East Bay Claims Association News Network - March 2016

March 2016

Since 1993 with East Bay!

Volume XXIV Number III

w w w. EastBayAdjusters.org

Subrogation Ken Pritten to address March 9th EBCA Luncheon Gathering Join the EBCA for the next Luncheon Meeting of the Year!

Wednesday

March 9, 2016

as we welcome guest speaker

Ken Pritten Pritten Engineering at

Zio Fraedo’s 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

- see page 7

Plan Now For These Upcoming Luncheon Meetings: Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Andrew Titley Electronic Restoration Services

“Spark Your Interest in Electronic Restoration”

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Steve Einhaus Einhaus Adjusting Services “Using Mindfulness As A Tool In Claims Adjusting”

Wednesday, June 9, 2016

Sally Noma Grotefeld, Hoffmann, Schleiter, Gordon & Evinger, LLP

2

East Bay Claims Association News Network • March 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

Secretary

Vice President

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

AndreaLatimer@alliance-enviro.com

Treasurer

John Ehlert JR Structural

(925) 469-8000

john@jrstructural.com

Im. Past President

Joe Baughman SRI Environmental

(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.

JM ENVIRONMENTAL, INC.

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East Bay Claims Association News Network • March 2016

MARCH 2016

Volume XXIV . Number III

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 • Springing Ahead Early• • People On The Move • Electronics Restoration Focus with Andrew Titley at April 13 EBCA

5 • EBCA Schedule of Upcoming Events Ridings Covers Natural Gas Related Issues with 6 • “Got Gas?” at February EBCA•_________________________ 7 • Getting Charged-Up About Subrogation 8 • 2016 EBCA Membership Application 8 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

Springing Ahead Early!

3

The El Niño Winter that was seems to have vanished into a beautiful early Spring. I hope you are all able to take some time to enjoy the nice weather. Let’s all remember to continue conserving our water resources.

I really enjoyed being able to attend the February luncheon meeting. Our thanks to Ken Ridings for his informative presentation on natural gas and related claims issues. Ken has given so much to this organization. Besides speakMarch Message from ing on a number of occasions, he 2016-2017 EBCA President served in fine capacity as our EBCA Gemma Houser Treasurer for a good number of years. His efforts, knowledge and expertise are always greatly appreciated.

As we move toward the actual Spring, we look forward to our March 9th luncheon meeting, which will include guest speaker Ken Pritten, of Pritten Engineers. Mr. Pritten, an engineering professional with a strong background and expertise in Electrical issues plans to share with us information about claim loss recovery, with “Getting Charged Up Over Subrogation”.

Make your plans now for all our upcoming luncheon meetings. We have more great speakers in store in the coming months. Mark your calendar, also, to prepare for the 2016 EBCA Golf Tournament July 22, 2016. This is our primary fund raiser each year, which allows us the ability to support the various charitable causes we undertake. Your support is crucial to that success. What better way than for us all to have a fun-filled day at Eagle Vines Golf Course in Napa?!

The 2016 EBCA Membership Drive is still in full swing. Have you renewed your membership for this year? Been thinking about joining, even for the first time? Supporting your local claims association is a great way to engage and invest in your own industry, and the association benefits through your involvement and participation. Membership is simple through our web site: www.EastBayAdjusters.org. Alternatively, you may fill out the membership application within the pages of the newsletter, or contact Membership Chair, Lynna Harrison, directly: 925-785-7021 or lynna@associationnewsnetwork.com. She’s always happy to help.

Make the most of this lovely weather, and we look forward to seeing you at Zio Fraedo’s Wednesday, March 9th!

Regards,

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

4

East Bay Claims Association News Network • March 2016

Michelle Basto Joins Patriot Environmental Labs Patriot Environmental Laboratory Services welcomes new Marketing Associate, Michelle Basto. Ms. Basto, who brings a strongs background within the Restoration industry to the table, started work with Patriot Environmental Labs at the beginning of this past December.

“We are an environmental laboratory that performs testing for Asbestos, lead, bacteria, mold / fungi and indoor Air Quality,” she explained. “The service territory for our office really encompasses anywhere in Northern California,” she added.

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

Michelle also explained how she began her work in the industry. “I worked at a call center taking Emergency Service calls and found this line of work interesting.

A San Francisco, Michelle did Administrative work prior to her new position. “My background has always been in this field, Restoration/Construction,” she said with an infectious smile.

“In the couple of months I have been with Patriot I have already visited over 100 offices. I’ve met so many nice people and everyone has been extremely helpful!” she said.

Her upper management was quoted as saying “We wouldn’t be having this conversation if we didn’t think you can do it.”

Outside of work, Michelle shared her passions. “I love to train at the gym and lift weights. I love uplifting positive motivational books and live by quotes,” she said. “’Believe you can and you will’,” she added.

Michelle Basto, Marketing Associate for Patriot Environmental Laboratory Services, may be reached at: 408-921-9490, or mbasto@patriotlab.com.

5

East Bay Claims Association News Network • March 2016

Electronics Restoration Focus with Andrew Titley at April 13 EBCA East Bay Claims member Andrew Titley, owner of Electronic Restoration Services. Mr. Titley will be presenting his talk entitled “Spark Your Interest In Electronic Restoration”.

Andrew Titley, Owner/President of ERS San Francisco Bay Area, brings his background in High Tech Sales to a new service in our area.

Andrew tells us, ERS handles “Restoration of both commercial and consumer electronics and appliances. Document freeze dry services.”

Additionally, he says, ERS provides “Full pack-out and delivery, including large appliances. We also do music instruments, exercise equipment, arcade games, etc. We restore at 38% or less of

April speaker.

Andrew Titley Electronic Restoration Services

Join the East Bay Claims Association for our next luncheon meeting of the new year, Wednesday, April 13c, 2016, as we welcome

EBCA Schedule of Upcoming Events Association meetings held at: Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant 611 Gregory Lane Pleasant Hill, CA

Luncheon Meetings -

2nd Wednesdays of most months: • 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

replacement value.” And, he says they offer a “One-year warranty on our services”.

Serving primarily the Greater San Francisco Bay Area, Andrew says that actually includes as far south as Monterey, North to Petaluma, and east to Stockton and Sacramento.

Andrew spent some time fully evaluating business opportunities before deciding on ERS. Being local to the San Francisco Bay Area , and ERS seeking a franchisee in this market, made for a great fit.

First starting this past July, he says, “We continue to be referred by both our partners and customers”. And, as a note of the level of

expertise with which they work, he tells us “we have restored an entire professional music studio, with over 80 electronics”.

“Andrew brings both business and technical knowledge along with great enthusiasm and detail orientation to his business. A great asset to the ERS team,” is the word from ERS home-base.

Outside of his work world, Andrew says he enjoys “Cycling, skiing, travel and coaching my childrens’ teams.”

Go to www.EastBayAdjusters. org to sign up to attend today!

6

East Bay Claims Association News Network • March 2016

Ridings Covers Natural Gas Related Issues with “Got Gas?” at February EBCA

Congratulations to 50/50/Raffle prize winner, Andrew Titley, Electronics Restoration.

By Lynna Harrison

A jovial gathering of members and guests of the East Bay Claims Association came together for the February 10, 2016 luncheon meeting at Zio Fraedos’ in Pleasant Hill.

Following announcements and some association business, the group enjoyed a nice luncheon while hearing from guest speaker Ken Ridings, of Engineering Design and Testing.

Ridings spoke about our energy system of natural gas utility lines.

ED&T does emergency leak surveys, origin and cause of leaks and explosions, and litigation support.

Ken began by posing the question

“how does Natural gas get from the well to your home?”. He went on to discuss the extensive Natural Gas Piping system throughout California and across the nation, aided by an impressive slide show.

Ken’s underlying theme was the importance of knowing what you have and what you’re dealing with when it comes to natural gas pipelines.

He explained that there are compression stations all along Interstate 5, as part of some 230,000 miles of distribution pipes throughout the state.

High pressure pipelines connect to smaller pipes that cut pressure by

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some 40% as the lines lead into and through towns to homes.

At the junction of residences, the pressure is cut to a quarter of a pound, from as much as 100 pounds along the main lines, leaving a much safer level of pressure for the end-user.

The Homeowner, he explained, owns from top of their utility box to inside the home. Outside of that, the utility is responsible for its maintenance and security.

Digging, even in your own yard, as most have come to know, carries Gas continues on page 10

7

East Bay Claims Association News Network • March 2016

Subrogation Ken Pritten to address March 9th EBCA Luncheon Gathering

J

oin the East Bay Claims Association for our next luncheon meeting of the new year, Wednesday, March 9, 2016, as we welcome Mr. Ken Pritten, PE, principal at Pritten Engineering, with a presentation entitled "Getting Charged-Up About Subrogation".

Ken Pritten worked 18 years at Pacific Gas & Electric before leaving in 2008 as a Senior Consulting Engineer. He worked as an Electrical Consulting Engineer for a number of years with a forensic engineering company in the Bay Area before striking out on his own last October.

He spent nearly six years on the Contra Costa County Search and Rescue Team, from September 2008 until June 2014, as well as working to assist the Sheriff's Department on search and rescue assignments.

He's a graduate of the California State University at Sacramento, and his office is now in Livermore.

Non-members pay slightly more for lunch. So, why not JOIN NOW for 2016?! Please purchase your entry here or make a reservation with 2016 EBCA Secretary Andrea Latimer, 707-673-3252.

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

Wednesday

March 9, 2016

as we welcome guest speaker

Ken Pritten Pritten Engineering 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

Commerical & Residential

Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration • Water Mitigation

• HazMat

• Mold Remediation • Sewage & Sanitizing • Moving & Storage

• Lead Abatement

24 Hour emergency Service

1.800.944.0502

8

East Bay Claims Association News Network • March 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 • March 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

Boster, Kobayashi & Associates - Michael Kreutzelman Serving the United States 24 hr. (925) 963-9653 • (925) 447-6495 and Overseas Fax (925) 447-6589

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.

Contractors-Asbestos/Lead/Mold Remediation

Engineers - Structural

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 Fax (510) 429-5010 Hayward, CA 94544 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 Fax (510) 651-7702 Fremont, CA 94538

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

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

Contractors - Electrical

Floor Covering

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

www.Tucknott.com • Fax (925) 931-0817

Floor Coverings International - Steve Taylor 5757 Sonoma Dr. (925) 426-8800 Pleasanton, CA 94566 steve.taylor@floorcoveringsinternational.com

contractors - general/Restoration

leak detection/plumbing

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

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

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. (a division of Mark Scott Construction, Inc.) 2835 Contra Costa Blvd 1-800-944-0502 Pleasant Hill 94523 Info@MSVitalRestoration.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

March 18, 2016

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

10

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

East Bay Claims Association News Network • March 2016

continued from page 6

inherent risk. Ken showed slides of just how shallow gas lines often are, as well as how haphazardly they can be laid.

Before digging in your yard for any reason, he advised, call 811 for a permit. They will send a notice to thge utility, who will in turn send people out to mark off where pipes exist.

Mr. Ridings, a former PG&E employee, stated that 3/4 inch pipe to the house is standard, and that it may be buried just a foot deep.

He also advised to make sure 811 gives you a ticket number for your records.

Ken Ridings’ presentation on natural gas lines was very informative and enlightening.

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.

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

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 March 18, 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

Bryan@AssociationNewsNetwork.com • 925.708.5569

Lynna Harrison, Customer Serivces Manager

Lynna@AssociationNewsNetwork.com • 925.785.7021 © 1993-2016, all rights reserved • Association News Network, Inc. • www.AssociationNewsNetwork.com 2455 Naglee Rd. #263 . Tracy, CA 95304 • 209.229.8240

11

East Bay Claims Association News Network • March 2016

Insurance Commissioner Reaches Agreement to Reduce Homeowner Insurance Rates Average statewide decrease of 12.6 percent SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones announced February 17, 2016 that he has reached an agreement with Allstate Insurance Company and Allstate Indemnity Insurance to reduce Allstate's homeowner insurance rates statewide by an average of 12.6 percent, effective February 1, 2016.

"Reducing Allstate's home insurance rates is a big help for families as incomes fail to keep pace with family expenses," said Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones. "Once again, Californians have benefited from the insurance commissioner's rate regulation authority for home insurance rates and the public intervenor process."

Rate regulation in California applies to homeowners, auto, and other property and casualty insurance. Insurers must get approval from the insurance commissioner before they can raise or lower rates. The insurance commissioner approves rates sufficient to cover claims costs, reasonable administrative expenses and a reasonable return for the insurance company.

The Commissioner has the authority to reject excessive home insurance rates.

Consumers are entitled to "intervene" or participate in California's rate regulation administrative process. Consumer Watchdog, a consumer advocacy organization, intervened and participated in the negotiations led by the Department of Insurance with Allstate.

The amount of a decrease and whether a policyholder receives a decrease depends on a number of factors, including the location of the insured property, and other individual risk characteristics and coverage features. The stated average annual decrease will reportedly be approximately $230. The rate reduction obtained by the Commissioner is retroactive to February 1st.

Eligible homeowners whose policies already renewed on February 1 will receive refunds.

The commissioner also approved a new coverage option added by Allstate which allows policyholders to select a separate higher deductible for wildfire peril and a lower one

for other risks, such as fire not related to wildfire, water damage or burglary. The separate deductible option allows consumers to further reduce their overall premium.

"Allstate should be recognized for giving homeowners more flexibility to decide whether to reduce their premium by opting for a higher deductible for wildfire peril," said Jones.

Since 2011, when Jones took office, the department has processed nearly 40,000 property and casualty insurance rate filings under Proposition 103, the voter enacted rate regulation law. The Commissioner reduced the overall amount of requested rate increases by $974 million and approved over $1.3 billion in rate reductions, totaling over $2.3 billion in savings to California consumers and businesses, the CDI reports. This total is said to include approximately $803 million in rate reductions for personal auto coverage and $455 million in rate reductions for personal homeowners coverage.

MEDIA NOTES Rate reduction examples since 2011:

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

Water Damage Claims • Electronic Leak Detection & Repair • Sub-Slab Plumbing • Sewer Line Video Scans • Pools, Spas & Fountains

800-353-LEAK www.AmericanLeakDetection.com

QBE reduced lender-placed homeowner rates by 35 percent American Assurance Insurance Company reduced lender-placed homeowner rates by 30.5 percent American Modern Home reduced lender-placed homeowner rates by 21.3 percent Great American Assurance Company reduced lender-placed homeowner rates by 28 percent Pacific Specialty Insurance reduced homeowner rates by 21.5 percent Unitrin Direct Property & Causality reduced homeowner rates by 14 percent Standard Fire Insurance reduced homeowner rates by 6.4 percent Travelers Property & Casualty Insurance reduced homeowner rates by 6.2 percent Universal North America Insurance reduced homeowner rates by 3.8 percent California Casualty Indemnity reduced automobile rates by 21.7 percent USAA General Indemnity reduced automobile rates by 20 percent Twin City Fire Insurance reduced automobile rates by 13 percent Hartford Underwriters Insurance reduced automobile rates by 8.4 percent Progressive West Insurance reduced automobile rates by 6.5 percent State Farm General Insurance average homeowner rate reduction 8.5 percent USAA homeowner and condominium owner rate reduction 16.8 percent

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Subrogation

Ken Pritten to address March 9th EBCA Luncheon Gathering

Wednesday

March 9, 2016 Save The Date!

for the 15th Annual

East Bay Claims Association

Golf Tournament

Friday, July 22, 2016 at Eagle Vines Golf Course in the Napa Valley 580 South Kelly Road

REGISTER SOON @

www.EastBayAdjusters.org