Hi Folks, it was awesome to see each of you at the NFIP meeting. Personally - I preferred the State Farm presentations by Mike Ferrier (SF Flood Guru) because he would focus on the real world. "This is what you need to know" and 99% of the words out of his mouth were what you were going to apply in the field. Those guys putting on this years presentation seemed like they just liked to hear themselves talking (with the exception of Dave Gelman the General Adjuster - he shared some useful info).
Posted By Leland on 02/01/2008 9:19 PM
One problem I noticed in the meeting is the differences (conflict?) with State Law. I think California adjusters especially need to be careful of following state rules in addition to the NFIP rules even though the policy says suit has to be brought in federal court. I wouldn't ignore state regulations just because it is a federal program.
Yeah - that was odd. Like he just couldn't care less about State law...
Posted By Leland on 02/01/2008 9:19 PM
Anyway, if you ever do have to deny Flood coverage for a garage because it has a toilet, what would you do?
All I can say is that they MEAN IT when they say a garage is not covered if it has a toilet. Or a washing machine, or a refrigerator.
It's brutal, but it's their interpretation of page 3 of the policy (a detached GARAGE). Your right - it doesn't specifically mention toilets, etc. They want a garage to be just for cars, and it was enforced at my table working flood claims. They see an appliance in the photo of a garage - and that detached structure is not covered. They expect that detached structure to have it's own policy if it has a toilet - and I wonder how many agents really know that when they write the risk. If the policy spelled out that a toilet or washing machine disqualifies it, then there is more disclosure.
Reminds me of my favorite quote out of that meeting Tuesday by the speaker: "There's a whole lot of hurt in the world" (as a lubricant to why your claim is denied, or depreciation severe on ACV only claim).