Non-Certified NFIP Adjuster Briefing

Non-Certified NFIP Adjuster Briefing NATIONAL WEBINAR DECEMBER 28, 2010 PART ONE 10:00 - 11:30am EST Hosted by Melanie Graham REGISTER FOR PART ONE DECEMBER 28, 2010 PART TWO 1:30 - 3:00pm EST Hosted by Melanie Graham REGISTER FOR PART TWO This briefing is designed for Property Insurance Adjusters seeking to become NFIP Certified Adjusters. THIS BRIEFING IS NOT FOR NFIP ADJUSTERS ALREADY CERTIFIED. Each year about 30% of those attending NFIP Adjuster Certification Workshops are first time attendees seeking to become NFIP Certified Adjusters. In their evaluations these attendees indicate that the material goes by very quickly. In response, the Non-Certified Adjuster Briefing was developed to cover the fundamentals of the NFIP. NO NFIP ADJUSTER CERTIFICATION, OTHER CERTIFICATION, OR CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION DOCUMENTATION WILL BE PROVIDED. This is a review offered to potential NFIP Adjusters for informational purposes only. The briefing is in two parts. The first in the morning and the second in the afternoon. PART ONE Introduces the NFIP. The basic elements of mapping, flood zones and the NFIP Policy forms will be reviewed. The steps to becoming a Certified NFIP Adjuster will be addressed. PART TWO Surveys the basic adjusting forms used by NFIP Adjusters. REGISTRATION INFORMATION You must register for each Webinar separately. Please use the links provided above. Once you have been approved by the host, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions for joining the session. These web conferences are FREE, but spaces are limited so register early. Currently certified NFIP Adjusters should not register, however, you may pass this opportunity to those considering becoming NFIP certified Adjusters. Seminars conducted by the National Flood Insurance Program and sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency For assistance, please contact Melanie Graham at melanie@h2opartnersusa.com. Please do not reply to this email. If you have general questions regarding NFIP Training, please write to nfiptraininginfo@h2opartnersusa.com, or visit www.nfipiservice.com/training. The National Flood Insurance Program is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a component of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). National Flood Insurance Program Training | www.nfipiservice.com/training nfiptraininginfo@h2opartnersusa.com | (800) 427-4661

2011 CNC Sponsored NFIP Certification Classes

Classes have been schedule for the 2011 for CNC sponsored NFIP certification classes. Annual NFIP workshop attendance is required to maintain an active NFIP certified status. The workshops will be held at our national headquarters located at 2928 McVay Dr. N, Mobile, AL 36606. Dates are as follows:

Feb 16th, 2011
Feb 17th, 2011
May 31st, 2011

Sign-in begins at 7:30 am and class with start promptly at 8:30 am.

Please contact our offices at 251-471-4718 x 1125 to register or for additional information.

Pipe Bursts

Arctic air masses have been moving over the US this week, with highs in the 0s and 10s in much of the US. With winter comes winter insurance claims- in the south, this often comes in the form of burst pipes.

As water freezes, it expands. Pipe bursts are caused by pipes that freeze with water in them and are ruptured by the sudden expansion of the ice. Pipes running through exterior walls, attics, crawlspaces, and garages are most vulnerable, as they are not as well insulated as pipes that run through temperature controlled parts of the building.

After a pipe has burst, the policyholder or their plumber will need to turn off the main water supply at the building. Leaving a faucet open on the line will help allow pressure to escaep. After that's done, it's time to assess the damage. Did the pipe burst in a single area or in several spots? If it's in a single area, a pipe repair clamp may be able to provide a temporary fix. But ultimately, the entire section of pipe will need to be accessed, removed, and replaced by a plumber. In addition, the entire area will need to be evaluated for any water damage caused by leaks resulting from the pipe burst.

As an adjuster, you need to take into account the circumstances surrounding the pipe burst to determine coverage. Was the house occupied or unoccupied? If it was unoccupied, was the heat left on? Did the insured try to leave water dripping? What is the insurance policy's clause on vacancies or abandonment? Were the pipes well-maintained? Does the client want you to estimate all damage, or only covered damage?

Be sure to take plenty of photos and get documentation from the policyholder's plumber. Keep the policyholder informed as you submit your file. Try to make the process easy for the policyholder and the client alike- that's what gets an adjuster more claims!

If you found this page searching for information on preventing damage from winter weather, check out these weatherproofing tips from USAA.

CNC: ADJUSTING EXPECTATIONS

Photo Contest Winners!

After a long afternoon of deliberations, the Claims Department has chosen our adjuster photo contest winners! Check out the winning photos below-

First Place was a tie between "Trailer park Ferrari" and "Adjuster Accommodations"

Nothing warms a claims pro's heart like the coming together of auto and property.


Second place- we loved how this picture showcased a view we don't usually get once a roof is gone. Check out the condition of the cabinets.


Thanks to all the independent adjusters who entered. Because we got so many great pictures, we're going to be sending pens out to everyone who participated as a thank you.

Tools to be an independent adjuster

A questions we're often asked is "what do I need to become an independent adjuster?" There are many intangible qualities that insurance adjusters need to possess to be successful, but what about tangible needs? Here are a few things a new independent adjuster might need to invest in before he or she can get to work:

• A laptop with internet service
  
• A cell phone with voicemail
• Tape measures- 100' and 25'
• A digital camera
• A flashlight
  
• Estimating software, like Simsol or Xactimate. We recommend using a trial version until you're actually deployed or getting claims. This allows you to install and get used to a program before investing financially.
• The unofficial adjuster uniform- khakis and polo shirts.
• Basic office supplies- notepads, pens, and file folders
• Copies of the insurance policies and a guide to endorsements
  

There are also some optional items that can help make life as a field adjuster easier:

• PDF software
• GPS
• Mud boots or waders
• Gloves
• Photo resizing software
  

Staying Busy Through Winter

Hurricane season is over... so what can independent adjusters who specialize in catastrophes do to make the most of the time that comes between fall hurricanes and spring floods? Here are some suggestions:

• Attend adjuster training classes. CNC offers training classes throughout winter and spring, and we will be announcing our training schedule though e-mail, Facebook, and this blog as soon as classes are finalized.
• Maintain your licenses. Every January, make sure your state adjusting licenses are up to date and note when they expire. Go ahead and note expiration coming up this year on your calendar so you'll notice as they come up.
• If you get any new adjuster licenses or certifications, send your new license numbers, along with copies of your licenses, to our HR department (hr@cnc-resource.com).

If you have any other suggestions, please leave a comment and share your experience with us!

CNC Spotlight- Catherine

Welcome to the CNC Spotlight, where each week you can get to know a member of the CNC Resource team. This week, meet Catherine,* the Claims Manager and Catastrophe Operations Manager. Catherine assigns and tracks files, ensures legal compliance, monitors the claims process, and implements improvements when needed. Catherine joined CNC after graduating from Georgetown University.


What motivates you?
I want to be an example for my son so he sees that education and hard work are worthwhile.

What's your proudest moment in your career?
Streamlining catastrophe operations at CNC between 2004 and 2005.

What do you love most about CNC?
I'm given the opportunity to make improvements and run with new ideas as I see the need. I also like working with independent adjusters- as a group, they're laid back and like to have fun, but they also know how to buckle down when it's time to get to work!

What are your three favorite things to do outside of CNC?
Play with my son, cook, and read

What's the best part of your job?
Catastrophe operations management. I LOVE it!

What's your favorite movie?
Lord of the Rings, as a unit

Favorite TV show?
Mad Men

Favorite book?
American Gods by Neil Gaiman

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island with only one thing, what would you take?
My son. I couldn't live without him.

Do you have any hidden talents?
When I sing, animals hide. I'm handy for a bear attack.

What are three places you'd like to visit?
Morocco
Jordan
New Zealand- the Lord of the Rings trail

What's something quirky or fun about you?
There's always a song playing in my head. 60% of the time it's a song I don't like or barely know the words to.

If you could hug any animal without getting hurt, what would you hug?
A panda!

You've successfully slain the dragon! How will you toast your marshmallows?
I'll be too busy harvesting his scales to have time for marshmallows- have to make that money!

*Catherine is withholding her last name because she doesn't want people to be able to Google her