California Earthquake Authority http://www.earthquakeauthority.com/
From the CEA site:
"The California Earthquake Authority Strategic Plan, adopted in 2003, was a major milestone in the Authority’s evolution. The Plan represented nearly a year of discussion led by the CEA Governing Board, enriched by the expertise and experience of the CEA staff and energized by the participation of the CEA Advisory Panel and more than 200 stakeholders. The Plan supports expanded CEA earthquake-insurance options and encourages meaningful earthquake loss-mitigation, which both enhances the value of CEA products and provides families with added security. "
The site contains a lot of information for adjusters interested in handling earthing claims.
CEA -Claim Representatives Online Training Courses http://www.earthquakeauthority.com/index.aspx?id=23&pid=4
The links below will take you to some free courses on the site. Registration is required, you must provide an email addrress (this will be your logon), a password, your first and last name. while company is not required at registration it is required to take the course, Once you register you can click on the links a again and use the login link you see to login with the email and password information you provided. The courses are well done and aid in providing a better understanding of the CEA and their policies.
Insurance Adjuster Training for Evaluating Earthquake Claims http://www20.insurance.ca.gov/pdf/REG/28469.pdf
The below comes from the CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 10. CHAPTER 5, SUBCHAPTER 7.5.1 (pdf)
Section 2695.42 Training Standards
Every insurer shall provide training regarding the handling of earthquake claims to all insurance adjusters requesting such training who evaluate earthquake claims for or on behalf of the insurer. The insurer may provide the training required by these regulations by sponsoring a course of instruction directly or have the training provided by another entity. The insurer sponsoring such a course of instruction shall ensure that the course of instruction meets all requirements set forth at Section 2695.42. An adjuster trained and accredited by an one insurer shall not be required to be retained and deemed accredited in order to adjust claims for a different insurer unless such insurer includes additional requirements. The content of the training required by this section shall include but is not limited to the following topics:
(a) The California Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations, California Code of Regulations, Title 10, Chapter 5, Subchapter 7.5.1, Section 2695.1 – 2695.12, inclusive. Demonstration of compliance with the annual training and certification requirements of 10 CCR 2695.6 shall satisfy an insurance adjuster’s training requirements prescribed by this subsection.
(b) Determination of Scope of Loss: Adjusters shall be trained how to conduct a thorough examination of all parts of the property to be inspected including but not limited to: attics, crawlspaces, roofs, chimneys, foundations, and structural areas. The adjuster shall be trained how to make a complete listing of all recent earthquake damage. Training pursuant to this subsection shall include building code upgrade issues and procedures to be followed if additional hidden earthquake damage is found after repair of earthquake damage has begun.
(c) Loss Estimation Techniques: Adjusters shall be trained how to create or obtain an accurate estimate of all covered earthquake damage. The adjuster shall be trained regarding the appropriate level of detail to be contained in the estimate and the documentation necessary to support the estimate. Adjusters shall be trained to re-evaluate the estimate if the actual costs of repair differ from the costs listed on the original estimate.
(d) Determination of Necessity for Engineer or Expert: Adjusters shall be trained how to evaluate visible damage and indicia of hidden damage to determine when to consult with an engineer or other expert.
(e) California Department of Insurance Earthquake Mediation Program: Adjusters shall receive training regarding the Earthquake Claims Mediation Program of the California Department of Insurance set forth at California Insurance Code Section 10089.70 and California Code of Regulations, Title 10, Chapter 5, Subchapter 7.6, Sections 2696.1 through 2696.10, inclusive.
(f) Assessment of Damage to Concrete Surfaces and Foundations: Adjusters shall be trained how on the basic techniques used to determine the difference between pre-existing cracks in the concrete of structures and new cracks caused by an earthquake. Complete training pursuant to this subsection shall include methodology for determining when repair or replacement of the concrete is appropriate and proper methods for concrete repair including, but not limited to injected epoxy methods.
(g) Subsequently Discovered Earthquake Damage: Adjusters shall be trained on the basic requirements of current law regarding the obligation of the insurer to investigate any earthquake damage that is discovered or reported and when it may be appropriate to seek legal counsel to assist in making this determination.
(h) Programs Designed to Assist Earthquake Victims: Adjusters shall be trained regarding the existence of Small Business Administration and Federal Emergency Management Administration or other similar programs intended to assist earthquake victims. Training pursuant to this subsection shall include an overview of these programs and deadlines, and the coordination of how these programs and deadlines interact with the underlying earthquake insurance claim.
Note: Authority cited: California Insurance Code Section 10089.3 Reference: California Insurance Code Section 790.03 (h), Title 10, Chapter 5, Subchapter 7.5. Section 2695.1 et.seq; California Insurance Code Section 10089.70, Title 10, Chapter 5, Subchapter 7.6, Sections 2696.1 – 2696.10.