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Welcome to Alpine Intel's The Savvy Adjuster Podcast, where property insurance professionals can hear discussions by experts on a variety of topics surrounding losses you see in your claims. We’ll cover wind and hail damage to roofs, electrical and HVAC system losses, changing regulations and updated building codes, and everything in between. Each episode features guests from Alpine Intel’s operating brands – HVACi, StrikeCheck, National Fire Experts, Donan Engineering, and the Component Testing Laboratory – who offer different perspectives on a popular topic through conversation, real claim examples, and more. Get an inside look at what the experts consider during their assessments and why their insights can help you reach an accurate settlement, right here on The Savvy Adjuster Podcast.
Episodes
Vehicle Fire Investigations1 May· The Savvy Adjuster Podcast- Listen later
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In this episode of Alpine Intel’s The Savvy Adjuster Podcast, host Whitney Boles is joined by National Fire Experts Fire Operations Manager John Hill and Senior Auto Account Executive Joe Cosgrove to talk about vehicle fires. They cover technology adjusters may see their experts use in these claims, which questions are important to ask, what fire investigators look for onsite, special considerations for electric vehicles, how evidence should be preserved for vehicle fire investigations and potential subrogation, and more.
Discussed in this Episode
How vehicle fire investigations compare to structural firesHow EDR may come into play during a vehicle fire investigationWhat questions investigators and adjusters should ask during the claim processCommon causes of vehicle firesHow evidence should be preserved for accurate vehicle fire investigations and potential subrogationElectric vehicle (EV) fires and their industry impactReal vehicle fire stories from the field
Additional Resources
About Alpine Intel: https://bit.ly/44ZSnQoAlpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/3yv37tP
Additional Vehicle Fire Resources:
Article: The Importance of Origin and Cause of Vehicle Fires: https://bit.ly/4dQSRMrGuide: Evidence in Vehicle Fire Claims: https://bit.ly/3Kd55ByCase Study: Truck Fire: https://bit.ly/3UPCuqZ
- Take 10: Large Loss Fire Investigations17 Apr· The Savvy Adjuster Podcast
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A lot of the work to effectively handle large loss fire claims comes before the fire has even occurred by putting a process in place. Lead Fire Investigators Shawn Williams and Jim Sielehr from National Fire Experts once again join host Chris Nichols to share some tips insurance professionals can use to make a plan of action that helps these complex claims proceed efficiently, including lining up partners, being aware of pitfalls, and knowing budgetary constraints.
Additional Resources
About Alpine Intel: https://bit.ly/3wNrKRYAlpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/44X4Vrx
Additional Fire Investigation Resources:
Guide: Fire Claims: From Investigation to Litigation: https://bit.ly/3RjGG1pGuide: 5 Questions to Ask Before a Fire Investigation: https://bit.ly/4bS0v7LArticle: How Intensity and Duration Dictate Structural Damages in Fires: https://bit.ly/3VdzbLL
Missing episodes?
- Large Loss Fire Investigations3 Apr· The Savvy Adjuster Podcast
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In this episode of Alpine Intel’s The Savvy Adjuster Podcast, host Chris Nichols speaks with Lead Fire Investigators Shawn Williams and Jim Sielehr from National Fire Experts. They discuss the unique considerations of a large loss fire, how other parties factor into the process, and how adjusters can ensure they’re picking an assessment partner who’s prepared to handle the complexities of these claims.
Discussed in this Episode
What constitutes a large loss fire claim?What other interested parties – and their representatives – may be involvedWhat adjusters should look for in a fire assessment partnerCommon causes of large loss fire claimsTypical large loss fire assessments step by stepReal stories from National Fire Experts large loss investigations
Additional Resources
About Alpine Intel: https://bit.ly/3WYLFrAAlpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/3KhBnv6
Additional Fire Investigation Resources:
Guide: What to Expect From Your Fire Investigation: https://bit.ly/3KbtCXBGuide: Your Questions About Fire Investigation Evidence Answered: https://bit.ly/3QSC168Case Study: Apartment Fire: https://bit.ly/4bG9PM0
- Take 10: Hail Damage and Collateral Indicators20 Mar· The Savvy Adjuster Podcast
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In this episode of Alpine Intel’s The Savvy Adjuster Podcast, Donan Principal Forensic Engineer Marvin Aiken and HVACi Field Operations Manager Joe Brinlee bring their expertise to a follow-up conversation about collateral indicators with host Whitney Boles. After a quick recap of hail, they discuss how other weather phenomena like wind and flooding can impact collaterals. Listen to learn why accurate cause of loss determinations require comprehensive assessments.
Additional Resources
About Alpine Intel: https://bit.ly/4buLCIBAlpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/3UQAoag
Additional Resources for Hail, Wind, and Flooding:
Case Study: Hurricane Residential Claim: https://bit.ly/4bJ0t1GGuide: Wind Damage and Other Losses to Asphalt Shingles: https://bit.ly/3yvS6IIeBook: Adjuster Tips for Hurricane Claims with HVAC Systems: https://bit.ly/3WMU6q7
- Hail Damage and Collateral Indicators6 Mar· The Savvy Adjuster Podcast
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In this episode of Alpine Intel’s The Savvy Adjuster Podcast, host Whitney Boles is joined by Donan Principal Forensic Engineer Marvin Aiken and HVACi Field Operations Manager Joe Brinlee. They explain why inspecting collateral indicators is important to hail assessments of roofs, structures, and HVAC equipment; the difference between cosmetic impacts and functional hail damage; and when adjusters should consider claim support from both a forensic engineer and an HVAC expert.
Discussed in this Episode
What are collateral indicators, and why do they matter to your claim?How experts identify cosmetic impacts vs. functional damageOther causes of loss frequently reported as hail damageWhen a claim can benefit from both a structural and an HVAC inspectionReal examples of how collateral indicators have been valuable to Alpine Intel assessments
Additional Resources
About Alpine Intel: https://bit.ly/3wHRQWxAlpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/3wI25Kv
Additional Structural and HVAC Hail Resources:
Article: The Effect of Corrosion on Repairing Hail-Damaged HVAC Coils: https://bit.ly/3ypVZyGGuide: 5 Things That Could Look Like Hail Damage but Aren’t: https://bit.ly/3QY3ZNPWebinar: Hail and Wind HVAC Claims Webinar Recording: https://bit.ly/4bM27zD
- Take 5: Plumbing Damage and Subrogation21 Feb· The Savvy Adjuster Podcast
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So you need an inspection to determine if your claim’s product loss has subrogation potential. Following up on their rundown of how carriers can benefit from identifying subro. David Riggs, Chief Operations Officer for Engineering, Fire Investigations, and CTL; and Professional Engineer Adrian France once again chat with host Chris Nichols – this time to outline the process for adjusters from first notice of loss to storage after an inspection.
Additional Resources
About Alpine Intel: https://bit.ly/3QVtuiJAlpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/3QVpfUA
Additional Plumbing and Subro Resources:
Case Study: Valve Failure: https://bit.ly/3QWEf4iArticle: Five Ways to Streamline the Subrogation Process: https://bit.ly/4bykJDFArticle: Do I Have What I Might Need to Subrogate?: https://bit.ly/3V9aXCd
- Plumbing Losses and Subrogation7 Feb· The Savvy Adjuster Podcast
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In this episode of Alpine Intel’s The Savvy Adjuster Podcast, host Chris Nichols speaks with David Riggs, Chief Operations Officer for Engineering, Fire Investigations, and CTL; and Professional Engineer Adrian France. They delve into the importance of identifying subrogation potential, common plumbing losses seen in the Component Testing Lab (CTL), what the experts look for to determine if the failure was caused by a manufacturer’s defect, and exploding toilets! Listen and learn what steps you can take to protect your plumbing evidence and more to ensure you don’t let subro opportunities pass you by.
Discussed in this Episode
What is subrogation?How experts identify the cause of failure based on received evidenceHow to protect evidence against spoliationCommon plumbing conditions assessed at CTLReal stories of how Alpine Intel has helped with subrogation
Additional Resources
About Alpine Intel: https://bit.ly/4auwg5KAlpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/4dSbL5S
Additional Plumbing and Subro Resources:
Article: Common Toilet and Bathroom Plumbing Failures: https://bit.ly/4bqJWjuGuide: Subrogation Basics for Claims Adjusters: https://bit.ly/4bzwRo8Article: 3 Adjuster Questions a CTL Should Be Able to Answer: https://bit.ly/44WFKWi
- Take 5: 5 Non-Weather-Related Indicators of Damage to HVAC Equipment31 Jan· The Savvy Adjuster Podcast
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Many indicators of damages to HVAC systems can be found via visual inspection. Following up on their discussion about various weather-related perils in episode 3, Alpine Intel’s Technical Director Curt VanNess and Technical Field Manager Chris Molnar join host Whitney Boles once again for a brief look at other causes of loss that evidence surrounding these systems may indicate.
Additional Resources
About Alpine Intel: https://bit.ly/3V88UyiAlpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/3Vb2tKO
Additional HVAC Fundamentals:
Guide: Wind Damage to HVAC Condensing Units: https://bit.ly/3UZWCa6Article: Lightning, High Voltage Surge, or Wear and Tear?: https://bit.ly/4bjIjnzeBook: Ins and Outs of Hail-Related HVAC Claims: https://bit.ly/4bR3z43
- HVAC Systems 10118 Jan· The Savvy Adjuster Podcast
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The Savvy Adjuster Podcast host Whitney Boles speaks with Alpine Intel’s Technical Director Curt VanNess and Technical Field Manager Chris Molnar about HVAC equipment and their experiences with HVACi and beyond. They discuss the fundamentals of common HVAC systems and how adjusters can address claims that include them in the face of changes in climate, codes, and technology.
Discussed in this Episode
HVAC equipment common in geographical regionsHow codes and regulations affect repairs vs. replacementResidential vs. commercial inspections for claimsHow weather conditions can affect HAVC equipmentHow arcing and other electrical damage manifest on equipmentHints the surrounding area provides during an HVAC assessmentWhat an HVAC assessment offers and examples of real inspections
Additional Resources
About Alpine Intel: https://bit.ly/3WUtV0CAlpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/44V02z6
Additional HVAC Fundamentals:
Webinar Recording: HVAC Systems 101 for Adjusters: https://bit.ly/4ayCGAPArticle: The Effect of the 2024 Refrigerant Changes on Claims: https://bit.ly/3yDBnmBGuide: Residential HVAC System Cheat Sheet: https://bit.ly/4avBY7e
- Take 5: Indicators of Wind Damage Not Found On the Roof10 Jan· The Savvy Adjuster Podcast
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Evidence of winds strong enough to damage shingles goes beyond the roof. In this mini episode, Chris follows up with Kevin Huelsman and Gary Ellis about collateral indicators, weather data, and other evidence the experts look at to verify claimed wind damage.
Additional Resources
About Alpine Intel: https://bit.ly/4boaL7MAlpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/4buIGvz
Additional Wind and Roofing Resources:
Wind Damage to Asphalt Shingles Webinar Recording: https://bit.ly/3KavqjRArticle: Wind and Other Damage to Shingle Roofs: https://bit.ly/4dMWNhjGuide: Wind Damage and Other Losses to Asphalt Shingles Guide: https://bit.ly/4dUa5sn
- Wind Damage to Asphalt Shingles28 Dec 2023· The Savvy Adjuster Podcast
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The Savvy Adjuster Podcast Host Chris Nichols speaks with Alpine Intel’s Technical Education Trainer Kevin Huelsman and Donan Engineering Professional Engineer Gary Ellis about the big questions surrounding wind damage to asphalt shingle roofs, including evidence of wind damage, variables influencing shingle lifespan, other common causes of loss, and why an assessment by an expert can help adjusters make accurate and fair decisions about these claims.
Discussed in this Episode
How to define wind damage [05:25]Why shingles exhibit wind damage the way they do [10:45]What variables influence the shingles’ lifespan [12:35]Other causes of loss frequently claimed as wind damage [24:14]Which conditions are most likely to generate roof claims [34:30]Real examples of wind-related roofing assessments [39:47]
Additional Resources
About Alpine Intel: https://bit.ly/3VeudhSAlpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/4dSwtSS
Additional Wind and Roofing Resources:
Webinar Recording: Wind Damage to Asphalt Shingles: https://bit.ly/4bsyOm9Article: Wind and Other Damage to Shingle Roofs: https://bit.ly/3Vb8zLjGuide: Wind Damage and Other Losses to Asphalt Shingles Guide: https://bit.ly/3WLjz3c
