The Savvy Adjuster Podcast

Hosted by Alpine Intel

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Welcome to Alpine Intel’s The Savvy Adjuster Podcast, where insurance professionals can hear discussions by experts on a variety of topics related to what you may see in claims. We’ll discuss roof damages, electrical and HVAC system losses, product failures, fire origin and cause, workers’ compensation, complex commercial properties and equipment, and so much more. Each episode features guests from Alpine Intel’s operating brands—HVACi, StrikeCheck, National Fire Experts, Donan Engineering, Component Testing Laboratories, VRC Investigations, The Robison Group, TechLoss Consulting & Restoration, BSC Forensics, and Mecanica Scientific Services—who share their knowledge and experience through conversation and examples from in the field. Get an inside look at what the experts consider during assessments and how their insights can help you reach an accurate settlement, right here on The Savvy Adjuster Podcast.

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43 recent

August 5, 202636 min

Storm Damage Tree Removal: Emergency Response and Costs

When hurricanes, tornadoes, ice storms, and other catastrophic (CAT) events strike, tree removal becomes more complex than clearing a single fallen tree. In this episode of The Savvy Adjuster Podcast , host Chris Nichols is joined by HMI Senior Vice President Doug Cowles and HMI Director of Program Services Gretchen Piechottka to discuss how CAT events affect emergency tree removal operations, response timelines, accessibility, equipment needs, and pricing. Discussed in This Episode How CAT events could impact emergency tree removal and create dangerous tree removal scenarios Considerations for tree damage cleanup and removal affected by flooding, damaged infrastructure, and claim volume Why tree species, terrain, and regional differences influence crew and equipment requirements, such as needing cranes and aerial lifts Why emergency tree removal costs often rise following catastrophic events and how to distinguish legitimate increases from potentially inflated pricing How invoice reviews help evaluate tree removal pricing after services have been completed Real-world stories from major CAT events, including hurricanes and ice storms HMI’s invoice-review services are technical and informational only. HMI does not determine coverage, establish the amount payable under a policy, or negotiate settlements on behalf of the carrier, insured, or contractor. Additional Resources Alpine Intel Resource Library: https://bit.ly/4gldQuK HMI: https://bit.ly/44dJDqj More Tree Removal Resources Guide: HMI’s 2026 Tree Removal Cost Guide: https://bit.ly/4wwIzK9 Article: Understanding Tree and Debris Removal Costs https://alpineintel.com/resource/understanding-tree-and-debris-removal-costs/ Article: 4 Qualities Insurance Carriers Need in a Tree Service Partner https://alpineintel.com/resource/4-qualities-insurance-carriers-need-in-a-tree-service-partner/ Article: Handling Tree Claims: What Adjusters Can Expect https://alpineintel.com/resource/handling-tree-claims-what-adjusters-can-expect/ Guide: How Weather-Related Perils Contribute to Tree Damage https://alpineintel.com/resource/how-weather-related-perils-contribute-to-tree-damage-guide/

July 8, 202645 min

Emergency Tree Removal Claims: Fair Pricing and Best Practices

When trees fall on property, the damage is often just the beginning. In this episode of The Savvy Adjuster Podcast , host Alpine Intel Senior Account Manager Chris Nichols is joined by HMI Vice President of Operations Doug Malawsky to discuss how adjusters can navigate emergency tree removal claims with confidence. Emergency tree removal can impact claim timelines, policyholder satisfaction, and overall claim costs, especially if tree removal pricing is inflated. Whether you’re handling a single tree loss or managing claims after a major CAT event, you’ll gain practical insights into fair pricing, common challenges, and best practices that help keep claims moving while protecting carriers and policyholders. Discussed in This Episode What qualifies as an emergency tree removal Why rapid response matters How certified arborists help ensure safe and efficient removals How to identify inflated tree removal costs through invoice reviews Understanding price gouging in the tree care industry Additional Resources Alpine Intel Resources Page: https://bit.ly/4gldQuK HMI: https://bit.ly/44dJDqj Additional Tree Removal Resources: Guide: HMI’s 2026 Tree Removal Cost Guide: https://bit.ly/4wwIzK9 Article: How Invoice Reviews Provide Clarity for Tree-Related Claims: https://bit.ly/4eYWiSH Guide: Adjuster’s Guide To Identifying Fair Tree Removal Costs: https://bit.ly/4aHH978 Webinar Recording: Fallen Trees, Rising Claims: The Adjuster’s Guide to Impact and Removal: https://bit.ly/4vK0Jbg

April 29, 202625 min

How Adjusters Can Speed Up Hail and Wind Roof Claims with Donan On Demand

With spring storm season in full swing, adjusters handling hail and wind damage claims involving asphalt shingle roofs need ways to make the process easier. In this episode of The Savvy Adjuster Podcast, Alpine Intel Executive Vice President of Innovation Chris Scallion joins Sales Operations Manager Chris Nichols to discuss Donan On Demand, a new solution designed to streamline roof damage claims through faster assessments and engineer-backed reporting. Discussed in This Episode Challenges adjusters face with hail and wind roof damage claims The inspiration behind Donan On Demand and how it addresses these concerns How desk reviews provide actionable, engineer-stamped reports Examples of integrating Donan On Demand into the claims process The role of technology in supporting, and not replacing, licensed engineering expertise Learn More About Donan On Demand: https://bit.ly/4egSBcp Additional Resources Alpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/4ec1x2R Donan Engineering: https://bit.ly/4eMyCCz Additional Shingle Roofing Resources: Article: Wind and Other Damage to Shingle Roofs: https://bit.ly/3OzKFJ0 Article: Identifying Hail Damage to Asphalt Shingle Roofs: https://bit.ly/4vXbaZp eBook: Residential Roofing Fundamentals for Adjusters: https://bit.ly/4mUyBP0 Video: Donan On Demand Teaser: https://bit.ly/4cEdDAv

December 17, 202515 min

Smoke and Fire Impacts to Business-Critical Equipment

In this episode of The Savvy Adjuster Podcast , we’re talking about the effects of smoke and fire damage on business-critical equipment. Host Chris Nichols welcomes back TechLoss Consulting and Restoration Corporate Vice President Bob Karbin and Vice President of Engineering Mikey Minor to discuss concerns about smoke and fire damage claims and the fire damage restoration process. These include corrosive elements in smoke, how extreme heat impacts functionality, and the importance of quickly stabilizing equipment. Listeners will gain insights into how degreed engineers can differentiate between repairable equipment and a total loss, factoring in everything from fire suppression system damage to business interruption. Discussed in This Episode How smoke and fire contamination damages business-critical equipment The scientific process of wipe sampling to identify contamination levels How damage can also be caused by fire suppression systems and firefighting efforts, introducing water, chemicals, and debris Key actions adjusters and insureds should take to evaluate losses The importance of timeliness to prevent further equipment deterioration and control costs Stories from the field detailing unique and challenging smoke and fire claims, including explosions and widespread corrosion events Additional Resources Alpine Intel Resources Page: https://bit.ly/4pKAXRg TechLoss Consulting & Restoration: https://bit.ly/45eWIjN Additional Resources About Smoke and Fire Damage Claims: Article: Equipment Restoration Following Fire and Water Losses: https://bit.ly/4s00MOH Article: From FNOL to Resolved: Steps for Business-Critical Equipment Claims: https://bit.ly/3MGrdZJ Guide: The Impact of Heat on Equipment: https://bit.ly/3My1Kld

December 3, 202529 min

Drilling Into What To Do With Dental Equipment Claims

It’s time to drill down into the nuances of dental equipment claims with The Savvy Adjuster Podcast . When a peril impacts a dental office, the damage can extend beyond the patient chair. Host Chris Nichols is joined by TechLoss Consulting and Restoration Corporate Vice President Bob Karbin and Vice President of Engineering Mikey Minor to discuss the wide array of specialized equipment that can be compromised. They explore the common causes of loss, from water and smoke damage to power surges, and outline the critical first steps adjusters should take to mitigate further damage. Discussed in This Episode The full range of equipment found in a dental office, including specialized lab and operatory tools Common perils that impact sensitive equipment, such as water, smoke, power surges, and physical impact Critical first steps and best practices for adjusters to follow when receiving a dental equipment claim to prevent further damage The role of wear and tear and how degreed engineers can differentiate it from other causes of loss The restoration and cleaning process for contaminated equipment to return it to pre-loss condition Options for securing equipment to minimize business interruption for the insured Real-world examples and stories from the field of complex dental equipment claims Additional Resources Alpine Intel Resources Page: https://bit.ly/44LMUNZ TechLoss Consulting & Restoration: https://bit.ly/4pIjjNB Additional Dental Equipment Claims Resources: Article: Drilling into Dental Equipment Claims: Perils and the Assessment Process: https://bit.ly/3MAr9ud Guide: Dental Equipment Assessment and Restoration: https://bit.ly/48LZM9c Case Study: Dental Equipment Claim: https://bit.ly/44KGOxj

November 12, 20256 min

More Than Lightning: Other Perils Found in Electrical Equipment Claims

Lightning and surge are often linked with electronics failures, but other perils might be playing a role. Alpine Intel Executive Vice President of Specialty Assessments Paul Whitmore and Alpine Intel’s Strategic Sales Development Manager Chris Tomlinson rejoin Alpine Intel Sales Operations Manager Chris Nichols on The Savvy Adjuster Podcast to discuss other causes of loss that lead to electrical equipment failures. Discussed in This Episode Water damage to electronics Weather-related perils What to do when policyholders report the cause of loss as “unknown” Additional Resources Alpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/4qOGNlD StrikeCheck: https://bit.ly/47RiryK Additional Electronics Resources: Guide: Water Damage to Electronics: https://bit.ly/3XnCf88 Article: StrikeCheck Electrical System Assessment Tools of the Trade: https://bit.ly/3WPFEMM Guide: Weather Impacts to Electronics Claims: https://bit.ly/47M9OWb

October 29, 202523 min

Claimed Residential Electrical Equipment You Shouldn’t Ignore

The Savvy Adjuster Podcast returns with a look at various types of residential electrical equipment frequently found in claims. Alpine Intel Sales Operations Manager Chris Nichols is joined by Alpine Intel Executive Vice President of Specialty Assessments Paul Whitmore and Alpine Intel’s Strategic Sales Development Manager Chris Tomlinson, who each have an extensive history in the insurance industry. Listen as they discuss electronics that may fail during the cooler months and what perils, including water damage, might be affecting them. Discussed in This Episode Outdoor residential electrical equipment often included in claims (including outdoor entertainment systems!) Perils that impact electrically powered equipment in the summer months, such as lightning, and how causes of loss might shift with cooler temperatures to include fire, freezing conditions, and others When repairs may be most appropriate versus a replacement Why pools and hot tubs might still be included in winter claims Water damage to electronics, its causes, and its impacts Interesting electronics claims stories Additional Resources Alpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/42UM00Y StrikeCheck: https://bit.ly/49liPb8 Additional Electronics Resources: Guide: Outdoor Electronics: Your Guide to Perils, Damages, and Assessments: https://bit.ly/4oIh2S8 Article: Even Hot Tubs Don’t Like Cold Weather: https://bit.ly/4ofuDQY Guide: Preparing for Winter Electrical Fire Claims Guide: https://bit.ly/4obu2zV

August 8, 202539 min

Certified Fire Protection Specialists: How To Tell if Fire Suppression Systems Impacted Fire Losses

In this episode, Alpine Intel Senior Account Manager Chris Nichols is joined by National Fire Experts Certified Fire Protection Specialists (CFPS) Ted Forbes and Ryan Bain to discuss why it’s important to evaluate fire suppression systems following a fire incident. You’ll understand the difference between the certified fire investigators who determine origin and cause and the fire protection specialists who analyze whether fire suppression systems prevented or failed to prevent the spread of a fire. This can help adjusters determine what may have caused additional losses and if there may be other concerns at a property. Discussed in This Episode: The roles of Certified Fire Protection Specialists and certified fire investigators When during the claims process an adjuster should call for a CFPS How CFPS investigations can be done virtually Different types of Automatic Extinguishing Systems How location and codes impact findings Stories from the field about CFPS investigations Additional Resources: Alpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/476JtDR National Fire Experts: https://bit.ly/3J7i4Yc Investigating Fire Suppression Systems After Commercial Fires: https://bit.ly/3H1uJvm Certified Fire Protection Specialist Case Study: Investigating a Restaurant Fire: https://bit.ly/4oypsMK 5 Questions to Ask After a Kitchen Fire: https://bit.ly/4lk1Qsk Adjuster’s Glossary of Fire Investigation Terms Guide: https://bit.ly/4ftTnS0

July 16, 20257 min

Take 10: Using Expert Vehicle Forensics in Litigation

In this short episode, Senior Account Manager Chris Nichols returns with Forensic Engineer Brennan Clark of Alpine Intel’s Component Testing Laboratories and Curtis Whitfill, Vice President of SIU Compliance and CE Programs at Alpine Intel’s VRC Investigations. They discuss the role potential litigation plays in the evidence-gathering and preserving process for vehicle crash investigations and auto claims. Discussed in This Episode: What SIU investigators consider going into the assignment The importance of accurate reports and evidence preservation Keeping strict processes and single-line chains of custody at Component Testing Laboratories How Crash Data Retrieval experts may be involved with depositions or serve as expert witnesses Additional Resources: Alpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/3IuTnVt Crash Data Retrieval and Litigation Guide: https://bit.ly/3TFw2Te How To Spot Potential Fraud Concerns in Auto Claims: https://bit.ly/3TDcsqP Leveraging Crash Data Retrieval as an Auto Claims Adjuster: https://bit.ly/3GKoc7Y Best Practices for Evidence Management in Subrogation Cases: https://bit.ly/3TDQT9F

July 2, 202535 min

When You Should Turn to Vehicle Forensics in Auto Claims

Learn how vehicle forensics and other investigation techniques can be included in the auto claims process during this episode of The Savvy Adjuster Podcast. Senior Account Manager Chris Nichols discusses what a vehicle’s Event Data Recorder, infotainment equipment, and 3D scan can tell adjusters with Forensic Engineer Brennan Clark of Alpine Intel’s Component Testing Laboratories. Curtis Whitfill, vice president of SIU Compliance and CE Programs at Alpine Intel’s VRC Investigations, joins to provide insights on other evidence sources. These include video, neighborhood canvassing, and license plate readers. The pair also shares stories of times this evidence confirmed an insured’s reported auto claim details, and when it proved something else. Discussed in This Episode: Sources for reliable evidence that can be used in vehicle claims What an Event Data Recorder can tell about vehicle characteristics at the time of the loss What a vehicle’s infotainment equipment can show about cellphone usage The incorporation of License Plate Readers in investigations How to use evidence for the future of vehicle equipment claims Red flags in auto claims Real stories that show how evidence gathering impacts vehicle claims Additional Resources: Alpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/46mGDde Case Study: Retrieving Crash Data: https://bit.ly/44eD9s4 Article: How a Car “Black Box” Can Aid Insurance Investigations: https://bit.ly/3Ia33og Guide: Crash Data Retrieval and Litigation: https://bit.ly/4eE8zeY Guide: Auto Fraud Indicators: https://bit.ly/44rVhgR