The Art of Adjusting Podcast

Send us a textIn this episode of The Art of Adjusting®, William and Chantal dive into a listener's question about liability coverage for stolen vehicles and expand the discussion by exploring related topics from various Reddit subreddits focused on the insurance claims industry. They break down the key question of whether a vehicle owner is liable for bodily injury or property damage caused by a thief, explaining that liability typically doesn’t apply since theft is an illegal act. However, they also clarify how comprehensive or collision coverage might come into play for damage to the stolen vehicle.Drawing on insights from Reddit, they tackle questions about the claims process, subrogation, and the pursuit of restitution from at-fault parties. They also explore the concept of negligent entrustment, emphasizing the importance of listing regular users on an insurance policy to avoid disputes.With its blend of expert analysis and real-world scenarios, this episode offers practical advice for adjusters, policyholders, and anyone navigating the complexities of stolen vehicle claims. Tune in to hear how industry professionals approach these challenges and to gain a better understanding of coverage and liability in these situations.This audio has been edited and engineered by Nicholas Kearns, 585-545-9976, cococola576@gmail.com, NJKearns@alumni.fullsail.eduFor more insights, you might consider a career in liability adjusting or if you're searching for reliable adjusting services, visit Auten Claims Management. To explore more about Chantal Roberts and her contributions to the industry, visit CMR Consulting.Promotions: Once Upon a Claim: Explore the magical world of claims adjusting through fairy tales. Get your copy now. The Art of Adjusting®: Master the art of claims adjusting with practical insights and expert advice. Purchase here.

Send us a textThis episode uncovers the critical challenges insurance adjusters face during wildfires, focusing on the complexities of coverage and claims amidst catastrophic losses. The hosts explore key policy exclusions, the role of governmental actions, commentary and opinion that can be found on Facebook and Reddit, and the emotional toll on victims while calling for clearer policies and communication within the industry.• Understanding insured losses from California wildfires • Coverage questions related to vehicle damage during fires • The importance of clarity in insurance policy terminology • Exploring exclusions in personal auto and commercial policies • Discussion on governmental actions impacting insurance claims • The emotional impact of wildfires on communities and adjusters • Future considerations for insurance policies and adjuster practicesThis audio has been edited and engineered by Nicholas Kearns, 585-545-9976, cococola576@gmail.com, NJKearns@alumni.fullsail.eduFor more insights, you might consider a career in liability adjusting or if you're searching for reliable adjusting services, visit Auten Claims Management. To explore more about Chantal Roberts and her contributions to the industry, visit CMR Consulting.Promotions: Once Upon a Claim: Explore the magical world of claims adjusting through fairy tales. Get your copy now. The Art of Adjusting®: Master the art of claims adjusting with practical insights and expert advice. Purchase here.

Send us a textIn this episode of The Art of Adjusting®, Chantal and William welcome Mike Connell, CEO and Co-Founder of Risk Jockey, Inc., to explore the complex world of open records and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. With decades of experience as a licensed private investigator specializing in accident investigations, Mike shares invaluable insights on navigating open records applications, obtaining critical evidence, and overcoming challenges in claims handling.Key Topics Covered:FOIA vs. FOIL: Understanding federal and state-level open records laws.Video Evidence: Challenges, costs, and best practices for requesting police body camera footage and traffic videos.Timeliness in Claims Investigations: Why initiating open records requests early is crucial to preserving evidence.HIPAA and Record Access: Navigating privacy laws and securing authorizations to expedite the release of critical records.Outsourcing Open Records Requests: How Risk Jockey streamlines record retrieval, saving adjusters time and resources.Mike also dives into the growing role of body cameras in claims investigations, the nuances of record retention policies, and strategies for handling difficult jurisdictions. Plus, discover how Risk Jockey integrates with claims management software to simplify record retrieval processes for adjusters.Tune in to learn how a proactive approach to open records can enhance your claims investigations and why outsourcing these tasks might be the key to better, faster, and more cost-effective results.Visit Risk Jockey to learn more or initiate a request.Contact Mike Connell directly at 678-230-8891.Don’t miss this episode packed with actionable advice for claims professionals seeking to streamline their processes and elevate their results!This audio has been edited and engineered by Nicholas Kearns, 585-545-9976, cococola576@gmail.com, NJKearns@alumni.fullsail.eduFor more insights, you might consider a career in liability adjusting or if you're searching for reliable adjusting services, visit Auten Claims Management. To explore more about Chantal Roberts and her contributions to the industry, visit CMR Consulting.Promotions: Once Upon a Claim: Explore the magical world of claims adjusting through fairy tales. Get your copy now. The Art of Adjusting®: Master the art of claims adjusting with practical insights and expert advice. Purchase here.

Send us a textIn this episode of The Art of Adjusting® Podcast, hosts William Auten and Chantal Roberts welcome Marty Shaw, RCA, BCMA, TRAQ, TPAQ, a globally recognized consulting arborist and author of The Professional Amenity Plant Appraisal Handbook. With nearly three decades of consulting experience, Marty is one of the few arborists worldwide who consults full-time, offering his expertise to private landowners, insurance companies, attorneys, and various organizations.Key Topics Covered:Tree Liability for Property Owners: Marty explains the responsibilities of property owners to inspect and mitigate tree hazards to prevent liability issues.Tree Risk Management Policies: Discover how municipalities, golf courses, and large property owners can implement effective policies to manage tree-related risks.Valuation of Trees: Learn about the differences between amenity value and timber value and the methods used to calculate the worth of trees in residential and commercial contexts.Large Tree Transplantation: Marty discusses the feasibility and limitations of moving large, mature trees.Tree Claims and Litigation: Explore the complexities of tree-related insurance claims, the nuances of contracts, and the importance of seeking expert advice for precision logging or appraisal cases.Marty also shares insights into the different levels of tree inspections, from basic drive-by assessments to detailed structural evaluations using advanced equipment. He provides actionable advice for adjusters, property owners, and insurers on how to navigate tree-related liability claims effectively.About Marty Shaw Marty Shaw, the first Academy Registered Consulting Arborist in Middle Tennessee, is a member of the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA) and the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council. Marty is sought after for his expertise in complex and high-profile cases across the U.S. and offers services as an expert witness for tree-related matters.Contact Marty Shaw:Website: https://www.proapah.comEmail: Expert@greenseasonconsulting.comMobile: 615-477-7889 | Office: 615-794-4377Mailing Address: P.O. Box 680716, Franklin, TN 37068For more information about Marty’s book, The Professional Amenity Plant Appraisal Handbook, visit https://www.proapah.com.Connect with The Art of Adjusting® Podcast Join hosts William Auten and Chantal Roberts for this insightful discussion on tree liability, risk management, and valuation. Don’t miss this essential conversation packed with practical advice for adjusters, property owners, and anyone navigating tree-related liability. Subscribe to The Art of Adjusting® on your favorite podFor more insights, you might consider a career in liability adjusting or if you're searching for reliable adjusting services, visit Auten Claims Management. To explore more about Chantal Roberts and her contributions to the industry, visit CMR Consulting.Promotions: Once Upon a Claim: Explore the magical world of claims adjusting through fairy tales. Get your copy now. The Art of Adjusting®: Master the art of claims adjusting with practical insights and expert advice. Purchase here.

Send us a textIn this episode, William and Chantal dive into the critical issue of confirmation bias in insurance claims handling. They explore how biases—both conscious and unconscious—can affect claims processes, leading to misinterpretations and errors. Drawing from their extensive experience, they highlight the importance of:Peer Review Processes: Chantal emphasizes the value of roundtables and diverse teams in claims review to challenge assumptions and avoid groupthink.Open-Minded Investigations: William shares insights on maintaining objectivity and considering alternative perspectives when evaluating claims, especially in scenarios involving slip and falls, tree falls, and food poisoning.Agent Biases: The discussion addresses how agents’ vested interests in maintaining clean loss histories can inadvertently lead to errors or biases, and why coverage decisions should remain in the adjuster’s purview.Avoiding Groupthink: Together, they stress the need for varied viewpoints in claims handling to ensure accuracy and comprehensive evaluations.The episode also touches on the role of communication in managing biases, with Chantal and William sharing personal anecdotes about overcoming their own assumptions.For further insights, check out William’s blog post, “Addressing Confirmation Bias in Claims”, where he takes a deeper look into the challenges and strategies for overcoming biases in the claims process.Tune in to learn how to identify and mitigate confirmation bias, avoid groupthink, and enhance the objectivity of your claims handling process. Don’t miss this insightful discussion! For more insights, you might consider a career in liability adjusting or if you're searching for reliable adjusting services, visit Auten Claims Management. To explore more about Chantal Roberts and her contributions to the industry, visit CMR Consulting.Promotions: Once Upon a Claim: Explore the magical world of claims adjusting through fairy tales. Get your copy now. The Art of Adjusting®: Master the art of claims adjusting with practical insights and expert advice. Purchase here.

Send us a textIn this Thanksgiving-themed episode of The Art of Adjusting®, hosts Chantal Roberts and William Auten reflect on gratitude, from personal appreciation to professional growth. They discuss health insurance complexities, health insurance, document management strategies, and evolving practices in the insurance industry, including the power of storytelling in claims.With warm anecdotes about Thanksgiving plans, a family graduation, and humorous industry moments, they also explore future topics like Medicare and CMS. This episode blends heartfelt gratitude with practical insights, making it a thoughtful listen for adjusters and insurance professionals alike.Tune in as they share lessons on balancing life, work, and growth in the claims industry!For more insights, you might consider a career in liability adjusting or if you're searching for reliable adjusting services, visit Auten Claims Management. To explore more about Chantal Roberts and her contributions to the industry, visit CMR Consulting.Promotions: Once Upon a Claim: Explore the magical world of claims adjusting through fairy tales. Get your copy now. The Art of Adjusting®: Master the art of claims adjusting with practical insights and expert advice. Purchase here.

Send us a textIn this episode of The Art of Adjusting® Podcast, host Bill Auten takes listeners on a detailed journey through the complexities of evaluating damages in liability claims. Perfect for claims adjusters, legal professionals, and anyone interested in the finer points of claims management, this episode unpacks how to determine fair compensation for both property and bodily injury cases.Bill explains the distinctions between "special damages" (such as medical costs and lost wages) and "general damages" (including pain and suffering) and provides guidance on balancing objectivity with empathy. Through real-world examples, he covers important principles like the "single recovery principle," ensuring all aspects of a claim are settled comprehensively, and the claimant's responsibility to "mitigate damages" to avoid unnecessary costs.Listeners will gain insights into how regional law differences, the challenges of evaluating permanent injuries, and various factors can influence claim values. Bill shares practical guidance for adjusters who must consider not only financial costs but also the personal impact on claimants' lives. From calculating loss of earning capacity to addressing intangible impacts like pain and lifestyle changes, this episode serves as a complete guide to assessing damages with fairness and accuracy.Tune in to discover the expertise required to evaluate damages thoughtfully and ethically in liability claims, revealing the art and precision behind every decision.For more insights, you might consider a career in liability adjusting or if you're searching for reliable adjusting services, visit Auten Claims Management. To explore more about Chantal Roberts and her contributions to the industry, visit CMR Consulting.Promotions: Once Upon a Claim: Explore the magical world of claims adjusting through fairy tales. Get your copy now. The Art of Adjusting®: Master the art of claims adjusting with practical insights and expert advice. Purchase here.

Send us a textIn this insightful episode of The Art of Adjusting®, hosts Chantal Roberts and William Auten are joined by David Princeton, principal consultant at Advocate Claim Service, to discuss the complex roles of public adjusters in the insurance industry. They explore the profession’s intricacies, emphasizing the crucial roles of transparency and ethical standards.David clarifies the often misunderstood position of public adjusters, addressing the stigma of their perceived opposition to carrier adjusters. He highlights a shared goal among all adjusters: to settle claims fairly and uphold high ethical standards, fostering collaboration across the industry.The conversation covers 'direct physical loss' in insurance policies, its impact on actual and consequential damages, and the importance of accurate documentation to avoid estimate inflation. They also examine the concept of indemnity, focusing on depreciating electronic items, and David introduces a historical perspective on replacement cost policies versus Actual Cash Value, setting the stage for future in-depth discussions.The trio discusses the challenges of estimating repair and replacement costs, emphasizing the need for clear communication between field and desk adjusters to bridge interpretation gaps and prevent estimation extremes.They conclude by discussing strategies to manage resistance and gamesmanship in post-disaster restorations, stressing transparency and ethical practices. David commits to further exploring historical insurance valuation cases, and Chantal plans to feature his insights in her risk management class.This episode not only highlights the essential roles and responsibilities within the insurance claims industry but also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and ethical conduct for effective and fair outcomes. Our guest's information:David R. Princeton, CPCU, AMIM, AIC, CSRPPrincipal ConsultantAdvocate Claim Service, LLC.(414)841-6462David@AdvocateClaimService.comwww.AdvocateClaimService.comFor more insights, you might consider a career in liability adjusting or if you're searching for reliable adjusting services, visit Auten Claims Management. To explore more about Chantal Roberts and her contributions to the industry, visit CMR Consulting.Promotions: Once Upon a Claim: Explore the magical world of claims adjusting through fairy tales. Get your copy now. The Art of Adjusting®: Master the art of claims adjusting with practical insights and expert advice. Purchase here.

Send us a textIn this episode of The Art of Adjusting®, William Auten takes a deep dive into one of the most common liability claims: slip and fall cases, particularly those involving snow and ice conditions. William outlines five essential defenses adjusters and attorneys must consider when investigating these claims, such as the storm in progress doctrine, non-delegable duties of property owners, and proving causation with concrete evidence. This episode highlights the importance of regular inspections, proper maintenance protocols, and thorough documentation. William shares valuable insights on how industries like insurance, property management, and snow removal can reduce liability risks through well-documented maintenance efforts and innovative technology solutions. Tune in for a concise yet impactful discussion that will leave you better equipped to handle slip and fall claims.For more insights, you might consider a career in liability adjusting or if you're searching for reliable adjusting services, visit Auten Claims Management. To explore more about Chantal Roberts and her contributions to the industry, visit CMR Consulting.Promotions: Once Upon a Claim: Explore the magical world of claims adjusting through fairy tales. Get your copy now. The Art of Adjusting®: Master the art of claims adjusting with practical insights and expert advice. Purchase here.

Send us a textIn this episode, Chantal and William share their personal journeys into the world of claims adjusting, offering insight into what fuels their passion for the profession. They explore the fulfilling aspects of the job, memorable cases that have left a lasting impact, and the unique challenges that come with navigating difficult situations. From stories of overcoming obstacles to advice for future adjusters, this episode provides a heartfelt look at the rewards of a career in adjusting, along with a glimpse into the future of the industry. Whether you're an experienced adjuster or considering entering the field, this episode will inspire and inform.For more insights, you might consider a career in liability adjusting or if you're searching for reliable adjusting services, visit Auten Claims Management. To explore more about Chantal Roberts and her contributions to the industry, visit CMR Consulting.Promotions: Once Upon a Claim: Explore the magical world of claims adjusting through fairy tales. Get your copy now. The Art of Adjusting®: Master the art of claims adjusting with practical insights and expert advice. Purchase here.