Insurance Journal TV » Claims

Growing an Independent Adjusting Firm

bpedroso — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:00:57 +0000

Gregory M. Church, chief executive officer and owner of Church & Co., LLC, talks with Claims Journal and describes how he expanded the independent adjusting firm from a single room in his house to a national operation; as well as the important roles marketing, customer service, and adaptability have in running a successful business.

Farmers’ Quinn Discusses the Role of Social Media in Disaster Communication

bpedroso — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:00:16 +0000

Paul Quinn, assistant vice president of Claims Communications for Farmers Insurance discusses the development of the company’s catastrophe response playbook, social media’s impact on claims communications during a catastrophe and the importance of education in disaster preparedness.

Predictive Analytics & Modeling for Casualty Claims

bpedroso — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:00:03 +0000

Bill Garvey of Eastern Shore Consulting and Stephen Applebaum, Senior Analyst, Property & Casualty Insurance Practice for Aite Group discuss predictive analytics for Casualty Claims. Applebaum sheds light on what’s really happening in the industry, the potential for this science on bodily injury claims, and where he thinks the industry will be in the next few years.

Investigating Slip and Falls and Trip and Falls

bpedroso — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:00:41 +0000

In this month’s Forensic Guide podcast, Tom Parco, western region property division manager and architect for Rimkus Consulting Group, discusses what’s involved in the forensic investigation of slip and falls and trip and falls.

An Interview with Pam Stiefel, IASIU’s Investigator of the Year

bpedroso — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 22:26:21 +0000

Pam Stiefel, special investigator with The Hartford, talks about how a single auto theft referral led to an investigation of an international, organized title washing ring operating through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles and how she busted them with the help of federal investigators in an undercover sting operation.

Main Street America Group’s Approach to Vendor Management

bpedroso — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 10:00:39 +0000

Bill Garvey of Eastern Shore Consulting talks with Tim Cotton, Director of Claim Operations for The Main Street America Group. Cotton discusses the reasons and outcomes of MSA’s vendor management vision and practices. He explains how MSA procures vendors and the affect this direction has had on claims handling.

Trends in Professional Liability Claims

bpedroso — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 19:07:54 +0000

With certain professions seeing a rise in claims, Gerry Merritt, president of Hanover Professionals, discusses the reason for the increase and the main targets of such claims, in this interview with Claims Journal and Insurance Journal at this years annual PLUS conference in San Diego.

The Impact of Social Media on EPLI Loss Trends

bpedroso — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 19:07:37 +0000

Cathy Padalino, vice president and EPL Product Manager for Chubb, discusses employment practices liability insurance loss trends and the impact of social media on EPLI claims with Claims Journal and Insurance Journal at this years PLUS conference in San Diego.

The Scope of Intellectual Property

bpedroso — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 19:07:13 +0000

Robert Fletcher, president of the Intellectual Property Services Corp., explains a business’s IP, how it is valued, and the costs associated with litigating IP claims, in this interview with Claims Journal and Insurance Journal at this years PLUS conference in San Diego.

Claims Journal Print Edition

bpedroso — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:39:47 +0000

Claims information our readers want about the topics they care most about, will soon be available in a print edition. Claims Journal Magazine will provide regional, national, and international news from claim industry experts who will focus on the news and trends that effect your business. Subscribe today!

The Role of Appliances in Residential House Fires

bpedroso — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 20:29:30 +0000

Though the risk of a house fire as a result of a defective appliance has gone down through the years, appliances should still be examined as a potential ignition source says John Mulcahy, a forensic electrical engineer with NEFCO. In an interview with Claims Journal, Mulcahy describes common electrical components in appliances, their hazards and how appliance manufacturers are identified post-fire.

Liberty Mutual’s Latest Predictive Model Targets High Cost Workers’ Comp Claims

bpedroso — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 15:52:01 +0000

In an interview with Claims Journal, George Neale, Liberty Mutual general manager for claims discusses the latest predictive model that can quickly identify and manage slow emerging high cost workers’ compensation claims. Incorporating broader data, psychosocial factors and co-morbid medical conditions, helps the company better predict a workers’ compensation claim’s duration and cost.

Aerial Imagery: Latest Tool in Disaster Recovery

bpedroso — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 15:52:49 +0000

Using technology previously only available to the military, ASSIST-U.S. specializes in aerial imagery and analysis, offering insurers an opportunity to respond to disaster claims hours after a natural catastrophe. In this interview with Claims Journal, Bruce Seibert, the company founder, explains how aerial imagery benefits insurers during a weather-related catastrophe, like the Joplin tornado. Imagery can be transferred directly from the aircraft to the internet, providing insurers an opportunity to assess large scale damage quickly.

How Technology is Changing Accident Reconstruction

bpedroso — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 17:00:59 +0000

Despite detailed accident reports, witness accounts and damage photos accident reconstruction can be tricky business. That’s where the annual ARC-CSI Crash Conference, held in Las Vegas, comes in. Live, full scale crash tests and technical presentations provide in-depth collision reconstruction and investigation education.

Managing Stress in the Workplace

bpedroso — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 10:00:14 +0000

At the recent PLRB conference in Nashville, Tennessee, Dr. David Price, forensic clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist, discussed managing stress in the workplace. In an interview with Claims Journal’s Denise Johnson, Dr. Price details how stress manifests itself and provides ways to overcome stressful situations.

New Zealand’s Massive Earthquakes Result in Catastrophe Loss Handling Lessons

bpedroso — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 22:22:47 +0000

As recent events have shown, massive natural catastrophes create havoc on societies the world over. Earthquakes in Japan, South America, and New Zealand demonstrate the need for meaningful interaction and prompt resolution of the resulting claims. In an interview with Claims Journal’s Denise Johnson, Lance Dixon, chief operating officer of the New Zealand Earthquake Commission, discusses lessons learned from the Canterbury and Christchurch earthquakes that generated over 500,000 claims.

Sitcom Portrays Comedic Side of Claims

bpedroso — Wed, 11 May 2011 17:37:49 +0000

In this interview with Claims Journal’s Denise Johnson, Dori Sperko, “Workers’ Comp” executive producer, describes the show’s creation and path to a produced television pilot with a cast of veteran actors including Morgan Fairchild, Robert Carradine and David Proval.

Catastrophe Models Don’t Tell Entire Story, Says Pioneer Clark

bpedroso — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 17:55:29 +0000

Karen Clark, who pioneered catastrophe modeling for property/casualty insurers, thinks insurers, rating agencies and regulators have become over-reliant on the models. The models are great tools but they are not always the best tool for all purposes and do not give the complete picture. Other approaches must also be used, says the consultant who now heads Karen Clark & Co.

Claim System Implementation: What to Expect and How to Prepare for it

bpedroso — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 12:00:21 +0000

In this episode of Claims Beat, Bill Garvey of Eastern Shore Consulting talks with George Grieve, CEO of CastleBay Consulting, and discusses the nuts and bolts of Claim System implementation from how to resource the project to rolling out the new solution. CastleBay Consulting is in its 14th year of business. They specialize in system search and implementation for the insurance industry.

A Hidden Aftermath of Katrina: Cost Containment of the litigation following the Louisiana Hurricanes

bpedroso — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 12:00:59 +0000

In the second episode of Claims Beat, Bill Garvey of Eastern Shore Consulting talks with Claim/Litigation Management Professional Suzanne Ganier about litigation cost containment practices she instituted for Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation following Katrina and other storms. Suzanne is an experienced attorney and litigation management professional with over 15 years in the property & casualty industry. She is widely published on the topic of litigation management.

Getting to the Root of ‘Green’ Construction Claims

bpedroso — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 12:00:07 +0000

Rimkus Consulting Group specializes in forensic consulting services that focus on accidents, product failures and disputes. They find out what happened and why. In this interview, Director of Business Development John Orr discusses the special considerations that arise with green construction claims and losses and also how animation and 3-D models can help experts explain their testimony to jurors.

Making the Case to Replace your Legacy Claim Systems

bpedroso — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 17:00:47 +0000

Claims Beat with Bill Garvey, is a conversational podcast with claims industry leaders who share their thoughts on management and the technology affecting their business.

In this first episode, Randall Day, head of Product Marketing for FINEOS software, explores tangible cost and business reasons to replace old systems. He gives measurable benefits regarding claims cost, regulatory and staffing issues. Randall brings twenty years of insurance management experience to this topic, as well as his experience at FINEOS.

PT&C Focuses on Catastrophe Causes, Damages

bpedroso — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 12:00:28 +0000

Determining the cause of a major petrochemical explosion. Figuring out the structural damage caused by a windstorm. Advising how to restore a complex building to pre-loss condition. These are the types of assignments that Atlanta-based Project, Time and Cost Forensic Consulting Services (PT&C) is equipped to handle. PT&C President CEO Grover Davis shares his firm’s expertise and experience with catastrophe claims and investigations, beginning with its probe of 2009 oil storage and refinery explosion in Puerto Rico in 2009.

Fires, Explosions, Spills: EFI Finds the Cause

bpedroso — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 12:00:27 +0000

EFI is a forensic engineering, fire investigation, and environmental consulting services firm. The Texas-based company handles as many as 20,000 projects a year, identifying the human and design errors, assessing damage, and developing solutions. The cases range from routine structure and vehicle fires to hazardous oil spills to rocket explosions. In this interview, Ron Holt, president and CEO, shares some of their work experience.

Texas Restoration Firm Tackles High Profile Cases

bpedroso — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 12:00:16 +0000

As a global company specializing in commercial and industrial property damage restoration following catastrophic events, Texas-based BMS CAT has been involved in some recent high profile, high pressure cases including the Nashville, Tennessee floods; the Chilean earthquake; the plane crash into the Austin, Texas office building; and the U.S. Air flight 1549 that landed in the Hudson River. In this Claims Journal interview, Vice President of Sales David Deaton discusses his firm’s role in these headline events.

Using Employees’ Web Information in Hiring, Insurance Decisions

bpedroso — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 19:57:21 +0000

Employee screening has moved well beyond criminal and credit histories to anything publicly available on the Internet. California-based Social Intelligence Corp. collects Internet data on employees for employers. Max Drucker, company co-founder and CEO, says his service protects employers from liability in hiring decisions and protects employees from discriminatory information being used in hiring. Drucker, who helped build the insurance web application company Steel Card that was bought by ChoicePoint, suggests insurance companies might use web monitoring in investigating claims in this interview with Insurance Journal’s Andrew Simpson.

Things Ex-Risk Managers Wish They Had Known

bpedroso — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 20:20:15 +0000

Two former risk managers share some of the things they know now that they wish they had known when they were in their old jobs. Henry Good, now with Wells Fargo Insurance Services, and Lance Ewing, now with Chartis, spoke with Insurance Journal’s Andy Simpson at the MarketScout Entrepreneurial Insurance Symposium.

Advanced Technologies in Forensic Investigations

bpedroso — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 22:14:53 +0000

Technological tools and processes aid forensic investigations in many ways .In deploying technological tools, claim handlers should be aware of special considerations related to feasibility, cost and time of deployment. Examples of technological tools include vehicle accident reconstruction, digital data download from event recording devices and thermal imaging.

Excellent Claims Service when Clients Need it Most

creese — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:02:27 +0000

Engle Martin & Associates is an independent adjusting firm providing claims services to the insurance industry. In this interview with Claims Journal, Susan Froman, Engle Martin’s Director of Sales, discusses the growth of the company and providing service to their clients when they need it most.

Restoration Specialists Partner with TV’s ‘Extreme Makeover’

bpedroso — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 23:54:57 +0000

Certified Restoration Drycleaning Network (CRDN) is a textile restoration organization specializing in laundry and drycleaning services for the insurance industry. In 2006 CRDN was invited to participate in “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” a hit show on ABC-TV. Since then, CRDN has participated in episodes in 40 states. In this interview with Claims Journal, president Chip Bifano talks about CRDN’s role in the popular reality program.

How Green Roofs Are Changing Insurance Claims

creese — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 18:39:52 +0000

Commercial roofing, already complicated, is getting more so as new types and materials are being introduced. Kenneth R. Gilvary, a senior engineer with Dallas-based Haag Engineering, specializes in assessing roof losses for insurers. Gilvary says claims professionals need to keep up with how green technology, including vegetative rooftops, and new building standards are changing the roofing industry and the claims picture.

Growing Insurance Coverage for Trees, Shrubs and Landscapes

creese — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 07:08:39 +0000

With a database of nearly a million wholesale base prices of horticultural assets and a nationwide network of certified arborists and licensed and insured tree crews, Horticultural Asset Management Inc. specializes in helping insurers come up with the replacement cost for lost trees, shrubs and other landscape assets. In this interview with Claims Journal, HMI President and CEO Doug Cowles explains that while the biggest barrier to insurance products for plant material used to be the lack of a standardized replacement cost system, now several insurers are offering coverage.

Continuing Education for Claims Adjusters

bpedroso — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 03:00:42 +0000

With over 600 courses and 24/7 access online, Vale Training Solutions provides quality instructors to anyone desiring improved job skills or a change of careers. In this interview with Claims Journal, Vale Training Solutions president Jon McCreath explains the qualifications for his school, the advantages of online training, and what he thinks about the current state of the claims industry.

The Role of Technology in the Claims Industry

creese — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:50:51 +0000

The move towards technology has created an urgency with most in the claims industry to keep up with the changes in order to maintain in a new work environment. At a recent claims conference in Las Vegas, Claims Journal interviewed several professionals about how they saw technology integrating with their business.

Effects of the Recession on the Claims Industry

creese — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:47:36 +0000

The current state of the economy has affected those in the claims industry in ways that may be surprising, but not far-fetched. At a recent claims conference in Las Vegas, Claims Journal talked with several in the claims industry about how the recession has affected their business.

Using Social Media as a Tool for Business

creese — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:44:50 +0000

The ability to share information quickly and easily has made the growing craze over social media the perfect tool in making a business more accessible and convenient. At a recent claims conference in Las Vegas, Claims Journal Spoke with a few claims professionals about the useful ways in which social media is being used in the claims industry.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

creese — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:27:19 +0000

The current state of the economy poses many challenges to the claims industry, but in order to grow, you must first learn how to adapt with the times. At a recent claims conference in Las Vegas, Claims Journal spoke with some of the claims professionals about the challenges they see facing their business.