East Bay Claims Association News Network - February 2016

February 2016 Volume XXIV Number II

Since 1993 with East Bay!

Got Gas?!

w w w. EastBayAdjusters.org

Ken Ridings to address February 10th EBCA Luncheon Gathering

Join the EBCA for our next Luncheon Meeting of the New Year!

Wednesday

February 10, 2016 as we welcome guest speaker

Ken Ridings

Engineering Design & Testing at

Zio Fraedo’s 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 - see page 7

Christine Reed Pinch-Hits with Informative Legal Review at January EBCA Luncheon - see page 6

2

East Bay Claims Association News Network • February 2016 The East Bay Claims Association is a charitable and educational organization that is dedicated to the betterment of Insurance Claims Professionals, through: continuing education; industry knowledge and contacts; and a strong commitment to integrity and respect in networking.

2016 OFFICERS

President

Vice President

Secretary

Andrea Latimer

Gemma Houser

Michelle Windsor-Baughman

Paul Davis Restoration

CRDN

Alliance Environmental Group

(510) 803-7069

(925) 872-6333

(707) 673-3252

gemmahouser@hotmail.com

michelle.windsor@crdn.com

Im. Past President

Treasurer

Joe Baughman

John Ehlert

SRI Environmental

JR Structural

AndreaLatimer@alliance-enviro.com

(925) 469-8000

john@jrstructural.com

(925) 788-3875

jbaughman@srienviro.comm

As per the East Bay Claims Associaiton bylaws, 2016 Presdient Gemma Houser shall appoint her board of directors from the membership within the first month of office.

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3

East Bay Claims Association News Network • February 2016

EBCA Schedule of Upcoming Events FEBRUARY 2016

VOLUME XXIV . NUMBER II

EBCA Mission Statement:

The East Bay Claims Association is a charitable and educational organization that is dedicated to the betterment of Insurance Claims Professionals, through: continuing education; industry knowledge and contacts; and a strong commitment to integrity and respect in networking.

In order to accomplish this mission, the Association provides a forum and network for insurance claims professionals to meet and share information. This forum and fundraising events held by the group also help to connect insurance claims professionals in local communities and expands public awareness of the work performed by insurance claims professionals.

East Bay Claims Association 25A Crescent Drive, #266 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

2 3 4 5

• 2016 EBCA Officers • EBCA 2016 Schedule of Upcoming Events • People On The Move • New Year Already Flying By! EBCA 2016-’17 President Gemma Houser

6 • Quality Legal Review at January EBCA Luncheon 7 • “Got Gas”, with Ken Ridings @ March 9, 2016 EBCA Luncheon 8 • 2016 EBCA Membership Application 9 • East Bay Claims A.N.N. Services Directory 10 • Association News Network Job Connection classifieds 11 • News From the Department of Insurance www.EastBayAdjusters.org

Association meetings held at: Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant 611 Gregory Lane Pleasant Hill, CA

Luncheon Meetings -

2nd Wednesdays of most months:

• FEBRUARY 10, 2016 • MARCH 9, 2016 • APRIL 13, 2016 • MAY 11, 2016 • JUNE 8, 2016 Friday, July 22, 2016

Annual EBCA Gold Tournament - Eagle Vines Golf Course, Napa

4

East Bay Claims Association News Network • February 2016

ALLIANCE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP EXPANDS WITH NEW NORTHERN CALIFORNIA OFFICE Azusa, Calif. – Alliance Environmental Group, a leading environmental contractor, announced today the opening of their new office in Fairfield, California.

The new office, located at 4950 Fulton Drive, Suite E, Fairfield, CA 94534, is the third branch office to open in Northern California and the ninth one in the state.

“We have experienced steady and solid growth in Northern California,” said Joseph McLean, Chief Executive Officer of Alliance Environmental. “By adding an office Ed Work in Fairfield, we will be able to provide easier accessibility and faster response times to clients in the East Bay and Sacramento areas.”

Andrea Latimer Heading the office is Edward Work, who has over

San Francisco/San Mateo/Mtn View 800/439-8833

Novato

415/493-2211

Napa County/Vallejo/Benicia 800/648-1608

Concord

800/480-TIDY

Oakland/Alameda 510/351-0581

Livermore/Hayward 925/960-1377

Fire • Water • Smoke • Odor • Mold • Trauma • Vandalism Residential • Commercial

www.servicemasterclean.com

11 years of experience in the environmental industry. Managing the day-to-day operations will be Greg Sanz.

“Greg is a proven leader, and has surpassed all expectations and benchmarks in his time with the company,” McLean said. “And, he will spearhead the growth of the Alliance team in the North-East Bay area.”

East Bay Claims Association’s 2016 Secretary, Andrea Latimer, will also lead the Alliance marketing efforts for this new region.

The office will offer the full range of Alliance Environmental’s services: asbestos, lead paint and mold removal; fire cleanup; infectious control; air duct, kitchen hood and dryer vent cleaning; demolition and site clearing; heat treatment for pest control; structural pasteurization; and trauma/emergency response cleanup.

With more than 75 years of experience, Alliance Environmental Group, Inc. is one of the leading environmental contractors in California. Alliance Environmental provides innovative solutions in the areas of asbestos, lead, and mold abatement; air and HVAC duct cleaning; heat treatment for pest control; structural pasteurization; demolition and emergency response.

The company proudly states that they have successfully completed more than 100,000 remediation projects in California and surrounding areas.

The new Fairfield office line is: 707-419-7638. Greg Sanz may be reached at: 707-672-7237. Andrea Latimer at: 707-673-3252, or andreaLatimer@alliance-enviro. com.

For more information, go to www. alliance-enviro.com.

East Bay Claims Association News Network • February 2016

New Year Already Flying By

W

5

ow! I can’t believe I’m sitting down to write the February President’s Message already. This year is already flying by! I am loving the much-needed rainfall, but it’s not much fun when you have a boot on your foot.

February Message from 2016-2017 EBCA President Gemma Houser

My kids are enjoying puddle-jumping while I am trying to avoid as much water on the ground as possible.

I am so sorry that I missed the Annual Law Review at the January meeting. Thank you to Christine Reed, of Low Ball & Lynch, for pinch-hitting for scheduled speaker, Joseph Fenech. From all accounts, she did an amazing job providing us with some great information for our industry, especially with just one night before to prepare.

Thank you to Michelle Baughman for stepping-in for me to run the meeting since I was unable to make it.

I want to recognize Jennifer Pinney, with CRDN, and Amaya Fine, with Restoration Clean Up Company, for putting together an amazing Kick-Off Party. You both did such an incredible job at picking out the location and putting together all of the food and decorations. It was so nice to hang out with everyone in a relaxed setting and it turned out to be a fabulous event. I look forward to doing it again next year. Thanks to our sponsors CRDN, Paul Davis Restoration, & PW Stephens who helped make the event possible.

Thank you to Donna Topp from Units Mobile Storage for being the centerpiece sponsor for January. Donna is also in charge of the centerpiece sponsorships for 2016. If you are interested in bringing in centerpieces for a meeting please talk to her at out next meeting.

Coming up in February our own EBCA member, Engineer Ken Ridings, with a look at Natural Gas-related claims: “Got Gas?!” Ken’s been a long time supporter of EBCA, and served as an officer of the association for many years. I am fascinated to hear his presentation. Information and registration for the event may be found on our website.

Our Membership Drive for 2016 is happening! Our association depends on our members so please make sure to renew/join now. You can go to our website www.eastbayadjusters.org to become a member or feel free to contact our Membership chair Lynna Harrison or call her at (925) 785-7021 for more information. I encourage you to bring new people to our meetings.

We are doing a quarterly competition for our members. Every time you bring someone new to the luncheon your name goes in for a drawing. So bring some folks along so you can be entered.

Please do not forget to respond to our Evite or call Andrea Latimer at (408) 829-5807. It’s simple to purchase your lunch now on-line at www. eastbayadjusters.org.

I look forward to seeing you at the February meeting. Please don’t forget to pay on-line and RSVP. Respectfully,

Gemma Houser Complete Rebuild Plans for Insurance Repair Projects

(Architectural, Structural, Title 24, Etc.)

600 Main Street, Suite E Pleasanton, CA 94566

925.469.8000

www.JRStructural.com

Structural Evaluations & Reports Residential Remodels, Additions, & New Homes

Gemma Houser 2016-’17 President, East Bay Claims Association Paul Davis Restoration (510) 803-7069 gemmahouser@hotmail.com

6

East Bay Claims Association News Network • February 2016

Legal Review at January EBCA Luncheon

Christine Reed, of Low Ball & Lynch did an admiralable job of pinch-hitting for scheduled speaker, Joe Fenech, at the January East Bay Claims luncheon.

EBCA Secretary, Andrea Latimer, and Board Member Jennifer Pinney welcomed January meeting attendees.

Happy Birthday to Andrea Latimer.

EBCA Speaker Chair Jodi DeVillier thanked guest speaker, Christine Reed, of Low Ball & Lynch.

EBCA VP Michelle Baughman and Lisa Winn spoke about the upcoming CCNC. Julie Moore, of VeriClaim, wins a door prize.

Congratulations to Jodi DeVillier, of Coast Construction, on winning the 50/50 Raffle drawing at the January luncheon meeting.

The other 50% of the money is designated to a chosen EBCA Charitable cause.

Residential & Commercial Reconstruction 24 hour emergency service

MARK SCOTT

construction, inc.

Lic. #682814

Pleasant Hill - Main t: 925-944-0502 Stockton t: 209-982-0502 Fairfield t: 707-864-8880 msconstruction.com

Got Gas?!

7

East Bay Claims Association News Network • February 2016

J

Ken Ridings to address February 10th EBCA Luncheon Gathering

oin the East Bay Claims Association for our next luncheon meeting of the new year, Wednesday, February 10, 2016, as we welcome East Bay Claims Association’s own, Ken Ridings, of Engineering Design & Testing Services. Mr. Ridings will be presenting his talk entitled “Got Gas”, a look at natural gas related claims.

Non-members pay slightly more for lunch.

So, why not JOIN NOW for 2016?!

Please purchase your entry or make a reservation with 2016 EBCA Secretary Andrea Latimer, 707-673-3252.

Plan Now For These Upcoming Luncheon Meetings:

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Ken Pritten, PE Engineering Design & Testing, Inc.

“Getting Charged Up About Subrogation”

Wednesday, April 13, 2016 Andrew Titley Electronic Restoration Services

“Spark Your Interest in Electronic Restoration”

Join the EBCA for the next Luncheon Meeting of the Year!

Wednesday

February 10, 2016 as we welcome guest speaker

Ken Ridings

Engineering Design & Testing at

Zio Fraedo’s 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 11:15am Check-in Luncheon 12:00 noon - 1:00pm

FREE to 2016 Adjuster Members Adjusters Now Join for FREE

(suggested $10 donation to the EBCA Charitable Fund) $45 Non-Members/Guests or No Reservations

$35 for current paid 2016 Associate Members Purchase your lunch online, at:

www.EastBayAdjusters.org

Otherwise, for payment by cash or check at the door, please make reservations now with

2016 EBCA Secretary, Andrea Latimer:

707-673-3252 • andreaLatimer@alliance-enviro.com

The Finest Name in Safe Overspray Removal

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East Bay Claims Association News Network • February 2016

2016 EBCA Membership Application MISSION STATEMENT: The East Bay Claims Association is a charitable and educational organization that is dedicated to the betterment of Insurance Claims Professionals, through: continuing education; industry knowledge and contacts; and a strong commitment to integrity and respect in networking.

In order to accomplish this mission, the Association provides a forum and network for insurance claims professionals to meet and share information. This forum and fundraising events held by the group also help to connect insurance claims professionals in local communities and expands public awareness of the work performed by insurance claims professionals.

JOIN NOW for 2016

Adjusters Join FREE!

Membership Eligibility: Terms of Eligibility for Membership - Section 2.03 of EBCA Bylaws Membership in East Bay Claims Association shall be open to the following categories: Insurance Company Claims Adjusters, Independent Claims Adjusters, Insurance Defense Attorneys, and Associate members. Associate Members include claims industry service providers. The Board of Directors shall review each membership application received for approval, insuring the above criteria have been met. East Bay Claims Association does not consider public adjusters and plaintiffs attorneys to be claims service providers and therefore they do not meet the aforementioned eligibility criteria.

Primary Member/Contact Name:____________________________________________________ Company:_____________________________________________________________________ Address:______________________________________________________________________ City/St/Zip:_____________________________________________________________________ Telephone:_____________________________________________________________________ Email:_________________________________________________________________________ Additional Corp Member Name: ____________________________________________________

Please complete and submit form for our records. Donation to Email:_________________________________________________________________________ the EBCA Charitable Fund appreciated but not necessary to join.

o Individual Membership

$54.95 per person

o Corporate Membership

(up to 3 persons) - $109.95

Please include your Email address. You will receive meeting E-vite notices, member-only events announcements, CCNC updates, and the monthly Association News Network E-News edition. Our commitment is to maintain the security of your information. Neither EBCA nor Association News Network, Inc. will ever make your name available to any other list or organization without your expressed permission.

Third Corp Member Name: ________________________________________________________ Email:_________________________________________________________________________

As many as three (3) people from the same business entity may join together with a Corporate Membership. Each will receive their own free copy of the monthly East Bay Claims Association News Network publication, as well as all other membership benefits.

For more than three (3) members, multiple “corporate memberships” may be purchased at the same Early-Bird discounted rate of $90.ºº each (regularly $110ºº).

Your payment by credit card is preferred. Please go to: www.EastBayAdjusters.org For payment by check, please make your check(s) payable to East Bay Claims Association, and submit by mail to:

Total Amount Enclosed: $ ________

EBCA Membership

25A Crescent Drive, #266, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 or just bring it with you to a luncheon.

To Pay by Credit Card, go to: www.EastBayAdjusters.org

EBCA Designated Charitable Beneficiaries Include: 3 Bay Area Crisis Nursery 3 Childrens’ Hospital Oakland 3 Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation 3 Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano Counties

3 American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

3 Shelter, Inc. - Contra Costa

9

East Bay Claims Association News Network • February 2016

East Bay Claims AssociationNewsNetwork Services Directory

Paid Sponsorship listings directory - for info on being included, call 925-785-7021, or email: lynna@AssociationNewsNetwork.com

ACCIDENT RECONSTRUCTIONISTS

ENGINEERS - FORENSIC

CONTRACTORS-ASBESTOS/LEAD/MOLD REMEDIATION

ENGINEERS - STRUCTURAL

BOSTER, KOBAYASHI & ASSOCIATES - Michael Kreutzelman Serving the United States 24 hr. (925) 963-9653 • (925) 447-6495 and Overseas Fax (925) 447-6589 ALLIANCE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP - Ed Work 1250 Campbell Avenue www.alliance-enviro.com • (408) 830-9700 San Jose, CA 95126 info@alliance-enviro.com • Fax(408) 980-9749 AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - Kyle Pickett 30911 Wiegman Road kpickett@amer-tech.com • (510) 429-5000 Hayward, CA 94544 Fax (510) 429-5010 JM ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. - John Moore & the JM Team PO Box 2189 www.jmenvironmental.net • (916) 726-0304 Granite Bay, CA 95746-2189 Fax (916) 726-0340 P.W. STEPHENS ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. - Steve MacFarlane/Kim MacFarlane 4047 Clipper Court www.pwstephensinc.com • (510) 651-9506 Fremont, CA 94538 Fax (510) 651-7702

CONTRACTORS - ELECTRICAL

TUCKNOTT ELECTRIC CO. - Robert A. Tucknott, CFLC Forensic Electrical Expert bob@tucknott.com • (925) 931-0800

www.Tucknott.com • Fax (925) 931-0817

CONTRACTORS - GENERAL/RESTORATION

BELFOR USA - Dave Warters/Lisa Schwichtenberg 2365 Industrial Pkwy West (888) 543-3473 • Fax (510) 887-9110 Hayward, CA 94545 david.warters@us.belfor.com COAST CONSTRUCTION - Steve Mink/Jodi DeVillier 718 Kennedy St www.CoastConstruction.net • (510) 533-7168 Oakland, CA 94606 24 Hr Em: (510) 773-6379 K2GC GENERAL CONTRACTOR, INC. - Ken Turnage We treat your home as if it were our own, www.K2GCinc.com • (925)754-5232 and value your time as we do our own.

K2GC@comcast .net MARK SCOTT CONSTRUCTION, INC. - Troy Brincat/David Dickerson Residential & Commercial msconstruction.com • Pl. Hill: (925) 944-0502 24 Hour Em Service Fairfield: (707) 804-8880 • Stockton: (209) 982-0502 SPRINGS CONSTRUCTION - Jim Atkins 881 Hurlingame Ave. jim@springsconstruction.com • (650) 222-2850 Redwood City, CA 94063 www.SpringsConstruction.com WINGARD CONSTRUCTION - Nichole Norton 2 4 Hr. Em (800) 232-7150 One-Call Contractor for all your Corp. office: (925) 689-9322 reconstruction needs email@wingardconstruction.com • Lodi: (209) 368-2464

CONTRACTORS - MICROBIAL REMEDIATION

ALLIANCE ENVIRONMENTAL - Ed Work 1250 Campbell Avenue www.alliance-enviro.com • (408) 830-9700 San Jose, CA 95126 info@alliance-enviro.com • Fax(408) 980-9749 AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - Kyle Pickett 30911 Wiegman Road kpickett@amer-tech.com • (510) 429-5000 Hayward, CA 94544 Fax (510) 429-5010 BELFOR USA - Dave Warters/Lisa Schwichtenberg 2365 Industrial Pkwy West (888) 543-3473 • Fax (510) 887-9110 Hayward, CA 94545 david.warters@us.belfor.com P.W. STEPHENS ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. - Steve MacFarlane/Kim MacFarlane 4047 Clipper Court www.pwstephensinc.com • (510) 651-9506 Fremont, CA 94538 Fax (510) 651-7702

ELECTRONICS RESTORATION

ERS - ELECTRONICS RESTORATION SERVICE - Andrew Titley 8698 Thornton Ave. www.ers-us.com • (510 ) 775-1959 Newark, CA 94560 andrew.titley@ers-us.com

I-ENG-A® OF CENTRAL CALIFORNIA A Division of Pauli Engineering, Inc www.pauliengineering.com • (559) 237-4408 Cause & Origin Investigations, Plans for building reconstruction.

JR STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING, INC. - John Ehlert 600 Main Street, Suite E www.JRStructural.com • (925) 469-8000 Pleasanton, CA 94566 john@jrstructural.com

ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING & CONSULTING

BLOCK ENVIRONMENTAL - David Block, PhD 2274 Tamarisk Ct. (925) 925-682-7200 • Fax: (925) 686-0399 Discovery Bay, CA 94505 dblock@blockenviron.com

FIRE INVESTIGATORS

FIRE CAUSE ANALYSIS - Ulises Castellon, CPCU Serving Clients (800) 726-5939 • Fax: (510) 649-3099 Nationwide! inquiry@fcafire.com

FLOOR COVERING

FLOOR COVERINGS INTERNATIONAL - Steve Taylor 5757 Sonoma Dr. (925) 426-8800 Pleasanton, CA 94566 steve.taylor@floorcoveringsinternational.com

LEAK DETECTION/PLUMBING

AMERICAN LEAK DETECTION - Hillel Salomon P.O. Box 438 (800) 353-LEAK (5325) Berkeley, CA 94701 www.AmericanLeakDetection.com BULL’S EYE LEAK DETECTION - Daniel Spatz P. O. Box 73114 www.BullsEyeLeak.com • (916) 760-8944 Davis, CA 95614 office@bullseyeleak.com • Fax (916) 760-8970

OVERSPRAY REMOVAL

NATIONWIDE OVERSPRAY - Eric Gerencser Benicia, California

www.overspray.net • (925) 408-5909 Safe Overspray Removal eric@overspray.net • (800) 345-1269

PROPERTY RESTORATION - CLOTHING SPECIALISTS

BRIGHT LEAF CLEANERS - Robert Strong Garment Restoration - Bob@blcleaners.com • (925) 455-6000 Nobody CARES about you more Fax (925) 445-6002 CRDN - Steve Depper/Michelle Windsor 2094 Mt. Diablo Blvd.

(877) 939-1588 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 www.crdngba.com FRSTeam - Jim and Courtney Nicholas 3201A Investment Blvd 510-723-1000 Hayward, CA 94545 Natalie Lagorio: nlagorio@frsteam.com

PROPERTY RESTORATION/CONTENTS

AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - Kyle Pickett 30911 Wiegman Road kpickett@amer-tech.com • (510) 429-5000 Hayward, CA 94544 Fax (510) 429-5010 BELFOR USA - Dave Warters/Lisa Schwichtenberg 2365 Industrial Pkwy West (888) 543-3473 • Fax (510) 887-9110 Hayward, CA 94545 david.warters@us.belfor.com MS VITAL RESTORATION, INC. - Nicole Norton 2835 Contra Costa Blvd 1-800-944-0502 Pleasant Hill 94523 msvital@gmail.com SERVICEMASTER OF LIVERMORE/HAYWARD - Bassam Kneizeh/Kelly Banducci 1001 Shannon Ct. Ste C (925) 960-1377 Livermore, CA 94550 Fax (925) 960-1376

Deadline for all Submissions for the next issue is

February 19, 2016

info@AssociationNewsNetwork.com • 925-785-7021 continued next page

10

E.B.C.A.N.N. Services Directory

East Bay Claims Association News Network • February 2016

PROPERTY RESTORATION/CONTENTS - continued

SERVICEMASTER OF NAPA COUNTY, VALLEJO & BENICIA - Eric Larson/Lynn Fuller P. O. Box 6867 smnvb@interx.net • (800) 648-1608 Napa, CA 94581 Fax (707) 257-1608 SERVICEMASTER OF OAKLAND/ALAMEDA - Jean Hughes 14498 Wicks Blvd servicemastereastbay@comcast.net • (510) 351-0581 San Leandro, CA 94577-6712 Fax (510) 351-4704 SERVICEMASTER OF SAN MATEO/SAN FRANCISCO - David Decker 439 Eccles Ave. david@smsanfran.com • (650) 593-4700 S. San Francisco, CA 94080 Fax (650) 873-6334 SERVICEMASTER RESTORATION SERVICES - Robert Scott Serving Contra Costa rscott@sharjo.com • (800) 480-TIDY & Marin Counties www.svmcleaning-restoration.com

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

CASUALTY ADJUSTER Freese & Gianelli is looking for a part-time Casualty Adjuster with Casualty and Property experience. Service area throughout the Central Valley. Fax resumes to 209 527-8847.

CLAIMS INDUSTRY PLACEMENTS Gary E. Mingus, GEM Search Group provides both Temporary, Temp to Hire and Direct Hire placements in the Insurance Industry also, placing Vendors related to the Insurance Industry. Call Gary Mingus 866-9354426 or email to Gary@GEMSearchgroup.com. Serving the Insurance Industry since 1995.

Liability Claims Specialist CSAC Excess Insurance Authority is looking for a qualified Liability Claims Specialist. Candidates must have at least two years of GL exp. Visit our website at www.csac-eia.org to apply.

Submit Your Job Connection ad to:

Choose from Four (5) Monthly Editions - Four Print + Online Edition: Up to 50 words just $45 (just 50¢/word thereafter)

Run Your Ad Network-Wide for a net rate of just $180/mo.

Next Deadline for submissions is February 19, 2016 call 209-229-8240 or email info@AssociationNewsNetwork.com

The East Bay Claims Association News Network© is a production of Association News Network, Inc. Published monthly as a free service to the EBCA with a commitment and dedication to the promotion and betterment of this professional organization. The views and comments expressed within the articles herein do not necessarily reflect the views of A.N.N., Inc. or EBCA. Both the publisher and the association assume no responsibility for any opinions and/or statements offered by contributing authors to the publication. Acceptance of advertising material does not constitute endorsement of the products or services offered. A.N.N., Inc. reserves the right to reject any advertising copy or placement. We encourage industry support of this professional organization - its monthly newsletter publication and web site.

Go to: www.EastBayAdjusters.org Bryan Harrison, Publisher

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11

East Bay Claims Association News Network • February 2016

New Year - New Insurance Laws

Four consumer protection bills sponsored by insurance commissioner that went into effect January 1st The California Department of Insurance announced December 31, 2015 four new insurance related laws taking effect January 1, 2016 and three other bills becoming active later in the year.

"In this new year, consumers will benefit from new insurance laws crafted to offer more protections," said Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones. "The seven bills signed by Governor Brown will go a long way toward keeping the insurance market healthy and increasing safeguards for consumers, seniors and hard-working families."

SB 426, authored by Senator Connie Leyva (D-Chino) - Senior Annuity Benefit Protection Senate Bill 426 prohibits surrender charges on the death benefits of certain annuity practices. The new law protects seniors and their beneficiaries from financial losses incurred when insurers apply surrender penalties to annuities paid as a death benefit. This law goes into effect January 1, 2016.

AB 1131, authored by Assembly

Member Matthew Dababneh (D-Encino) - Electronic Transactions

risks and premium rates from 30 to 120 calendar days.

AB 387, authored by Assembly Member Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) - Policy Review Timing The new law will authorize the Insurance Commissioner to develop and publish new guidelines for insurers on the department's website for the purpose of streamlining and expediting the department's file review process for life and disability insurance forms. The law additionally clarifies and extends the period of time allowed for the department to review and approve policy forms and any associated

AB 1515, authored by the Assembly Committee on Insurance - Omnibus provisions This omnibus bill clarifies and improves various sections of the Insurance Code, the body of law that provides for consumer protections and regulation of insurance companies. Specifically it includes provisions that restore the requirement that interest be applied to claim payments under non-health disability policies when the payment is made more than 30 days after receipt of the claim. It also restores the requirement that interest be applied to claim payments under non-health disability policies when the payment is made more than 30 days after receipt of the claim. Most of the provisions in this bill take effect January 1, 2016.

SB 575, authored by Senator Carol Liu (D-La Cañada, Flintridge) - Senior Annuity Benefit Protection Senate Bill 575 protects consumers,

Under this new law, life insurers are able to transact more business electronically if specified consumer protections are met, allowing consumers choices as to how they manage their insurance. Assembly Bill 1131 is an important step in keeping up with the increasing use of technology for consumers who seek to opt in to e-commerce for insurance transactions.

WATER DAMAGE CLAIMS • Electronic Leak Detection & Repair • Sub-Slab Plumbing • Sewer Line Video Scans • Pools, Spas & Fountains

800-353-LEAK

www.AmericanLeakDetection.com

specifically the elderly and their caregivers by requiring long-term care insurers to provide annual notification of the availability of non-forfeiture benefits and contingent benefits to the insured and the insured's designated backup contact.

This law will go into effect on July 1, 2016.

SB 696, authored by Senator Richard Roth (D- Riverside) Principle Based Reserving This law permits life insurers to use the Principle-Based Reserve (PBR) method of calculating reserves required to pay future claims for certain insurance products sold to individuals. Under this reserving method, reserves are more appropriately aligned with the risks actually assumed by an insurer, and in effect, insurance premiums are based on more refined risk analyses.

National implementation of PBR requires the approval of 42 of the 55 jurisdictions within the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, representing 75 percent of relevant premium volume.

AB 553, authored by Assembly Member Tom Daly (D-Anaheim) - Enhanced corporate governance policies Assembly Bill 553 took effect August 17, 2015, as an urgency measure. This bill enhanced corporate governance policies for insurers and established new oversight tools to reduce the number of insolvencies of insurance companies.

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Got Gas?!

Ken Ridings to address February 10th EBCA Luncheon Gathering

Wednesday

February 10, 2016

JM ENVIRONMENTAL, INC.

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