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Gale
USA
231 Posts |
 Posted - 11/05/2003 : 18:01:15
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Oct 31, 2003
PowerClaim PV version 1.0.23 has been released! The ability to value Agricultural structures as well as Multi-Family Homes, Motels and more have been added in this newest release of PowerClaim PV.
I know this product is more for underwriting and agency use but if an CADO reader would like to work with PowerClaim PV, our new standalone insurance-to-value software package just go to http://www.powerclaim.com and click on the PowerClaim PV link to down it.
Do it during November and you will be given 90 days to try PowerClaim PV instead of normal 30 days. You must mention you learned about it on CADO to get the extra 60 days free. You can call 1-800-736-1246 if downloading is not an option.
The introductive price is $99 per year and starting in 2005 the next generation will be $199 per year. |
Edited by - Gale on 11/05/2003 18:08:07 |
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Gale
USA
231 Posts |
Posted - 11/11/2003 : 01:35:25
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Attention PowerClaim Users: If you have found the prices in our databases high for residential claims we now have moved from the National Insurance and Repair Manual (NRI) for our labor rates and instead use the National Construction Estimator (NCE) database labor rates. The NCE labor rates for the line items are 32% less than when we were using the residential rates from the NRI. For example if a line item is 50% material and 50% labor then that line item payout is now effectively 16% less than before. Of course tear out (remove) will reflect the 32% lower price. While both databases have their following our in-house research of labor rates revealed that the NCE labor rate was on target with our findings so we changed pricing sources, which brought us in line with our competitors.
As a little history DDS used the NRI rates I understand from Scott and Ron where Simsol always used the NCE as their base database source. One carrier that was looking at changing software vendors told us that MSB (with the old Boeckh database I understand) told them if they would use their locked down database pricing they could reduce payout by 12% and that impressed the carrier.
As always you can edit the prices included with PowerClaim on the fly or make permanent price changes but with our new database editor it is now much faster and easier to edit prices or add/delete line items plus we now have a very nice search engine to help you find a line item in either our residential or commercial databases. If you choose to edit our databases we suggest you start with a copy of the original and name it to fit the storm you are working so you will always a copy of the original.
The name of the new database with the lower labor rates is Craftsman 2003r2 database and ships in our current Release 14D which was posted to www.powerclaim.com last week. If you are downloading for the first time this will be your default database instead of the commercial database. If you had an earlier version of Release 14 then you will have to select the Craftsman 2003r2 when you start an estimate instead of your default Craftsman 2003r1. Release 14D also includes an insurance to value module but currently is still at the $599 single copy annual investment rate. :)
If you have any questions just call tech support at 1-800-736-1246 from 7 AM – 7 PM CST Monday – Friday.
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Newt
USA
657 Posts |
Posted - 12/08/2003 : 07:35:48
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| I have just started using Power Claim, Thanks to Gale and his staff I it was made easy for dummies. I am on my way to use it again this morning on a 12:12 and about 80 Sq.s ( cut up mess ). All roofs lately are 12:12. |
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JWill
USA
28 Posts |
Posted - 12/09/2003 : 22:26:52
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All the software available is easy to use. I've tried them all and have settled with Xactimate for several reasons:
1) I can customize the look of the estimate and control what actually prints; do you really need to print the recap? (Modules/Customization Tools)
2) The sketch mode can’t be beat unless you have the money for a cad program.
3) It comes standard with a property replacement cost program.
4) Fourth and finally, Xactimate was created for the construction industry, a way for contractors to get an edge. The carriers got onboard so that they could be more inline with the estimates/proposals they were receiving. The program has the capabilities of breaking down every job to the nails used. You can’t beat that; it creates work orders and such. It allows you to tweak the pricing to your specific needs without having an accountant degree. I suggest you play with it a little it has many features.
I’m not knocking any of the programs and I understand that the carriers are scrambling to find some sort of software that will automatically lower their cost of claim handling or payments. Instead of looking to the software I suggest they look to more experienced people to handle the claims. The re-opens are what kills them. I have a rule on structural damage, anticipate the potential for a costly supplement and allow for it in your report and possibly, the reopen won’t happen.
Visiting several reputable contractor offices will give anyone a feel of the local pricing pulse. At times I’ve had 2 – 3 contactors in tow while the walk through and scope was being performed on a loss(structural/fire/heavy water). Comparing some jackleg lowball pricing and considering that a standard for the local industry is somewhat ridiculous, yet I’ve seen it. An example if I may;
In the Va. Beach area, I’ve seen estimates created with MS/B 0410, in considering the pricing for 25yr 3-tab at $100.05 per square for remove and replace and includes waste. This price includes drip edge and jacks. Astounding to say the least. I’m told that this is the going price for the area, yet I can’t find one reputable roof contractor that doesn’t laugh at that price.
Granted, I know that somewhere here somebody is doing this work at this price, consider warranty issues, workmanship, insurance, and equipment. Does not the insured deserve a chance to get proper repairs? By specifying that this software will create estimates at a lower price in actuality is lowballing a settlement, which violates most all states insurance codes.
Realistically, most of the people at this site have been or still working in the construction industry during slow times. We need to ask ourselves, “Would we do this work at that price and give customers the service with warranties in addition to the manufacturer warranty”? I think not. I believe our job not only entails proper investigation/documentation, providing enough to get the insured back to where they were reasonably is also very important. I can honestly say that when a carrier that wants lower pricing than what is documented confronts me, I walk away and refuse claims from them. Yes I can do that; I’m not employed by any of the vendors.
In closing, if Xactimate weren’t there I’d certainly have “Power Claim” and anticipate the improvements yet to come.
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J. Williams |
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Gale
USA
231 Posts |
Posted - 01/18/2004 : 00:02:43
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| If you find yourself in Galveston for NACA we will be teaching the PowerClaim class on Wed morning. Since we will be there late Monday and leave Friday morning we will schedule one-on-one or small groups at other time/place if requested. Just let Jason Purcell or me know and we will work out a time outside of the scheduled events. There is no charge by us for any training. I am not sure what the NACA convention fee is but I am sure someone does. |
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Gale
USA
231 Posts |
Posted - 03/24/2004 : 20:50:19
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We do now have PowerClaimXML Beta 4 Release 15 listed under our download section of our www.powerclaim.com web site. On the Release 15 download page you will see a ton of changes and additions.
The word Beta scares off a lot of people so I wanted to explain why we are using that designation at this time so you will go ahead and download the beta especially if you are a current PowerClaim user.
First you need to understand the “estimating” section of Release 15 is very similar to Release 14D but several issues that are mentioned on the download page where addressed so by all means if you are a PowerClaim user grab your update off of our website now. You will love the improvement and new features.
There are several reasons Release 15 is still referred to a beta. One is we still have to get the 2004 databases into this new release plus we have other new features that we are still getting feedback from clients. As you can read Release 15 fully supports the importing/exporting of claims info using XML, will work with claims management systems based on SQL and we are working to make PowerClaim completely Citrix Server ready so as to make a Citrix Server setup much faster than it is currently.
These are the areas of Release 15 that are still in “Beta” and are mainly concerns of the carriers and adjusting firms IT departments so please grab your copy of Release 15 today especially if you are currently using PowerClaimXML Release 14D or older.
If you have been emailing your files you are going to love the fact that Release 15 permits you to use your current email client so there is nothing new to set up to start sending your PowerClaim files by email now if you currently have email and who doesn’t? This permits you to track you claim files sent by email and manage them in folders like any other email.
Remember we try to catch our phones live from 7 AM to 7 PM CST M-F. In the event you get tech support voice mail please leave a detailed message and we will return your call possibly in minutes but all calls with be returned by the end of the day. It is my rule.
Gale Hawkins, gale@powerclaim.com or 1-800-736-1246
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