East Bay Claims Association News Network - July 2016

July 2016

Since 1993 with East Bay!

Volume XXIV Number VII

w w w. EastBayAdjusters.org

What You Can Do To Fight

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

Wednesday

August 10, 2016 as we welcome guest speaker

Craig Pusser Supervisor, SIU at

Zio Fraedo’s 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 — see page 6

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East Bay Claims Association News Network • July 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

Vice President

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.

Thanks to everyone who has supported 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

COMMERICAL & RESIDENTIAL

Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration • Water Mitigation

• HazMat

• Mold Remediation • Sewage & Sanitizing

The success of the tournament would not be possible without all our Sponsors and Players!

• Moving & Storage

• Lead Abatement

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

1.800.944.0502

East Bay Claims Association News Network • July 2016

EBCA Schedule of Upcoming Events

3

Association meetings held at: Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant 611 Gregory Lane 2nd Wednesdays of most months: Pleasant Hill, CA

Luncheon Meetings JUNE 2016

VOLUME XXIV . NUMBER VI

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

• Friday, July 22, 2016

Annual EBCA Gold Tournament - Eagle Vines Golf Course, Napa

• AUGUST 10, 2016

Craig Pusser, AAA SUI, “Fraudulent Claims”

• SEPT 14-16, 2016

23rd Annual Claims Conference of N. California www.ClaimsConference.org

• OCT 12, 2016

Jim Nolt, JH Nolt Associates “Things That Burn In The Night”

• NOV 9, 2016

EBCA Bowling Tournament - Danville Bowl 3-5pm

• DECEMBER, 2016

Holiday Party-Charity Speakers

25A Crescent Drive, #266 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

• 2016 EBCA Officers • EBCA 2016 Schedule of Upcoming Events • Marijuana Grow Houses Take-On New Level of Hazard with Advent Butane Hash Oil • EBCA Golf on the Near Horizon!__________________________ EBCA 2016-’17 President Gemma Houser • What You Can Do To Fight Fraudulent Claims • Thanks to All our 2016 EBCA Golf Tournament Sponsors • 7th Annual Alan David Vasilauskas Memorial Golf Tournament

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

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

4

East Bay Claims Association News Network • July 2016

Marijuana Grow Houses Take-On New Level of Hazard with Advent of Butane Hash Oil

By Lynna Harrison, with contribution by Bryan Harrison

Marijuana grow houses have long been an issue for law enforcement.

The game, however, has escalated.

With the relatively recent advent of what’s known as “Honey Oil” - a super concentrated form of hash oil - grow houses have become very dangerous.

Investigators from the Fire Investigation Unit of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, Vic Massenkoff and Ryan Graham, addressed the June 8, 2016 luncheon gathering of the East Bay Claims Association with harsh details of the reality of this situation.

The announced subject matter was enough to draw a large crowd, to which the duo responded with a most informative and enlightening presentation.

Massenkoff, a veteran of fire inves-

tigations and grow house investigations, specifically, stated amongst the challenges they face with these types of operations is that they have to deal with first responders not always being fully aware of the hazards. “Many times people assume because law enforcement has been on the scene that it is safe,” he said.

“We have a serious problem with Organized gangs,” he explained, “many of them Asian (gangs) buying up-scale homes in places like the hills of Pittsburgh and Antioch.

They pay $400,000 average for the brand new homes and sell them to out of town investors (called straw buyers) as their cover. These homes are used as grow houses, typically with boarded-up windows and no one actually living there.

They grow vast numbers of marijuana

plants, often utilizing unsafe means of electricity, he said. Some by-pass PG&E connections, which then can no longer be easily shut off in case of fire.

According to Massenkoff and Graham, the Contra Costa Fire District has found 50 marijuana grow houses in Antioch alone. The perpetrators have been known to set up several houses in the same neighborhood, even.

They advised that anyone going to such a scene should always be aware of air quality. “Use protective hazmat gear.”

Potential chemical hazards, such as fertilizer, pest control, insecticides, fungus and molds are often used raising the risks when fire breaks out.

“Butane-produced ‘Honey Oil’ is extremely dangerous,” they asserted jointly. Refined Butane has no smell, is clear and very volatile and ignites

easily. It’s a heavy vapor that will sink close to the floor, settling in a room, and then igniting extremely easily.

The process of creating Honey Oil is quite simple, though extremely dangerous. The American burn Association is concerned about the number of connected burn cases to Honey Oil. The net product, a super-concentrated form of marijuana takes what can be a useful herb and turns it into another kind of drug altogether. Extremely addictive and way beyond any mood-enhancing level of even today’s more potent marijuana, honey oil, they said, is incredibly dangerous. Even just a dab of this product can take have detrimental affects.

While they didn’t address coverage issues, fire claims typically at least call for claims professionals to be on-scene at some point. Caution is advised.

5

East Bay Claims Association News Network • July 2016

EBCA Golf on the Near Horizon!

July 2016 Inaugural note from 2016-2017 EBCA President Gemma Houser

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

800-353-LEAK

www.AmericanLeakDetection.com

I hope everyone is having a great Summertime thus far. My Achilles Heal issues continue.

Having just had surgery to clear out an infection, I’m doing my best to remain hopeful for this to heal.

The June EBCA luncheon was a huge success, from all reports. Our thanks to guest speakers Vic Massenkoff and Ryan Graham, from the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District. Their insightful take on the extreme dangers of Marijuana Honey Oil grow houses was heard. and much appreciated. Numerous members and guests in attendance have conveyed that to me.

Final touches are being wrapped-up on preparations for the 15th annual EBCA Golf Tournament, being held Friday, July 22nd back at Eagle Vines Golf Course in Napa. A huge EBCA thank you to all our 2016 sponsors. I’d like to also add that we still have a few foursomes available.

Check it out and sign up at: EastBayAdjusters.org.

While you’re at it, go to ClaimsConference.org and get reg-

istered for the 23rd annual CCNC. East Bay Claims members have been among the most involved in planning this year’s event. I encourage all members, and our community at large, to be part of this year’s event.

In August, the EBCA is pleased to present esteemed fraud investigator, Mr. Craig Pusser, of AAA SIU, as our guest speaker. You won’t want to miss this one!

Your EBCA Board is working on putting together a bowling tournament that will take place on November 9, 2016 at the Danville Bowl. It will be a great social event - fun for all.

Jennifer Pinney and Amaya Fine will have more information as well as sponsorship opportunities available soon.

Funds raised will go to The Wounded Warrior Project. So plan to come out and support this amazing organization.

Our Membership Drive for 2016 is ongoing. Our association depends on our members so please make sure to renew/ join now. You can go to our website www.eastbayadjust-

ers.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 people so you can be entered.

Please do not forget to respond to our Evite or call Andrea Latimer at (707) 673-3252. It’s simple to purchase your lunch now on-line at www.eastbayadjusters.org.

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

Gemma Gemma Houser 2016-’17 President, EBCA Paul Davis Restoration (510) 803-7069 ghouser@pdr-usa.net

6

What You Can Do To Fight

East Bay Claims Association News Network • July 2016

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

Craig Pusser

Wednesday

Supervisor, SIU

CSAA Insurance Group Please join the East Bay Claims Association for an inside look at Fraud Investigations with AAA Special Investigations Unit Supervisor, Craig Pusser, at the August 10, 2016 luncheon meeting.

Craig Pusser serves as a Supervisor with the management team of the CSAA Insurance Group Special Investigation Unit. He has over 34 years of experience in insurance investigations. His responsibilities include fraud detection and prevention, enterprise anti-fraud training, regulatory compliance and industry relations.

He is a Past President and former board member of the Northern California Fraud Investigators Association (NCFIA) Anti-Fraud Alliance. Mr. Pusser served on the California Department of Insurance advisory task force on insurance fraud, and currently serves on their Insurance Fraud Advisory Board. He has served as a member of the board of the Northern California chapter of the International Association of Special Investigations Units, and currently serves as a member of ISO’s Directors Advisory Group. He is a former member of the faculty of the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s special investigations training academy.

Mr. Pusser has authored state anti-fraud plans, created SIU operational manuals and written on the subject of insurance fraud for NICB (Nat’l Insurance Crime Bureau) and the International Association of Special Investigation Units.

He is a frequent presenter at national anti-fraud conferences and seminars.

EBCA is honored to have him address our organization.

August 10, 2016 as we welcome guest speaker

Craig Pusser

“What You Can Do To Fight Fraudulent Claims” 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

Coast Construction Company Lic #826164

We pride ourselves on delivering Alameda & Contra Costa Counties what we promise: (510) 533-7168

High quality work and great customer service at competitive prices

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24/7/365 Emergency Response

(510) 773-6379

East Bay Claims Association News Network • July 2016

Thanks to ALL our 2016 EBCA Golf Tournament Sponsors

Grand Sponsor

Closest to Pin Hole Longest Drive Hole Longest Drive Hole Course Cart Sponsor Beverage Cart Sponsor Dinner Sponsor Lunch Sponsor Wine Sponsor Goodie Bags Golf Cart Sponsor Bloody Mary/Morning Breakfast Cigar Sponsor Putting Contes Rescue Cart 1 Rescue Cart 2 Rescue Cart 3 Driving Range Morning Coffee Station

CRDN

Hole Sponsors

MS Construction Coast Construction Belfor Electronic Restoration Services Assured Relocation Powell & Associates Environmental Testing K2GC Construction EBCA Packout Company SRI Enviro Belfor Proeprty Restoration Servpro of Fairfield Abatix Aramsco Bravo Restoration Tucknott Electric Company Titan Environmental

Alliance Environmental Assured Relocation Belfor Property Restoration Bright Leaf Cleaners Central Valley Environmental Coast Construction Company CRDN Envirocheck Environmental Remedies, Inc. FRSTeam JR Structural Mark Scott Construction MS Vital Restoration Paul Davis Restoration The Restoration Cleanup Company Patriot Environmental Labs Premier Construction PW Stevens Environmental, Inc.

Grand Sponsor

REGISTER SOON @

www.EastBayAdjusters.org

580 South Kelly Road

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

The Finest Name in Safe Overspray Removal

1-800-345-1269

Nationwide Mobile Crews – Immediate Response ISO 9001:2008 Certified

www.nationwideoverspray .com

7

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East Bay Claims Association News Network • July 2016

Want More Golf?

You can assist one of EBCA’s primary charitable organizations while playing at the...

Register at: BayAreaCrisisNursery.org/ fundraising-events The Bay Area Crisis Nursery is hosting the 7th annual Alan David Vasilauskas Memorial Golf Tournament their own fund-raising tourney - Saturday, August 6, 2016 at Canyon Lakes Golf Course and Brewery 1985 Canyon Lakes Drive, San Ramon, CA. Golfers: $137 includes golf & dinner Dinner Only option: $32 ***Limited to 72 golfers***

11:00 am – Registration 12:00 pm – Putting Contest 1:00 pm – Shot gun Start 6:00 pm – Dinner, Silent Auction & Raffle Prizes (No Host Bar) Contests: Closest to the pin, Longest drive, (men and women),

Putting, Hole in One, and more.

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 • July 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

CONTRACTORS-ASBESTOS/LEAD/MOLD REMEDIATION

ALLIANCE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP - Ed Work 4950 Fulton Drive, Suite E www.alliance-enviro.com • (707) 419-7638 Fairfield, CA 94534 info@alliance-enviro.com 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 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 CHAD SMITH CONSTRUCTION - Chad Smith 1820 Galindo St. Suite 230 www.chadsmithconstruction.com • (925) 566-8755 Concord, CA 94524 chad@chadsmithconstruction.com • Fax: (925) 566-8757 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 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 - Bror Wingard 24 Hr. Em (925) 383-5618 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 GROUP - Ed Work 4950 Fulton Drive, Suite E www.alliance-enviro.com • (707) 419-7638 Fairfield, CA 94534 info@alliance-enviro.com 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 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

ENGINEERS - FORENSIC

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.

ENGINEERS - STRUCTURAL

JR STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING, INC. - John Ehlert 3942 Valley Ave., Suite K www.JRStructural.com • (925) 469-8000 Pleasanton, CA 94566 john@jrstructural.com

FIRE INVESTIGATORS

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

Deadline for all Submissions for the next issue is

July 29, 2016

info@AssociationNewsNetwork.com • 925-785-7021

10

East Bay Claims Association News Network • July 2016

POSITIONS AVAILABLE CLAIMS INDUSTRY PLACEMENTS

APPRAISER - HEAVY EQUIPMENT & AUTO Frontier Adjusters is looking for a part-time appraiser for heavy equipment and auto in the Bay Area, North Bay and Central Valley. Must be proficient in Audatex or other similar software. Please call Marvin or Sherry at (800) 262-4067 or email. Must have experience and references.

PROJECT MANAGER(S) ATI - American Technologies Inc’s Sacramento Office is looking for professional Project Manager(s) skilled in estimating and managing property repair losses. Also looking for a PM that can estimate and manage contents losses. Must be proficient in Xactimate. IICRC training and certifications a plus. Check us out on-line at: www.ATIrestoration.com. Contact: Office Manager Raquel Romine: 916-388-2440, C: 916-214-7654, Raquel.Romine@ATIrestoration.com.

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 July 29, 2016 call 209-229-8240 or email info@AssociationNewsNetwork.com

Complete Rebuild Plans for Insurance Repair Projects

(Architectural, Structural, Title 24, Etc.)

600 Valley Main Street, Suite K E 3942 Ave., Suite Pleasanton, CA 94566

925.469.8000

www.JRStructural.com

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

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 • July 2016

Updated Online Price Comparison Tool Helps Homeowners Find Lower Insurance Rates SACRAMENTO, Calif. - To get lower insurance rates, the California Department of Insurance encourages consumers to shop around, which is why Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones is announced his desire for Californians to take advantage of the department's easy to use online tool that helps consumers shop and compare rates before buying homeowners, condominium, renters, mobile homes, or earthquake insurance.

The homeowners insurance comparison tool is designed to take some of the guesswork out of shopping for insurance by allowing consumers to quickly and easily make comparisons of rates from both national and local insurance companies.

"The best coverage decisions are informed ones. Consumers know the large insurers that advertise, but they may not be aware of local insurers who may offer a lower price," said Commissioner Jones. "The online comparison tool helps consumers understand their options and find the coverage and features offering the best protection and cost to meet their needs.

Often, it pays to shop around."

While this tool does not provide actual premium quotes, it does provide each company's average premium and a tollfree number and website address for consumers to ask questions about available discounts or credits and receive an actual premium quote. The tool also includes a link to the specific company's performance based on the consumer complaint study.

Consumers enter their county and nearest city, type and amount of coverage, and age of the home to compare estimated premiums. Homeowners should compare prices for various insurers along with the coverage features, limits, and exclusions.

Using this tool, a couple in Sacramento

shopping to insure their apartment with a $35,000 renter insurance coverage plan and a $250 deductible might find their premium options range from $125 to $583, with an average price of $307. Compare this to a family in Folsom shopping to insure their 15 year-old home with a $400,000 homeowner insurance coverage plan and a $1,000 deductible who might find their premium options range from $663 to $2,095, with an average price of $1,145.

For a three-year-old home in Plumas, a $250,000 homeowner insurance coverage plan with a $500 deductible, the premium would range from $411 to $2,197, with an average price of $825.

In Nevada County, for a 15-year-old home in Grass Valley, a $200,000 homeowner insurance coverage plan with a $500 deductible, the premium would range from $404 to $2,006, with an average price of $853.

In Yuba County, for a condominium in Marysville, a $25,000 condominium insurance coverage plan with a $250 deductible, the premium would range from $88 to $331, with an average price of $203.

In Placer County, for an apartment in Lincoln, a $35,000 renter insurance coverage plan with a $250 deductible, the premium would range from $118 to $508, with an average price of $271.

For a 15-year-old home in Sutter, a $250,000 homeowner insurance coverage plan with a $1,000 deductible, the premium would range from $426 to $2,741, with an average price of $874.

For 15-year-old home in Colusa, a $250,000 homeowner insurance coverage plan with a $500 deductible, the premium would range from $521 to $3,054, with an average price of $1,016.

In Yolo County, for an apartment in Davis, a $50,000 renter insurance coverage plan with a $250 deductible, the premium would range from $134 to $700, with an average price of $336.

In Solano County, for an apartment in Fairfield, a $15,000 renter insurance coverage plan with a $250 deductible, the premium would range from $109 to $329, with an average price of $191.

In San Joaquin County, for an apartment in Stockton, a $50,000 renter insurance coverage plan with a $250 deductible, the premium would range from $138 to $700, with an average price of $355.

For a 15-year-old home in Amador, a $150,000 homeowner insurance coverage plan with a $500 deductible, the premium would range from $318 to $2,199, with an average price of $722.

For 15-year-old home in Calaveras, a $300,000 homeowner insurance coverage plan with a $500 deductible, the premium would range from $634 to $2,490, with an average price of $1,172.

In Stanislaus County, for a 15-year-old home in Modesto, a $200,000 homeowner insurance coverage plan with a $500 deductible, the premium would range

from $323 to $2,196, with an average price of $750.

In Tuolumne County, for an apartment in Sonora, a $25,000 renter insurance coverage plan with a $250 deductible, the premium would range from $106 to $457, with an average price of $239.

Those who are not able to get homeowners insurance may obtain fire coverage through the FAIR Plan. Please ask your agent or contact the FAIR Plan for assistance.

A toll-free telephone number and/or web address for each company is provided so consumers who are interested can request an actual premium quote that specifically addresses their insurance needs.

Each company has provided optional coverages, available discounts and/or credits, and footnotes (explanations), which may impact insurance premiums.

The California Department of Insurance does not endorse or recommend any particular company. ### Online Comparison Tool may be found directly at: https://interactive.web.insurance. ca.gov/apex/f?p=111:20

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TO: Association News Network, Inc.

2455 Naglee Rd #263 Tracy, CA 95304 Return Service Requested

15th Annual

EBCA Golf Tournament

www.EastBayAdjusters.org

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

What You Can Do To Fight

Fraudulent Claims Wednesday August 10, 2016

Eagle Vines Golf Course 580 South Kelly Road, Napa, CA

as we welcome guest speaker

Craig Pusser