to operate on emergency licenses on all storms we have helped staff for this year so I have no doubt the same will apply to those we help deploy to Hurricane Dolly assignments since it is not a major catastrophe although the winds as of 10am have now increased to 100 mph.

Here is an interesting story from July 2008 on TX cracking down on unlicensed contractors you should also view:

http://www.khou.com/news/local/stories/khou080710_tnt_contractors.40e37006.html

This next link is also an interesting June 2008 news article on what financial impact is expected should a major storm hit the TX Coast and information on carriers there as well as impact on the TX Windpool:

http://polfeeds.com/item/Texas-Wind-Pool-Update

Also, in the event you need information to verify a  TX Public Adjuster license information, here are the links on the requirements of Public Adjusters in Texas:

http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/licensing/agent/agpubadj2.html

http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/licensing/agent/revaglityppia.html

http://tlo2.tlc.state.tx.us/statutes/docs/IN/content/htm/in.013.00.004102.00.htm#4102.105.00

Texas Windpool Adjuster News Links:

http://www.twia.org/news.html#adjuster_news

Texas Windpool new policy limits and rates info effective 2/2008:

http://www.twia.org/pdf/uw_bulletins/limits_revise_bulletin_Nov2007.pdf

Info from Tx Windpool on changes to Loss of Rents January 2008:

http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/alert/event/2008/documents/P-0907-13.pdf

The above link explains the proposed changes to Loss of Rents in Tx on secondary wind policies and below you will find the link to the hearing info on 1/29/08:

http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/alert/event/2008/event20087.html

Link to Texas Windpool Forms and Endorsements:

http://www.twia.org/downloads.html

Here is a link to the Top 40 Homeowner Insurance Companies by market percentage for the State of Texas:

http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/company/top40.html

 

 

If you are a newer adjuster and missed many prior blog entries on standby, independent contracts, temporary housing links to find housing for your assignment, you will want to review these prior blog entries providing you still current information:

1) What shots does CDC recommend for disaster workers (be sure to check this out if you are working flood claims):

http://dimechimes.wordpress.com/2008/06/16/what-shots-does-cdc-recommend-for-disaster-workers-watch-for-more-flood-adjuster-training-info-this-week/

2) Ladder Safety Concerns:

http://dimechimes.wordpress.com/2008/06/18/ladder-safety-concerns-for-adjusters-safety-equipment-suggestions/

3) Claim Adjuster and Agency Relationships- Part I and II:

http://dimechimes.wordpress.com/2007/08/08/agents-can-make-you-or-break-you-the-often-overlooked-piece-of-the-claim-service-puzzle/

http://dimechimes.wordpress.com/2008/06/12/claim-adjuster-and-agent-relationships-part-ii/

4) Standby Calls for Adjusters Part I and II:

http://dimechimes.wordpress.com/2007/09/10/the-big-c-commitment-problems-with-independent-adjuster-relationships-advice-by-guest-blogger-rocke-baker/

http://dimechimes.wordpress.com/2007/09/12/commitment-part-2-standby-calls-what-should-i-do-how-are-cat-codes-determined/

5) Here is the prior blog on working claims in Mexico with links to information you need to know to work claims there:

http://dimechimes.wordpress.com/2007/08/20/hurricane-dean-info-on-adjusting-firms-working-in-mexico-misc-adjuster-needs-in-mexico/

6) Crisis Intervention while working Catastrophe Claims:

http://dimechimes.wordpress.com/2007/08/16/crisis-intervention-while-catastrophe-adjusting-by-guest-blogger-steve-ebner/

7) Temporary Housing and RV Park Information for Adjusters and Insured ALE needs:

http://dimechimes.wordpress.com/2007/08/15/temporary-housing-links-for-adjusters-temporary-housing-optionsadditional-living-expense-training/

8 ) Understanding Independent Adjusting Firm Contracts:

http://dimechimes.wordpress.com/2007/08/12/splish-splash-dont-go-takin-a-bath-understanding-independent-firm-contracts/

9) Understanding Adjuster Fee Schedules:

http://dimechimes.wordpress.com/2007/08/14/adjuster-fees-in-the-news-the-time-is-now-to-educate-the-insurance-media-and-press/

10 ) Disaster Communications- Throw Away Cellphones You Say?

http://dimechimes.wordpress.com/2007/08/06/disaster-communication-issues-and-throw-away-phones-you-say/

11) Time Management Skills- Starting a Storm:

http://dimechimes.wordpress.com/2007/07/29/time-management-skills-how-to-start-a-storm-by-lenz-with-mariposaltd-claims/

12) Catastrophe Adjuster Resumes Do Differ:

http://dimechimes.wordpress.com/2007/07/26/catastrophe-adjuster-resumes-the-requirements-to-get-noticed-do-differ/

13) How much income can I make as an adjuster?

http://dimechimes.wordpress.com/2007/07/26/most-commonly-asked-question-is-how-much-income-can-i-make-as-an-adjuster/

14) Carrier Certification Requirements (you may not be able to deploy with them for some major carriers):

http://dimechimes.wordpress.com/2008/05/01/insurance-carrier-claim-certifications-where-do-you-test-for-them-much-improvement-needed-in-the-process-of-certifying-independent-adjusters/

Note, should you be looking for TX based independent adjusting firms for additional deployment opportunities here are several links which may be of use to you:

National Association of Independent Adjusters (you can search companies by state. This is an excellent link as NAIIA has experience and reputation requirements for member firms which should provide a safety net to adjusters looking for reputable adjusting firms):

http://www.naiia.com/
   * See search tool to search state of TX in top left of home page

National Association of Catastrophe Adjusters:

http://www.nacatadj.com/Members08/MDList/Business.aspx

Catadjuster.org Employer listing search by state:

http://www.catadjuster.org/Directory/tabid/64/agentType/ViewType/PropertyTypeID/37/Default.aspx

Catadjuster.org Vendor Ratings (Also be sure to enter Vendor Feedback in search tool to check some available information on Independent firm reputations with adjusters:

http://www.catadjuster.org/Channels/EmployerRatings.aspx

Catadjuster.org Vendor Feedback Forum Archive Information:

http://www.catadjuster.org/Forums/tabid/60/forumid/40/postid/1915/view/topic/Default.aspx

We wish all adjusters reporting very safe travels! We will be contacting those on our rosters as our needs are definite.

Update 1pm CST:

Links to current damage reports at South Padre Island:

http://www.spislandbreeze.com/news.php

Counties involved in Hurricane Dolly landfall area:

Cameron County: Population in 2005- 374,000 plus- see Census reports and links to local hotels,etc:

http://www.epodunk.com/cgi-bin/popInfo.php?locIndex=22606

Links to other Cameron County info such as motels and airports:

http://www.epodunk.com/cgi-bin/genInfo.php?locIndex=22606#Cens

Road closure information for Cameron County to check for Road Conditions:

http://apps.dot.state.tx.us/travel/road_conditions2.htm

Willacy County poplulation- approximately 20,000 and other census info:

http://www.city-data.com/county/Willacy_County-TX.html

Willacy County Road closure information:

http://apps.dot.state.tx.us/travel/road_conditions2.htm

This news report states many more in the path of the storm and discusses some of the current damages witnessed:

http://www.sanluisobispo.com/topnews/story/419810.html

Tx Emergency Management Situation reports (latest about 1pm):

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/sitrepindex.htm

5.4 Earthquake hits Illinois and surrounding states 4/18/08- Watch here for staffing requests to follow

Fox News is reporting a 5.4 earthquake in Illinois- the strongest they say to hit the area in 40 years. Later reports are now saying 5.2 centered in eastern Illinois. They say it was felt in IL, IN. MO, KY, TN and others. Below you will find some of the initial reports. They are showing photos of brick damage to buildings in Louisville, KY now. Here are some of the initial reports. We’ll update this blog entry with more news and emergency adjuster licensing information in the states involved as the day progresses. We will also update this blog with all new staffing requests received as a result of this EQ as the week progresses so check back regularly.

EQ Info:

Us Geological website- see top left hand corner for today’s EQ info:

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/

This link provides info with distance from other cities- I see it’s only 38 miles from Evansville, Ind:

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/eqinthenews/2008/us2008qza6/

Illinois EQ info website:
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/regional/states/?region=Illinois

 

Fox news release:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,351698,00.html

Here’s more news on Chicago and Indiana:
http://www.myfoxchicago.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail?contentId=6338887&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=1.1.1

 

News out of Ft Wayne, Ind:


http://www.journalgazette.net/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080418/LOCAL/364069032/1002/LOCAL

News out of Grand Rapids, MI:


http://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2008/04/earthquake_centered_in_illinoi.html

This post will be edited with more information shortly.

Supplemental Request 4/18/08 for TX licensed/Nationwide Certified Adjusters

 

We have received a supplemental request (original was 4/11/08-click here for all details on prior blog post on the opportunity) for TX licensed (resident or non resident) adjusters who do HAVE their Nationwide Insurance carrier certification exam. Please see the prior link for all necessary information for consideration. We do need the approximate date of your Nationwide passing exam as well as the name of the vendor you took the exam through as the adjusting firm we are staffing firm must verify with Nationwide that you have completed their certification. No exceptions can be made. Last week we received resumes from some outstanding experienced adjusters but they did NOT have the Nationwide certification thus we were not able to submit their information for this particular opportunity.

We do welcome all applicants for future opportunities but for this particular one- the Nationwide certification AND the experience requirements must be met for consideration. All others- please just specify in the subject area of your email that you are requesting roster placement.

Note that a 5.4 Earthquake has hit today in Illinois, we’ll have more information up on that soon as well as posting information throughout the week on any additional staffing requests so check back often.

6.0 Earthquake rocks NV, UT, parts of CA 2/21/08- Adjuster Information

Fox news has a breaking news story that a 6.0  EQ just hit Elko, NV. It is listed in this Fox news story as 430 miles from Las Vegas and 230 miles from Salt Lake City, UT. It also says folks as far away as southern CA felt the quake. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,331649,00.html This report in the Salt Lake City Tribune is saying the worst damage is in Wells, NV: http://www.sltrib.com/ci_8323975 Here is more news on Reuters confirming Wells, NV worst damage: http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN21267529 Looking at the statistics, Elko has a population of, 16,708 and 3,880 owner occupied dwellings and 2,320 rental tenant occupied dwellings for a total of 6.948 according to this demographic report of the area. The demographics for Wells, NV shows a population of about 1,300: http://www.muninetguide.com/states/nevada/municipality/Wells.php http://www.ci.elko.nv.us/econdev/area_description.htm#demo Here are some demographics in Salt Lake City with over 1.2 million in the area with 181,000 in the immediate area. http://www.saltlakecityutah.org/salt_lake_demographics.htm Here are the links to : NV Insurance Department on emergency Adjuster licenses: Main licensing link: http://www.doi.state.nv.us/Form-FormsIndex.htm#Producer%20Licensing%20Section If you look at the 1/5/08 Press release at the Nv Dept of Ins website, you’ll see they have to declare a disaster to allow emergency adjusters to handle claims. They do not have one for the EQ today up as of this writing: http://doi.state.nv.us/Press-Press2008Index.htm Here is a link to some other state licensing info (scroll down to Insurance Adjuster) but it may be outdated since it says 2001 and some of the info on the Ins Dept website on the 1st link has pdf’s dated 06 and 07. If anyone finds the direct link to emergency adjuster licenses, please provide the direct link. This 2nd link shows that the fine is 1,000 per violation for handling claims unlicensed but I’m not finding the direct info to emergency licenses. Note, while they addressed resident and non resident adjuster licenses, there was no clear link to emergency adjuster license applications that I could find. http://www.leg.state.nv.us/Statutes/71st/HtoL.html These items came from the doi.state link above 1) This PDF provides info on 3 types of adjuster licenses and the fees involved: KENNY C. GUINN STATE OF NEVADA ALICE A MOLASKY-ARMAN Governor Commissioner of Insurance SYDNEY H. WICKLIFFE, C.P.A. Director DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS & INDUSTRY DIVISION OF INSURANCE 788 Fairview Drive, Suite 300 Carson City, Nevada 89701-5491 (775) 687-4270 Fax (775) 687-3937 http://doi.state.nv.us EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2006 Effective January 1, 2006 the fee for the Recovery Account will be reduced from $15 to $10. This reduction will be reflected in the total fees as follows : FEE SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2006 ONLY FOR THOSE LICENSE TYPES THAT REQUIRE THE RECOVERY ACCOUNT FEE. There will be no refunds for overpayment of fees. License Type Total Fees Affiliation Fee (if applicable) Producer of Insurance $135.00 ($125 + $10) $60.00 ($50 + $10) (includes-limited credit, travel/baggage, fixed annuities and rental car agency) Producer Agency $135.00 ($125 + $10)   Title Agent $135.00 ($125 + $10) $60.00 ($50 + $10) Escrow Officer $135.00 ($125 + $10) $60.00 ($50 + $10) Fraternal Agent $135.00 ($125 + $10) $60.00 ($50 + $10) Independent Adjuster $135.00 ($125 + $10) $60.00 ($50 + $10) Public Adjuster $135.00 ($125 + $10) $60.00 ($50 + $10) Associate Adjuster $135.00 ($125 + $10) $60.00 ($50 + $10) Insurance Consultant $135.00 ($125 + $10) $60.00 ($50 + $10) Motor Club Agent $88.00 ($78 + $10) $60.00 ($50 + $10) Surplus Lines Broker $135.00 ($125 + $10) $60.00 ($50 + $10) THE FEE FOR ADDING LINES OF AUTHORITY TO THESE LICENSE TYPES WILL BE $60.00 ($50 + $10 Here is also a PDF with Fingerprinting info: JIM GIBBONS STATE OF NEVADA ALICE A. MOLASKY-ARMAN Governor Commissioner of Insurance MENDY K. ELLIOTT Director DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS & INDUSTRY DIVISION OF INSURANCE 788 Fairview Drive, Suite 300 Carson City, Nevada 89701-5491 (775) 687-4270 Fax (775) 687-3937 Website: doi.state.nv.us E-mail: insinfo@doi.state.nv.us NOTICE To: All Insurers, Insurance Producers, and Other Interested Parties Date: September 7, 2007 RE: Fingerprint card processing fee increase Effective October 1, 2007, the fee for fingerprint cards will increase from $45.00 to $51.25 because of the increased fees charged by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) for the processing of fingerprint cards from Nevada. The Department of Business and Industry, Division of Insurance (Division) requires an individual to submit two complete sets of fingerprints which are ultimately forwarded to the FBI to conduct a background search. Any cards processed by the FBI after September 28, 2007 must include the appropriate fee. Accordingly, any application or submission received by the Division after September 28, 2007 must include the new fee of $51.25. Applications or submissions that do not include the appropriate fee will be deemed incomplete and will not be processed until the correct fee is paid. The Division cannot guarantee cards will be processed at the lower fee. Persons with questions regarding this information may contact the licensing section of Division at (775) 687-4270 in Carson City or (702) 486-4009 in Las Vegas. DOC 324 C Fingerprint Fee Increase 09.07.07 jm Note this info is also found on a PDF on the NV Ins Dept website with contact numbers of some of the major carriers in NV for adjusting firms marketing efforts: ADDITIONALLY, HERE ARE A FEW TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR CLAIMS SERVICES FOR SOME OF THE INSURERS. WE WILL UPDATE THIS LIST AS INFORMATION BECOMES AVAILABLE. Updated 1/7/2008 AAA NEVADA (homeowners) – (800) 922-8228 and CSAA (auto) ALLSTATE INSURANCE – (800) 547-8676 AMERICAN FAMILY – (800) 374-1111 CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES – (800) 282-6848 and CSE SAFEGUARD COAST NATIONAL – (800) 274-7865 (1-800-Bristol) COUNTRYWIDE INSURANCE – (800) 846-0100 FARMERS INSURANCE – (800) 435-7764 (1-800-HelpPoint) GEICO – (800) 941-3000 or (866) 435-1968 HARTFORD CLAIMS SERVICES – (800) 243-5860 IDS PROPERTY CASUALTY – (800) 872-5246 LIBERTY MUTUAL – (800) 225-2467 METLIFE AUTO & HOME – (800) 854-6011 NEVADA CAPITAL – (800) 986-9974 or (775) 321-1770 or (800) 381-2445 NEVADA GENERAL – (800) 840-4400 PERMANENT GENERAL ASSURANCE – (800) 280-1466 option 3 PROGRESSIVE – (800)-925-2886 SAFECO – (800) 332-3226 SHELTER INSURANCE – (800) 743-5837 (1-800-Shelter) STATE FARM – (800) 732-5246 (1-800-SFClaims) NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM – (888) 225-5356 (1-800-CallFlood) Here is all the info I could find on the Adjuster licenses and application found on the Producer Licensing Link on their site: STATE OF NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY DIVISION OF INSURANCE Procedures effective January 1, 2006 INDEPENDENT OR PUBLIC ADJUSTING FIRM & INDIVIDUAL FORMS & FEES DOCUMENT #307 MAILING ADDRESS FOR PHYSICAL MAILING ADDRESS: APPLICATIONS WITH FEES:   Nevada Division of Insurance Nevada Division of Insurance P.O. Box 98572 788 Fairview Drive # 300 Las Vegas, Nevada 89193-8572 Carson City, Nevada 89701-5491 Any corporation that will be doing insurance business in the state of Nevada must be licensed by the Division of Insurance and qualified with the Nevada Secretary of State’s Office. If you have not already done so, you will need to contact the Secretary of State at (775) 684-5708. Your name and purpose must be approved by this office prior to filing your Articles of Incorporation (NRS 78) or submitting the Foreign Corporation Qualification to Do Business in Nevada (NRS 80). Any corporation that fails to maintain their qualification forfeits their right to do business in this state and must immediately surrender any licenses issued to them by this Division. Domestic corporations must include the insurance clause in the purpose of their Articles of “TO ENGAGE AS AN ADJUSTER IN ALL CLASSES OF INSURANCE NOW AND HEREAFTER PERMITTED BY STATUTE.” THE LANGUAGE “ALL LAWFUL ACTIVITY” IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. You can now access our forms and laws on our Internet website located at http://doi.state.nv.us . Our laws are found under Title 57 of the Nevada Revised Statutes. INDEPENDENT OR PUBLIC ADJUSTING FIRM FORMS & FEES REQUIRED FORMS: 1. BUSINESS ENTITY LICENSE APPLICATION:All portions of the application must be completed to be acceptable. All claims and records pertaining to Nevada risk must be administered and maintained in Nevada. The fee for the firm is $135.00. http://www.doi.state.nv.us/Form-PL-DOC325.pdf . If there are additional locations the fee for each additional location is $10.00. http://www.doi.state.nv.us/Form-PL-DOC322.pdf 2. AN INDIVIDUAL LICENSE APPLICATION MUST BE COMPLETED FOR EACH PERSON THAT WILL APPLY AS AN INDEPENDENT, PUBLIC OR ASSOCIATE ADJUSTER UNDER THE FIRM. List your agency affiliation on question 32. The fee is $195.00. Residents of Nevada must comply with Nevada’s fingerprint requirements. 3. Independent or Public Adjuster qualifications: The adjuster must be a resident of Nevada for at least 90 days prior to the submission of the license application. The adjuster must be 21 years of age and have 2 years recent (within the past five years) experience handling and adjusting claims. The adjuster must take and pass Part I and Part II of the “Producer” property and casualty PROMISSOR exams. You can access information on the exam by contacting PROMISSOR at 1-800-274-2609. The fee for an independent or public adjuster under a firm is $195.00. 4. Associate Adjuster qualifications: An associate adjuster must be 21 years of age. They are not required to take and pass the exam and they may be a resident or nonresident. They must be employed by a Nevada licensed independent or public adjuster. Residents must comply with Nevada’s fingerprint requirements. The fee is $195.00. 5. DOCUMENT 324 Resident’s requirements for Criminal History Search. The State of Nevada requires a criminal history report for applicants that are residents of Nevada. Complete 2 fingerprint cards with the detailed information required in DOCUMENT 324. You must attach the cards to your licensing application with a $51.25 cashiers check or money order made payable to the Department of Public Safety. The money order or cashiers check should be in a sealed envelope marked “DPS”. We will forward to the Nevada Department of Public Safety to obtain the criminal history report. NRS 686A.225 Certain insurers to retain adjuster who resides in this state. 1. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 684A.060, any insurer who: (a) Transacts property, casualty or surety insurance in this state; and (b) Retains an adjuster to investigate and settle any claim arising under an insurance contract, 􀂬 shall retain an adjuster who resides in this state. 2. As used in this section, “adjuster” has the meaning ascribed to it in NRS 684A.020. FEES: PLEASE PROVIDE ONE CHECK PAYABLE TO “NEVADA INSURANCE DIVISION.”ALL FEES ARE DEEMED EARNED UPON RECEIPT PURSUANT TO NRS 684A.110. NO REFUNDS WILL BE MADE. DOC 307 Independent or Public Adjuster (rev 09.09.07 jm) STATE OF NEVADA Department of Business & Industry—DIVISION OF INSURANCE Individual Resident and Non-Resident Insurance License Application Mailing Address: P O BOX 98572, Las Vegas, NV 89193-8572 Office Delivery: 788 Fairview Dr #300, Carson City, NV 89701 (Please Print or Type) Soc. Security Number If applicable, NASD Individual Central Registration Depository (CRD) Number Are you affiliated with a financial institution/bank? Last Name JR./SR. etc First Name Middle Name Date of Birth Residence/Home Address (Physical Street) P.O. Box City 0   State 1   Home Phone Number ( ) - Gender (Circle One) Male Female   Are you a Citizen of the United States? (Check One) Yes No (If No, of which country are you a citizen?) Personal Business Name (dba) (Provide Nevada County Clerk Filing if you have a physical location in Nevada)   Business Address (Physical Street) P.O. Box City Zip or Foreign Country Business Phone Number ( ) - Business Fax Number Business E-Mail Address Business Web Site Address Applicant’s Mailing Address City Zip or Foreign Country If Applicable, beginning date of residency in the State of Nevada: Nonresidents: “Home State” where you hold a Resident License Fein # ____________________________ Name of Agency Fein # ____________________________ Name of Agency Fein # ____________________________ Name of Agency Employment History Account for all time for the past five years. Give all employment experience starting with your previous employer working back five years. Include full and part-time work, self-employment, military service, unemployment and full-time education. To Position Held Name City State Name City State Name City State Name City State Name ********* New Procedures Effective 10/01/07 • Submit to the Division of Insurance with your licensing application: 1. 2 completed cardsfingerprint cards completed as instructed below 2. In a separate and sealed envelope labeled DPS, a cashier’s check or money order for $51.25 made payable to Nevada Department of Public Safety Do not combine criminal history report fees with licensing fees. The Division of Insurance will forward both fingerprint cards and the $51.25 cashier’s check or money order to the Nevada Department of Public Safety. The results will be returned directly to the Division of Insurance. • Fingerprints may be done at the Promissor examination centers, local law enforcement office or from an authorized fingerprint vendor. All personal information boxes must be completed and the following information must be written in the appropriate boxes on both cards. Note: Any criminal history report requested directly from the Nevada Highway Patrol will be accepted if previous procedures were followed until 4/1/04. If an applicant has had no criminal history, as indicated and certified on their application for a license, the commissioner may issue a license before the actual report is received. The commissioner may suspend, revoke or refuse to continue the license if the applicant’s criminal history report shows a conviction or other criminal activity that was not disclosed on their licensing application. F:/S/M/DOC 324 Fingerprints (rev 09.09.07 jm) UT Insurance Department on emergency Adjuster licenses:Very interesting to see they waive the licensing exam for those with portions of the AIC program completed. This link provides their licensing fees and fingerprinting fees:   Adjuster License:  The exam is waived if the following qualifying conditions have been met: Adjuster license applicants who have earned the Associate in Claims (AIC) designation, or have successfully passed AIC Exams #33 and #34, or #33 and #35, or #33 and #36. The AIC examinations are administered by the Insurance Institute of America. Adjuster license applicants who are members of the Utah State Bar. http://www.insurance.utah.gov/LicensingProc.html#licensing I was able to find the emergency adjuster license info for Utah here: http://le.utah.gov/~code/TITLE31A/htm/31A1A016.htm and other licensing info here which does say it was updated in 2008: http://le.utah.gov/~code/TITLE31A/31A1A.htm   ____________________ “LUCK is where PREPARATION meets OPPORTUNITY” Author unknown “I’m not afraid of storms for I’m learning how to sail my ship.” Louisa May Alcott, Author (1832-1888)

Again, I apologize that the font size tool still can’t be found to consistently size font when combining information from several sources but I wanted to get this info out to you asap. I do recommend calling the UT and NV Dept of Insurance to be sure the information we could locate on the web is their latest guide regarding licensing BEFORE you go all the way out there without being properly licensed.

Storms in TN, KY, AK, AL, IN, MO, MS of 2/5/08- Adjuster Information on Emergency Licensing and Damage

We are already receiving reports of adjusters deploying to the February 5, 2008 storms. We are providing some information to assist you in assessing damage and claim potential as well as for emergency adjuster licensing issues. You will also find some other interesting developments from 2006 and 2007 posted below that may come up while out on assignment:

Adjuster Licensing/ Insurance Carrier- Adjusting Firm emergency licensing forms

AL

AL emergency adjuster license form:

http://www.aldoi.gov/PDF/Licensing/EmergencyAdjustersApp.pdf

Here is current 2/08 info about AL- interesting info about the passes and that they will overnight them. This is an online form and looks like it must be completed by the company to register an emergency adjuster

http://www.aldoi.gov/Licensing/EmergAdjustForm.aspx

AK:

http://www.insurance.arkansas.gov/License/forms.htm

http://www.insurance.arkansas.gov/License/LicenseFormfiles/adjuster_application.pdf

KY:

KY Adjusters license application info- for resident and non resident- see info on the pdf about emergency adjusters/90 days info: (this is last update from June 2007)

http://doi.ppr.ky.gov/kentucky/Documents/Agent/AdjusterApprenticeAdj06072007.pdf

Here is more info on Ky emergency adjusters on this form for companies sending in emergency adjusters:

http://doi.ppr.ky.gov/kentucky/Documents/Agent/catloss83071104REV05272005.pdf

MS

Links to applying for MS license:

On-line License Applications

MS first-time licenses or reinstatements available through Sircon as of Jan. 1, 2007

Go to
http://www.sircon.com/Mississippi
  “Apply for a License”

Agents/Producers

http://www.doi.state.ms.us/licensing/update.html

Test scores for residents

The Mississippi Insurance Department now has the capability to receive test scores electronically for resident agents/producers. The Testing Service submits the test scores to Sircon on a daily basis. As a result, resident applicants for first-time Life & Health, Property & Casualty and Adjuster licenses are no longer required to submit test scores with their applications. Our processors will verify the test results upon receiving the application, license fee and pre-licensing certificate.

Note that this link had some emergency PA rules too but MS has a new Ins commissioner so no telling how this will all pan out these storms:

http://www.doi.state.ms.us/bulletins/20067bull.PDF

Info on MS Emergency adjusters licenses is found in this former bulletin on emergency adjusters in MS during Katrina:

http://www.doi.state.ms.us/bulletins/20067bull.PDF

which says in part that Ms Code 83-17-409 authorizes emergency adjuster authorization by the state

I’m curious if this bulletin on PA’s in MS which expired in May 2007 will be renewed:

http://www.doi.state.ms.us/bulletins/20058bull.PDF

TN:

New Public Adjuster Regs in 07:

TN new Public Adjuster licensing provisions that were in effect in 2007:

http://tennessee.gov/commerce/insurance/documents/PublicAdjusterLicPkt052107.pdf

TN Insurance Division – can’t find any info on state license or emergency licenses for adjusters- it’s my understanding resident adjusters are not licensed here but you will want to verify that before coming yourself since I am not familiar with emergency licensing standards here and nothing posted on their site:

http://www.state.tn.us/commerce/insurance/index.html

Miscellaneous Info adjusters might need/be interested in:

MS- See this bulletin about Auto total loss claims bulletin found on DOI site:

Bulletin from 6-07 about sales tax and license fees if a carrier totals an auto on a loss which says a carrier has not made an insured whole if they do not include tthese fees for title, sales tax and license fees:

http://www.doi.state.ms.us/bulletins/20074bull.PDF

 

TN- see note above on new PA licenses required in case you must deal with a PA there

Also – interesting problem contractor listing found on the TN state consumer division site updated 1/31/08:

TN – Problem Contractor listing for Contractors who have failed to respond to complaints in case any of you run into them: (list of 1/31/08 found on Consumer Affairs site on Tn site

http://www.state.tn.us/consumer/documents/ProblemContractorsList.pdf

TN Building Code info – an update from TN Dept of Ins of 1/25/08 some of you may need to be aware of if working TN storm claims:

http://www.state.tn.us/commerce/documents/pr2008EmergencyRules_01252008.pdf

Storm Reports:

NOAA Storm reports over 60 tornado reports yesterday and over 100 hail damage reports:

Here is the NOAA Storm reports link for yesterday to check back for updates for those of you new in claims that don’t have this link:

http://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/reports/yesterday.html

Last 3 hours reports more tornados in AL and TN:

http://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/reports/last3hours.html

Here is the one cumulative called TODAY’s reports (note the ones above in the last 3 hours aren’t showing up yet on the site:

http://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/reports/today.html

Photo Galleries of Storm Damage you might want to view:

Photo gallery of damage in Jackson,TN:

http://www.jacksonsun.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=DQ&Dato=20080205&Kategori=PHOTOGALLERIES01&Lopenr=802060801&Ref=PH

Gallery of photos posted at the Tennessean (Nashville) on damage throughout the state:

http://tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=DN&Dato=20080206&Kategori=NEWS&Lopenr=802060802&Ref=PH

News reports of the dead and destruction: 

Here is  a sampling of damage reports around the states from last night and this morning reporting 44 deaths and numerous injuries as well as much damage. The initial news reports here in TN were indicating 4 states involved but the NOAA reports show many others suffered hail damage as well like IN, MO, TX:

Some early reports indicating 31 dead:

http://gulfcoast.cox.net/cci/newsnational/national?_mode=view&_state=maximized&view=article&id=D8UKQ7681&_action=validatearticle

5 dead in Sumner Co, TN:

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080206/NEWS/80206008

Reports of 3 dead in Shelby/Memphis TN:

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080206/NEWS/80206012

Madison/Jackson,TN damage:

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080206/NEWS/80206014

4 killed/20 injured- Madison/Jackson:

http://www.jacksonsun.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080206/NEWS01/802060331/1002

Arkansas- 13 dead/damage in 9 counties:

http://www2.arkansasonline.com/news/2008/feb/06/tornadoes-rip-state-kill-8/?news/arkansas

An earlier report out of Arkansas:

http://www2.arkansasonline.com/news/2008/feb/05/severe-thunderstorms-were-forecast-arkansas-tuesda/?news/arkansas

4 deaths reported in AL this am:

http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2008/02/at_least_two_dead_in_storms_in.html

I’m sure by the time this blog is reported these numbers have risen. Our prayers go out to all damaged communities and families who have suffered losses. We also pray for the safety of all adjusters reporting to these storms. It is most difficult to work losses with these numbers of fatalities involved.

For those of you who are members at ClaimSmentor, we’ll post additional claim stats on the damage in our Storms Forum.

Don’t forget there is also a roster by state of residence of participating adjusters which now includes hundreds of experienced adjusters with their resumes uploaded which participating adjuster firms can use at no charge (it also indicates if the adjuster has uploaded their resume as well as their experience level directly on the state alpha list).

We are also available 24/7 to assist with any carrier or adjusting firm staffing needs. There is a charge for our services. Note our new office number now that we have relocated to TN is 615-435-4177 or Cell 850-496-7831 if you need additional staffing assistance.

OK declares state of emergency allowing emergency adjuster licenses- link for application

Many of you may be activated to service claims in OK and other midwest states due to the winter storms.

I’ll update this blog in the next day or so with the damage statistics. In the meantime, here is the information on OK declaring an emergency thus allowing emergency adjusters along with the link to the application and emergency adjuster license information:

Here is the link for the catastrophe adjuster emergency license application:

http://www.oid.state.ok.us/www2.oid.state.ok.us/PDF/Forms/Agents/AGT-CAT%20form%20EIA.pdf

Here is information on the $15.00 application fee and mailing instructions for the application:

http://www.oid.state.ok.us/

Here is a link to the top 10 insurance companies writing in the state of OK:

http://www.oid.state.ok.us/www2.oid.state.ok.us/PDF/Insurance%20Companies%20Contact%20Numbers.pdf

Here is the news story making the announcement on the emergency declaration and use of emergency adjusters:

http://newsok.com/article/3180186/1197520514

The Southwestern Insurance Institute predicts storm damage claims in OK to reach 35 Million according to this news article posted by the Insurance Journal:

http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/southcentral/2007/12/13/85627.htm

We wish all of you deployed for these storms the safest of travels!

Blog 3 on CA Wildfires- Insurance Company Damage Statistics through 10/25/07

We’ve heard from many adjusters participating on ClaimSmentor today that they have either been activated for storm duty or they have been notified of possible standby status.

Miscellaneous information first on prior blogs you’ll want to read if you are going:

We posted our first initial blog on the CA fires with links to many important issues about handling claims in CA : Click here

We posted the news releases on emergency adjuster approval by the CA Insurance Commissioner earlier today: Click here

Here is the prior blog on temporary housing options for adjusters and insureds: Click here

Here is the prior blog on Billingual Translation services: Click here

Here is the blog on standby calls and catastrophe codes for new adjusters: Click here

Here is an excellent guest blog by Steve Ebner on crisis management when dealing with insureds on a storm as serious as the wildfires are:  Click here   (Steve by the way is now on his way to CA to work catastrophe losses)

*********************

Current Carrier Statistics on the storms in the news: Total still stands at 500 million expected

State Farm 1,350 (251 are totals), Zurich 800, Lloyds -unknown #:  Click here

**note the article says State Farm is #1 carrier, Zurich #2- State Farm independent adjusters are usually Eberl, Worley, EA Renfroe, and Pilot and I think IPS Staffing in Chicago handles alot of the Zurich inside commerical work

I-5 Shutdown both directions  Structures damaged in all fires 1,013 if you add up all figures in this article and about 22,000 others threatened (adding up all numbers in my head on threatened structures : Click here for full article

Note how the numbers in the two articles above differ between carrier reports of numbers and other articles.  Just with the two carriers above they are quoted at 2,150 between the two. First of all, many carrier models staff for 50 catastrophe losses per adjuster but they normally would use a different model for total losses versus claims with a lower severity code. Most carriers I have worked with will tell you that during a typical storm, you can count the losses reported day one and muliply that by 10 to determine how many claims to expect thus how many adjusters to deploy to a cat zone. However, on a storm such as this with most parties still in evacuation mode, it is highly doubtful that most insureds have reported their losses waiting to determine the extent of their damage similar to hurricane evacuees so my guess is the presently reported numbers bear no significance on the number of losses actually to be received to include smoke damage, partial fires,civil authority evacuation, ALE,etc

Interesting blog on Suspicious Activities near CA Wildfires- Is this terrorist related (that hadn’t even dawned on me!): Click here (read at own risk- I had no time to view what this site is about and what prior blogs are- just got the hit on a news alert today)

USAA- Adjusters in San Diego and more on the way: Click here   (Doesn’t Crawford service USAA claims? Who else?)

The Democratic Daily- lots of great links to local info on fires in Malibu: Click here

Farmers Insurance, 1100 claims: Click here

CNN Money Article- “The Next Battle for wildfire victims- Insurance”: Click here (Aw- lawsuit talk already?Hmmmm)

Bloomberg article-update 6- “Largest evacuation in CA history- 5 dead: Click here

Day 4- update on status of containment and damage on all 16 fires from The Daily Green: Click here

I’ll update this as more alerts come in this evening with stats. Note, I’m in the process of preparing a blog for tomorrow on the history of lawsuits and wildfires in CA to get a glimpse of what adjusters might expect in the way of lawsuits based on past history and information on 4 of the biggest plaintiffs attorneys who have been involved in prior wildfire lawsuits against carriers in CA.

Please be safe in your travels to and throughout California as you go to your assignments.

***********

Update 10pm CST 10/24

Update Day 4- Blog 3 on CA wildfires:

Which CA Wildfires  are they calling Arson related?

Santiago Fires called arson: click here

I’ll update this section as more is found on the cause of each fire

**update 1am 10/25: LA Times article on Arson fires in Hesperia-San Bernendino-Rosa Blaze-Temecula-Orange County fire, and the worst was the suspect killed for setting a fire today. Click here for full details on the fires they believe to be arson related (for subrogation purposes?)

********

Update 11pm CST 10/24:

CNA opens operation center (must be a claim central operation) in Nashville,TN for Ca Wildfire claims: Click here

Farmers and Zurich update- 400 adjusters now in CA and here are the locations of their catastrophe centers: Click here  2,000 Farmers/ 500 Foremost thus far reported

Hartford- Adjusters on scene and info on their claim central division, contact numbers for Hartford- Interesting Hartford Claims Debit card information: Click here

Zurich- no finanicial impact expected: Click here

Liberty Mutual and Fireman’s Fund discuss their losses : Click here

Updates 10/25/07 8 am:

State Farm General, Farmers and AIG quotes (all less than 2,500 thus far?): Click here

California Insurance Commissioner Clears the way for non CDI Emergency Adjusters to handle wildfire losses

Please see the following press alert notice received. I will update the blog by late this evening with information located on current insurance company damage assessments by 10pm CST.

From: California Department of Insurance <communications@insurance.ca.gov>

Date: Wednesday, October 24, 2007 5:08 PM

To: dimechimes

Subject: Commissioner Poizner Issues Declaration of Insurance Emergency for Southern California Fire Storms

Size: 10 KB

Attachments:

You are subscribed to Press Releases for the California Department of Insurance. You are receiving this email because new information has recently been released. You can access the department’s Communications Office Web page by clicking here. INSURANCE COMMISSIONER STEVE POIZNER ISSUES DECLARATION OF INSURANCE EMERGENCY FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FIRE STORMS Insurance Adjusters Expedited to So. California to Quicken Recovery by Local Residents and Businesses SACRAMENTO – Today Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner, in anticipation of an onslaught of severe insurance claims, issued an emergency declaration to help accelerate claims from the aftermath of the Southern California fire storms. “I am issuing a declaration which will expedite additional insurance adjusters to California to assist survivors of the fire storms with the prompt processing of insurance claims resulting from this catastrophic event,” said Commissioner Poizner. “During this state of emergency, I want to ensure Californians that I will do all that I can to help them through this crisis and rebuild as quickly as possible. For many, the first step on the road to recovery is to cut through the red tape, have their loss documented and processed for a claim. We want to remove any unnecessary delays to the system and make sure we have enough adjusters on the job.” The California Department of Insurance (CDI) proclamation will allow CDI-licensed insurance adjusters and insurers to use the services of non-CDI licensed adjusters, such as those from out-of-state, to assist with the processing of the multitude of anticipated insurance claims arising from the fire storms. The work performed by the non-CDI licensed adjusters must be under the active direction, control, charge, or management of a CDI-licensed insurer or adjuster. Commissioner Poizner issued the declaration in according with the requirements of Section 14022.5 of the California Insurance Code, which provides that such use is reasonably necessary in order to adequately respond to the emergency situation. The last time Commissioner Poizner issued this type of declaration was January 22, 2007, in the face of the extreme, California crop freezes.  Prior to that, however, the last insurance emergency declaration was issued in November 2003 in response to wildfires in Southern California. Text of declaration can be found at www.insurance.ca.gov under LATEST NEWS. Please visit the Department of Insurance Web site at www.insurance.ca.gov. Non media inquiries should be directed to the Consumer Hotline at 800.927.HELP. Callers from out of state, please dial 213.897.8921. Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf (TDD), please dial 800.482.4833. This service is provided free of charge by: California Department of Insurance. *********** Special Thanks to Helen Palmer of the Cat-Women@yahoogroups.com for sharing the following two other press releases on this: Associated Press Release: Calif insurance commissioner declares insurance emergency The Associated Press SAN FRANCISCO California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner declared an “insurance emergency” on Wednesday because of the Southern California wildfires. The declaration temporarily removes the ban on out-of-state claims adjusters lacking California licenses. Poizner said that lifting the ban will help insurance companies better deal with the expected crunch of fire claims. He estimated that more than $1 billion in property damage has already occurred. Poizner last lifted the ban in January during a devastating crop freeze in the Central Valley. During a press conference in San Francisco, Poizner also said that he is sending dozens of fraud investigators into the burned region to crack down on scam artists posing as claims adjusters and contractors. Poziner said he has already received reports of fraud, but no arrests have been made. Poizner said fire victims can call 1-800-927-HELP or log onto http://www.insurance.ca.gov for Department of Insurance guidance. Published: Wednesday, October 24, 2007 12:04 PDT ***************** LA Times News Article: State opens door to insurance adjusters template_bas template_bas Declaration of ‘insurance emergency’ allows companies to bring in personnel from other parts of the country, even if they aren’t licensed in California . By Marc Lifsher, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer 11:30 AM PDT, October 24, 2007 SACRAMENTO — California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner today declared an “insurance emergency,” clearing the way for a more speedy processing of damage claims from the Southern California wildfires. Poizner invoked special powers to suspend a law that requires insurance adjusters — the people who inspect and calculate the value of property losses — to be licensed by the state. The declaration of an emergency allows insurance companies to bring in large numbers of out-of-state adjusters to help process thousands of claims. The unlicensed adjusters must work under the supervision of California-licensed colleagues. “I want to ensure Californians that I will do all that I can to help them through this crisis and rebuild as quickly as possible,” Poizner said at a news conference. “For many, the first step on the road to recovery is to cut through the red tape, have their loss documented and processed for a claim.” Poizner’s action will help insurers dispatch professional personnel to charred areas of Southern California, said Joseph Annotti, a spokesman for the Property and Casualty Insurers of America, a Chicago-based trade group that includes Allstate Corp., California’s third-largest home insurer. He estimated that the fires, which are far from contained, would result in companies paying claims in excess of $2 billion, surpassing the state’s most costly fire to date, the blaze in the Berkeley and Oakland Hills in 1991. “In the wake of [Hurricane] Katrina, we learned that even when insurers called out every adjuster they ever had on their payrolls, [and] people out of retirement, there still weren’t enough folks,” Annotti said. “If this helps get homes inspected more quickly and gets money to the people who need it more quickly, that’s a very positive thing.”

CA wildfires – The claims news on damage comes in- CA licensing/ Carrier Info/ Adjusting Firm Info

I’ve spent quite a bit of time researching available preliminary information on the devastating fires in southern California looking at it from our prospective in claims. The latest articles from late tonight indicate approximately 600 homes burned. Reports indicate upwards of 265, 000 evacuees from Malibu to Mexico as one article puts it. Other reports list less damage and the photos coming in the from stadium bring back horrible memories of Katrina. God be with the families and the brave firemen battling these blazes.

Below you will find links to many things you will need to know working catastrophe duty in California as well as links to licensing information not only for adjusters but adjusting firms, a list of carriers with the data supplied on direct written premium for adjusting firms wishing to market your services to the carriers involved, and a list of many adjusting firms listed on the California Assn of Independent Insurance Adjusters. We hope you find the details both interesting and informative for those of you researching potential assignments in California.

Information for Insurance Adjusters and Insurance Adjusting firms about working out in California on storm duty:

CA licensing link for resident and non resident adjuster licenses – click here (See Adjuster organizations and Branch office’s too on same link with forms)

CA Assn of Independent Insurance Adjusters-Membership list of adjusting firms- click here

CA Insurance Companies- Alphabetic listing with amount of direct written premium listed for adjusting firm marketing efforts if you are trying to get assignments for your teams out there (don’t forget Dimechimes Corporation can assist with filling your staffing rosters if you need more folks www.dimechimes.com for contact info): Click here and here

Prior blogs on overtime issues with employees in CA :Click here

Prior blog on CA classification of employee vs independent-new law-15-25K fines: Click here

**You can also click on the archives in right column for Temporary Housing and for Billingual Translation Services info

The Current reports of damage from the California Wildfires:

Slide show-over 250 slides of the damage: click here  Notice all of the damaged autos as well as homes and businesses

News stories accounting for the damage statistics thus far:

Malibu – 5 homes, 2 commercial buildings:  Click here

Evacuees over 250,000:  Click here

Comments on evacuation from Malibu to Mexico: Click here

Article says San Diego County-500 homes/ 100 Commercial buildings: Click here

Damage Statistics seperated by each wildfire: Click here

Miscellaneous articles and emergency declarations for CA:

LA Times Road Closure listings: Click here

Southern California photos sent in by the public: Click here

Fire Agency updated reports for all 11 fires: Click here

CA Governor’s speech 10/22/07 on the fires: Click here

CA Governor asks for 1,500 National Guard and Navy and Air Force support: Click here

Website for firemen with current stories from their perspective: click here (check their forums as well as news stories)

Adjusters and Insurance Companies in  the news in CA for the wildfires:

Auto Owners-property and auto claims/ Adjuster in evacuation centers-will call insureds within 30 minutes of loss notice-imagine those standards! Click here

I’ll be adding to this all day tomorrow. I also saw a story about Farmers sending 260 adjusters and I’ll provide that link and others on the damage statistics tomorrow as the news is updated.

Music always expresses deep emotions which I am feeling after viewing the slides and reading these stories. I was brought up the daughter of a Navy Commander attending military churches in our childhood. One of my favorite hymns from those days comes to mind all day today as I watched the fire flights distributing water over the devastated communities which was  the naval hymn “Eternal Father Strong to Save”. “Lord guard and guide the men who fly through the great spaces in the skies, be with them always in the air, in darkening storms and sunlight fair” (here’s a link to the entire Naval hymn) so I’ll close this saying God Bless you to the firemen  who are doing the very best they can to protect families and homes under such dire circumstances.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the adjusters who will be dealing in the field with the aftermath of this storm. Let’s all hope that the great state of California treats you much better than the treatment insurers thus adjusters have received during Katrina storm assignments in LA and MS by the politicians and attorneys there. Storms such as this try the best of adjusters due to the emotional and stressful conditions they are dealing with. Let’s support those going. God Bless the USA.

Lord, guard and guide the men who fly
Through the great spaces in the sky,
Be with them always in the air,
In dark’ning storms or sunlight fair.                                                                          
O, Hear us when we lift our prayer,
For those in peril in the air.

Here’s a link to the music that accompanies these lyrics if you’d like to hear it: Click here

                                                                                                                    

Photos courtesy readers at LA Times: 
http://yourscene.latimes.com/mycapture/photos/Album.aspx?EventID=357460&CategoryID=20832

**Update 10/23/07: Article quoting 16 firemen injured/25 others, up to 300K evacuees, and 655 structures: Click here

**Update 10/23/07 3:40 Pm CST- 2 now dead, 1600 structures destroyed (this is not a valid insurance claim number as there would be partial losses, civil authority evacuation coverage for the almost 500,000 evacuations Fox news is now reporting, fire damage is covered to trees, shrubs, food spoilage and other power interruption coverage, business interruption losses for commercial businesses and other coverages too numerous to list. Many of these Additional Living Expense (ALE) claims can be handled by the carrier claim central in office departments.

 Click here for info on 10K at stadium, 2 deaths, 1600 structure fires and more damage assessment. Excellent photos included.

AIG Insurance Company sprays Phos-Check Fire Retardant on homes to save them: Click  here   for Fox Business news story on this and other insurance measures in CA on wildfire insurance coverage

Army Times news article about where the Army troops will be used at the stadium, fairgrounds,etc to help: Click here

ABC News Excellent article-today’s Governor’s speech, 1239 Federal Firefighters, and tonight’s ABC 20/20 broadcast at 10pm EST as well as comments from FEMA and more damage assessments: Click here

Video and Audio footage of fires at ABC New’s I-Caught: Click here  (The sound of the wind is horrific)

***Updates 5pm CST:

Insurance Network ( IINC)  of CA- list of wildfires with insurance dollar data through 2007:  Click here

Telephone Numbers for Insurance Companies in CA to report a claim (or adjusting firm marketing!): Click here

Insurance Information Institute (III.org) information on US Wildfire Catastrophe 1970-2006: Click here

Insurance Journal information on Carriers Assessing the Damage: Click here

Red Cross Shelters for CA Wildfires and Details on structures damaged and structures threatened per wildfire: Click here

**Update 8:20pm CST 10/23/07  One million now evacuated: Click here

    Carriers report in as of 2pm today to Insurance Information Network of California with 1,760 claims thus far reported and projected insured losses now $500 million: Click here

Tropics Active- Tropical Depression 11 forms – Hail in Phoenix,AZ?

Tropical Depression 11 is being monitored for development with reports indicating it may reach Tropical Storm status later today. Here is a link to the first advisory.

Ralph’s Tropical weather site is confirming what Fox news is saying that there are numerous other storms being monitored for development. Here is a link to Ralph’s weather site. It was last updated very late last night so check back for regular updates.

The news is also reporting golf ball size hail in Phoenix, AZ last night. The only thing I can find here on NOAA storm reports for yesterday is 1 report for Gila county with 1.75 size hail. There is also a report on there for hail in Fresno,CA. **update-Fox news weather is showing the golf ball size hail photos from Scottsdale, AZ. I couldn’t find anything in the local news reports in Phoenix or Scottsdale news.

We’ll update this later today as things develop. As far as TD 10 went, it made landfall next door in Ft Walton and we had absolutely no damage that I’m aware of in the panhandle.

Possible Tornado in FL and MN on 9/20/07- Tropical Disturbance 93L

We received state of FL emergency alerts throughout the evening as high winds and tornado warnings went up in various FL counties as a result of the soon to be expected tropical storm passing through FL yesterday and today.

We are gathering damage assessment reports now on the storms. Thus far, Eustis, FL in Lake County FL is the area suffering the largest amount of property damage. Fox news is reporting only 50 homes damaged with 20 of those being uninhabitable. This will definitely not bring in the need for storm troopers. Many carriers such as State Farm and Liberty Mutual  have regional offices in the area in Orlando and Winterhaven,FL. The great news is there are no fatalities. Here is a link to an article coming from their local news.

There was also a possible tornado and definite storm damage in MN in many counties. Here is an article that summarizes the damage and also indicates they had large hail. Unfortunately, there has been 1 fatality with a 13 year old boy in this storm. Without reading more reports at this time, it is hard to assess what the need may be for independent adjusters but we will update this blog entry throughout the day as more becomes known.

You can continue to watch Florida tornado warnings throughout the day using this link here to state alerts for reports and of course following the NOAA storm reports for today and yesterday by using this link here to storm reports which is constantly updated.  The reports for 9/20/07 in this link do show hail in MN on 9/20 and wind damage reports from several FL counties. The FL county reports are already reporting many tropical storm alerts posted for panhandle counties for  subtropical storm depression ten. The first advisory was posted at 10am CDT.

Note that the Mineral Management Service website is reporting oil rigs and gas platforms in the Gulf are already undergoing evacuations in preparation for 93L possibly turning into a Tropical storm in the next few hours and Fox news is reporting possible tropical storm status or hurricane status later today on 93L currently being investigated. Here is a link to the top story on the Mineral Management website.

I sure hope we don’t lose power here later tonight in the panhandle! I’ll update this today if there are significant updates on damage assessment information from the 2 storms and to 93L warnings and progress today.

Humberto makes landfall as Category 1 Hurricane- Damage links and stats and adjuster licenses

Fox news is reporting 1 fatality and over 100,000 without power in the aftermath of Hurricane Humberto’s landfall about 2-3 am near High Island, TX. It’s been a real surprise that Humberto progressed from a TD to Hurricane 1 status in the early hours this morning. Fox is showing video footage this morning of the damage in High Island.

 There are reports of a possible tornado near High Island. Reviewing reports on the population of the area, it appears to be about 500 and here’ s some stats on where this is located:

HIGH ISLAND, TEXAS
Galveston County, Texas Gulf Coast
Hwy 87 and Hwy 124 on the Bolivar Peninsula
21 miles S of Winnie
47 miles S of Beaumont
19 miles NE of Crystal Beach
26 miles NE of Port Bolivar
Population: 500
Here are two updated news reports out in the past few minutes about the one death and the power outages here and here.

Here’s a hurricane blog from Lake Charles, LA for further updates from the Louisiana area. Here is also a link to the state of LA Executive Emergency order. Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance does have some binding restriction notices posted yesterday here. Before you accept an assignment working their claims,  you might want to read these articles here , here,  and here on the financial records problems and other issues faced by this organization. It sure doesn’t seem that the $220K salary for the head of this group mentioned in this article is worth the hornet’s nest he walked into!

 Some of you may also find this blog humorous about one writer’s storm damage from Humberto which gave me a chuckle this morning.

Reports about Hurricane Humberto landfall from several sources this morning:

Reuters News

Beaumont News

Port Arthur News

Houston AP news

Checking the TX emergency management site, there have not been updates since about 8pm last night. This always drives me nuts as we have the same thing happen in FL for the most part where we can gather more  current news from the local press than the emergency management websites . The link is posted here anyway to check back for new updates. There is also nothing yet up on the Texas Windstorm Association news but here is the link to check back for updates on claims.

Here is the link for Texas emergency adjuster license information.

Here is the link for the Louisiana new 2007 adjuster license information and the emergency adjuster report form here.

Prior blogs here provide links for those of you deploying who may need temporary housing while this link provides information on billingual transcription services. We also hope those of you that are new take a few minutes to review this timely article by Mariposa LTD with great advice on Time Management when starting a storm and this blog by guest blogger Steve Ebner on Crisis Management while dealing with policyholders. It’s also important for new adjusters to remember how important agents are in the claims process so you might want to review our blog on agency and claim relationships here. Disaster communication and a discussion on throw away phone advice is here.

The latest 11am reports showing winds now at 63 mph can be viewed here and the projected path  and information on other tropical information here at Ralph’s and at Caribbean36o here.

ClaimSmentor and UCF’s Florida Insurance University form Sponsor Partnership

We are pleased and honored to announce agreement with the University of Central Florida’s Insurance University to a mutual sponsorship of our  education programs between their Florida Insurance University and ClaimSmentor.

Here is a link to their site with our ClaimSmentor banner ad. Watch for their banner ad up  shortly on our sponsors page here.

Dr Michael Birzon of UCF’s Florida Insurance University has been of great support to ClaimSmentor members providing updates regarding adjuster’s license information as there are new developments in Florida as well as clarifying questions participants have had on the new 2007 CE information (FL no longer sends out CE reminders) and the very confusing issue of self- appointments for independent adjusters in our ClaimSmentor forums.

The program at the University of Central FL provides online adjuster licensing courses which waive the FL exam for both resident and non resident adjuster licenses. They also provide continuing education classes for FL adjusters. Dr Birzon has been instrumental in helping clear the confusion on the TX license issue as we’ve run across many Florida residents who thought that the TX non resident license would apply to them since it is reciprocal with FL only to learn as a permanent resident in FL that the exam was not waived for them without taking the FL exam or the online course options. We do enjoy also following Dr Birzon’s regular updates on his blog here.

We hope you’ll take some time to review their website and see the many carriers they are associated with. We highly recommend their programs and CE courses for your adjuster licensing needs. You will find Dr Birzon very approachable should you have questions and need to contact him directly reqarding your FL licensing needs.

TS Gabrielle- East Coast Windpool and Emergency Licensing Information

Reports indicate tropical Storm Gabrielle off the East coast of the US is at about 45 mph. Fox news tv reports are stating it could reach minimum hurricane strength before making landfall. They do not mention it in this report issued after today’s 8am forecast which says it’s about 280 miles off of the coast from Cape Lookout, NC. Here is a visable satelitte loop off of Cape Hatteras to take a look at the storm. This discussion model indicates that tropical storm warnings may be issued later today. This report on the local storm forecast from Charleston,SC indicates that they expect storm warnings for GA and southeast SC to be cancelled later today as the storm remains out to sea while this report from NC states there will be little flooding.

This doesn’t look like it will be a big weather event for adjusters. We have previously posted information on ClaimSmentor about emergency adjuster licensing and the windpool information for the coastal areas of SC, NC, and VA as well as information on the adjusting firms working claims for these windpools as well as emergency adjuster license information for these states. We will update this blog late tonight or early tomorrow if there are significant changes in the storm or expected flooding situation for these east coast states so check back by 10am Sunday for updates on the state windpools and emergency adjuster licensing information you will need if it appears there may be a need for independent adjusters.

NAIC Model Independent Adjusters Licensing Act Cancelled…and changes in NM, NC, and TX licensing

Wasn’t it just yesterday I mentioned that change is certain in the Insurance adjusting world?

In that blog, we reported we could not find an update to the April 2007 draft of the model act which lead to further research on this topic.

We were able to locate the Spring newsletter of the American Association of Independent Claims Professionals which announced in the Spring letter that the NAIC Model Independent Licensing Act will not be pursued due to legislation regarding NAIC new Model Acts in general.

This Spring news letter also has important updates regarding Independent Adjuster licensing regulations in New Mexico, North Carolina and Texas which you can read all about on page 4 of the Spring newsletter here.