2008 Property Loss Adjustment Fundamentals School

9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Registration

1 – 1:15 p.m.

Welcome & Introductions

Kristen Sizelove, AVP – Member Services
NAMIC
Indianapolis, Ind.

Marilyn Schwickerath, Executive Director
Mutual Insurance Association of Iowa
Des Moines, Iowa

1:15 – 2:30 p.m.

Understanding Coverages & Buzz Words
In this session we will explore insurance “buzz words” and incorrect assumptions that insureds can make regarding their policy. We will also explain the differences among the various perils such as all risk, open, and a named peril. Our speaker will also discuss the differences between basic and broad coverages to help adjusters learn how to accurately access and explain the differences to customers.

Laura Goecke Burns
The Kelley Insurance Center
Drake University
Des Moines, Iowa

2:30 – 2:45 p.m.

Break

2:45 – 5 p.m.

The Policy
In the session we will discuss particulars of the policy including the important terminology in a policy as well as various perils, exclusions, and conditions. We will also dig deep into the declaration page of the policy.

Laura Goecke Burns
The Kelley Insurance Center
Drake University
Des Moines, Iowa

5 – 6 p.m.

Reception

7:30 – 8:30 a.m.

Continental Breakfast

8:30 – 9:45 a.m.

Professional Adjusting: Back to Basics
Juggling new losses, old files, follow-up and phones calls is challenging for even the most experienced adjuster! In this interactive program, attendees will learn new competencies to improve loss adjustment processes and practices; leading to improved timeliness, better customer service, and successful outcomes. We will review an organized process for loss adjustment of claims and best practices in adjusting property losses.

Following this program, attendees will:

• Have an organized process for loss adjustment
• Develop competencies for developing scope of loss, diagrams and photos, damage estimation, and resolution
• Analyze applicable coverage
• Manage their claim portfolio more effectively

If you are a new adjuster, or just looking for tips and ideas to work more effectively, this program will provide you with the tools you need.

Elise Farnham, CPCU, ARM, AIM, CPIW, President
Illumine Consulting
Grantville, Ga.

9:45 – 10 a.m.

Break

10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Professional Adjusting: Back to Basics continued

12 – 1 p.m.

Lunch

1:15 – 2:30 p.m.

Evaluating a Loss
In this session we will cut apart a grain combine to help illustrate the parts and construction. This will also help attendees to get a better understanding of the construction and areas for potential farm machinery loss. In the second part of this session, we will explore machinery valuation and depreciation using information contained in IRON Solutions, Inc’s Official Guide. We will examine the data available in both the print and electronic versions, how the Guide establishes value for equipment, and how the data and values will aid you in your work.

Steve Asmus, Buyer
All States Ag Parts, Inc.
Salem, S.D.

Michelle Patton, Project Manager
IRON Solutions, Inc.
Moline, Ill.

Andy Goodman, President
Iowa Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association
West Des Moines, Iowa

2:30 – 2:45 p.m.

Break

2:45 – 5 p.m.

Denial Letter and Claims Ethics

This session will address a standardized method for analyzing property insurance coverage issues and the preparation of a denial letter explaining the coverage position. We will review the checklist for analyzing coverage issues, discuss the merits of the long form versus the short form denial letter, and consider ethical issues in property insurance claims.

Sean O’Brien
Bradshaw Fowler, Proctor and Fairgrave
Des Moines, Iowa

7 – 8 a.m.

Continental Breakfast

8 – 9:15 a.m.

Interviewing and Statements
This session will teach the fundamentals of good interviewing skills and recorded statements.

9:15 – 9:30 a.m.

Break

9:30 – 10:45 a.m.

Case Studies
In this session, we will review a variety of case studies to practice what has been taught in the general sessions. We will also use this time for a review of key points and answer questions.

10:45 – 11 a.m.

Break

11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Case Studies continued

12:15 p.m.

Adjournment