PICTURES: Storm Caroline wreaks havoc across the north Press and Journal
Full coverage
Source: BUSINESS INSURANCE HOLDINGS
"Sedgwick Claims Management Services Inc. has agreed to buy London-based loss adjuster and claims management firm Cunningham Lindsey Group Ltd., the firms announced on Wednesday.
Details of the transaction, which is expected to close in 2018, were not disclosed.
David North, Sedgwick’s president and CEO, said in an interview that the transaction significantly increases the firm’s international presence.
“Cunningham Lindsey has ... gone through an amazing transformation as a company. They brought in a new leadership team at the corporate level about three years ago and they’ve done an outstanding job of getting that company in leading positions in a variety of places around the world,” he said."
Insurers’ incorrect statements to fire victims lead regulator to issue formal notice
Notice requires insurers to make sure their staff are trained in California laws and rules
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones directed the California Department of Insurance to issue a formal notice to insurers, licensed public adjusters and admitted carriers to make sure all claims adjusters assigned to wildfire claims, including those not licensed in California, are properly trained on the California Unfair Practices Act, Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations, and all laws relating to property and casualty insurance claims handling.
Source: sun-sentinel.com
"Much of the post-Irma frustration stemmed from dealing with catastrophe adjusters quickly trained and supervised under the governor’s Sept. 4 emergency authorization allowing suspension of normal credentialing requirements, Dominguez said.
One such adjuster was dispatched to an English-speaker’s home despite not knowing how to speak English, Dominguez said.
After Hurricane Harvey, “the cream of the crop” of independent insurance adjusters headed to Texas to work for insurance companies there, Papy said. Then, when Irma looked likely to strike Florida, insurers here were forced to compete to secure services from adjusters who didn’t go to Texas." (from the article)
Source: The Hill
"As the nation continues to recover from the damage caused by hurricanes, floods and fires from coast to coast, we are reminded yet again that unforeseen, life-changing disasters can strike at any time. After the initial chaos subsides, it’s only natural that those affected would want to move quickly to start rebuilding their lives.
For many, the first step is a call to the insurance company, who should be able to resolve claims promptly, offering timely financial assistance when it’s needed most. But unfortunately, a complicated patchwork of state laws governing claims adjusters provides exactly the opposite: an inefficient, time-consuming, and expensive process that fails to serve the needs of consumers in the wake of a...
Source: Time Inc
Over the years, virtual reality technology has improved so much that insurance companies are starting to experiment with VR headsets like Facebook’s “fb” Oculus Rift.
WYO Bulletin w-17065
On October 13, 2017, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) updated the NFIP Adjuster Claims Manual by adding an addendum providing additional guidance on special adjustment issues surrounding perimeter wall sheathing. The addendum expands upon and replaces existing guidance found at Paragraph P of Section VIII of the NFIP Adjuster Claims Manual.
World Series unites Houston as road to hurricane recovery winds on The GuardianAstros fan, family affected by Harvey get chance to go to World Series Corpus Christi Caller-TimesFull coverage
World Series welcomed distraction from Harvey destruction Corpus Christi Caller-TimesThrough wins, losses, cheers and tears, Astros give hope to Houston ESPNFull coverage
How Exxon shut down refineries during Hurricane Harvey and still made a profit Dallas NewsExxon profits soar 50% despite Harvey WDIV DetroitExxon earning and spending more UPI.comFull coverage
US economy grew briskly at 3% in third quarter despite Hurricanes Harvey and Irma USA TODAYUS economy maintains brisk growth rate despite hurricane-related damage and decline in construction The IndependentDespite over $130 billion of damage, hurricanes didn't derail the economy MarketWatchFull coverage
JJ Watt raised sacks of money for Harvey efforts. Here's how it will be spent. Sacramento BeeThese 4 groups will split $30 million of JJ Watt's Harvey recovery money KSAT San AntonioOil States International reports third quarter hit from Harvey UPI.comFull coverage
Second Death From Flesh-Eating-Bacteria Infection After Hurricane Harvey Is Reported ForbesFather-of-one, 31, dies after contracting flesh-eating bacteria while repairing homes destroyed by Hurricane Harvey Daily MailFull coverage
Source: cbsnews.com
9:22 p.m.: Storm surge could reach 11 feet in some areas
Hurricane Nate made its first landfall on the Louisiana coast and is expected to make landfall around midnight on the Mississippi coast, CBS News weather producer David Parkinson reports.
Storm surge will be a real threat from Pensacola Beach through Dauphin Island and along the entire Mississippi Gulf Coast. Surge of 7 to 11 feet is expected from Waveland, Mississippi to the state's border with Alabama, and surge of 6 to 9 feet is expected in Mobile Bay.
In terms of New Orleans, while it is possible power goes out, the city is on the weaker side of the storm so even if they get 3 inches of rain, there shouldn't be widespread flooding. Major surge isn't expected...
Source: miamiherald.com
Tornados are the worst. Neighborhoods reduced to a lone chimney or toilet. People searching for any shred of proof – a photograph, a vase – that their homes existed.
Ice storms are treacherous. Roof inspections require Everest-type boots – and nerve.
Hail storms leave houses pocked “as if they’ve been attacked with a shotgun,” explained Jordan Wilson, who has examined the aftermath of many. In his Indiana accent, Eric Kline pronounces “hail” as “hell,” and that’s exactly where he’s been, and back.
Then there are hurricanes.
4340 (DR-4340)
Hurricane Maria (DR-4339)
Hurricane Irma aftermath: Floridians without flood insurance face astronomical bills USA TODAYFlorida Keys residents focus on rebuilding after Hurricane Irma Local 10After Irma, inmate is hurt leaping from van and teen is arrested for having flashlight Miami HeraldFull coverage
Miami Dolphins Visit Red Cross Shelter to Assist with Hurricane Irma Relief Efforts MiamiDolphinsCollapsed crane in Miami became a sight to see after Hurricane Irma Sun SentinelHours After Hurricane Irma, Miami-Dade County Tickets Residents For Code Violations Reason (blog)Full coverage
Struggling After Irma, Islanders Lament 'Potentially Catastrophic' Hurricane Maria NBCNews.comStill recovering from Irma, Puerto Rico braces for Hurricane Maria CNBCPuerto Rico Braces for 'Potentially Catastrophic' Hit by Hurricane Maria New York TimesPuerto Rico governor: Still time to get to shelters before Hurricane Maria CNNHurricane Harvey, Irma, Jose and now Maria. Americans brace for new danger The San Diego Union-TribuneFull coverage
Tenants of public housing evacuated because of Hurricane Irma now live in the parking lot Miami HeraldPublic housing tenants trapped in parking lot after Hurricane Irma Local 10Full coverage
Source: Bulletin W-17045
Hurricanes Harvey and Irma caused widespread flooding in Texas, Louisiana, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Florida, and the southeast United States. Due to the catastrophic impacts of these hurricanes and the increased demand for flood insurance adjusters, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is increasing the amount it will pay to adjust flood insurance claims.
The entire insurance industry is searching for qualified individuals to join the ranks of claims adjusters to handle losses from Harvey, Irma, and future events. FEMA recognizes the specialized knowledge required to properly adjust NFIP losses. Adjusters must know the differences between the Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP) and private industry property...