East Bay Claims Association News Network - September 2018

Since 1993 with East Bay!

September 2018 Volume XXVI Number IX

w w w. EastBayAdjusters.org

Celebrating our 26th year of publishing with East Bay

Document Restoration EBCA is pleased to present

Mr. Greg Fuqua South Bay Manager for Belfor Property Restoration to address the next EBCA Luncheon gathering

Wednesday September 12, 2018 - see page 5

CCNC Silver Anniversary Gets a Taste of Squaw Valley Paradise

see page 6

- see page 6

2

East Bay Claims Association News Network • September 2018

Novato

415/493-2211

Napa County/Vallejo/Benicia 800/648-1608

Contra Costa/Santa Clara/Sonoma/ Sacramento 800/480-TIDY

Oakland/Alameda 510/351-0581

www.pwsei.com

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

www.servicemasterclean.com

East Bay Claims Association News Network • September 2018

3

The Beauty of Squaw Celebrating 25 Years of CCNC!

September, 2018 President’s Message

By Jennifer Pinney, 2018 EBCA President SEPTEMBER 2018

VOLUME XXVI . NUMBER IX

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.

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

And the time just keeps flying by!

The Claims Conference of Northern California celebrated it’s big Silver Anniversary - 25 years! - by going to a piece of paradise at Squaw Valley, Lake Tahoe.

2018 EBCA President

I was honored to serve as President of the Jennifer Pinney Conference Committee for this monumental event. I want to thank everyone who came, participated, and especially everyone on the committee who stepped up and made this huge undertaking such a success. You guys rock!

Our speakers were phenomenal, and the turnout was tremendous. Having never gone on the road with this event in all the past years, we knew it was a bit of a risk. I am so grateful for everyone who continues to see the true value of this conference.

CCNC rocks on!

EBCA is pleased to resume our regularly scheduled luncheon program Wednesday, September 12, 2018, back at Zio Fraedo’s, as we welcome Belfor South Bay Manager, Greg Fuqua, as our guest speaker. Greg will be addressing Document Restoration, specifically. We are looking forward to a very informative luncheon session. Please get your reservations in pronto.

Then, Wednesday, October 10, 2018, we look forward to the return of Mr. Gregg Meath as our guest speaker. An attorney out of Stockton, Mr. Meath will once again address the use of social media in claims investigations. Last year’s presentation continued page 4

Grow Your Business to the next level

Start an Ad Campaign with Association News Network Be Seen • Be Real!

Call Bryan Harrison

925-708-5569 (cell)

bryan@AssociationNewsNetwork.com

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

800-353-LEAK

www.AmericanLeakDetection.com

Orange County | San Diego | Los Angeles | SF / Bay Area

Michelle Basto, Marketing/Sales Associate 2186 Paragon Drive, San Jose, CA. 95131

Cell 408-921-9490 | Office 408-452-9700 | Fax 408-638-0945 To schedule jobs via email - sjfieldservices@patriotlab.com

4

East Bay Claims Association News Network • September 2018

President’s Message continued from page 3

Insurance Commissioner applauds California’s Fourth Assessment Climate Change Report New report analyzes the impacts of climate change on the state of California including wildfire risk SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Commissioner Jones commended the publication of California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment (Fourth Assessment), which includes a large body of research on climate impacts and how to respond to them. The California Department of Insurance was a member of the interagency Task Force which led the Fourth Assessment. The Fourth Assessment supports California’s climate policies and actions and improves the state’s and public’s understanding of the impacts of climate change in California and actions to help the state prepare for those impacts.

“Climate change poses a significant threat to all of us. The Fourth Assessment has brought together key leaders, experts, agencies, and stakeholders throughout the state to understand the evolving impacts of climate change and potential actions that can protect Californians,” said Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones. “We were pleased to participate with other departments in the Fourth Assessment effort and I support the state’s efforts to reduce climate change causing greenhouse gas emissions and to improve our resiliency in the face of climate change.”

As he leads the Department of Insurance’s efforts to help Californians recover from

wildfires, which in 2017 caused $12.6 billion in insured losses and took over 60 lives, Commissioner Jones has noted that climate experts have found that climate change is contributing to catastrophic weather-related events, including the increase in frequency, severity and unpredictability of wildfires. By 2100, if greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, the Fourth Assessment found that the frequency of extreme wildfires burning over approximately 25,000 acres would increase by nearly 50 percent, and that average area burned statewide would increase by 77 percent by the end of the century. In the areas that have the highest fire risk, wildfire insurance is estimated to see costs rise by 18 percent by 2055 and property insured would decrease.

An extensive scientific review supported by the Fourth Assessment found that reducing tree density and restoring beneficial fire can improve long-term resilience to California’s forests. Simulations of large-scale fuels treatments in Sierra Nevada forests substantially reduce increases in burned area. Improving forest health by removing fuels can have important impacts to reduce rising wildfire insurance costs. Increasing understanding of megafires remains a critical research need for California.

was amazing, so please do plan on attending. The knowledge and insight he has to share with regard to utilizing social media in claims investigations will no doubt broaden our perspective, collectively and individually.

We are excited about our 3rd Annual EBCA Charitable Bowling Tournament, Wednesday, November 14th at Danville Bowl. This is a super fun event, and monies raised will go to one of our EBCA chosen charities.

We’ll round out the year with our annual Holiday luncheon party, featuring presentations by some of our prominent charitable beneficiaries.

And, we already have speakers lining up for 2019.

Please see the schedule of upcoming events listing (page 9 of this issue) or on our site at: www.EastBayClaims.org.

Thank you for all your involvement. This organization continues to thrive because of YOU! Respectfully,

Jennifer Pinney Jennifer Pinney Bosco Company Direct: 408-642-8310 Office: 408-437-0337 jennifer.pinney@schaperco.com boscoconst.com

EBCA Designated Charitable Beneficiaries Include: 3 Bay Area Crisis Nursery 3 Shelter, Inc. - Contra Costa

3 Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano Counties 3 Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation

5

East Bay Claims Association News Network • September 2018

Document Restoration

Greg Fuqua, of Belfor, to address the September 12, 2018 EBCA Luncheon meeting Join EBCA for an indepth look at Document Recovery/Restoration at the September 12, 2018 luncheon meeting.

The East Bay Claims Association is pleased to welcome guest speaker Greg Fuqua, Branch Manager for the South Bay office of Belfor Property Restoration. Mr. Fuqua will share his insight into dealing with these Plan ahead to attend the September types of often delicate claims.

EBCA Luncheon Meeting Please purchase your lunch here, or make a reservation with EBCA Secretary Hailey Ayres.

Secure Your Spot for the September 12, 2018 EBCA Luncheon

Wednesday

September 12, 2018 as we welcome guest speaker

Greg Fuqua

Belfor Property Restoration at

Zio Fraedo’s

611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

11:30 am Check-in Luncheon 12:00 noon - 1:00pm

FREE to registered 2018 Adjuster Members Adjusters Now Join for FREE (suggested $10 donation to the EBCA Charitable Fund)

$35 for current paid 2018 Associate Members $45 Non-Members/Guests or No Reservations

Purchase your lunch online, at: www.EastBayClaims.org

process of document restoration

2227 Willow Pass Rd • Concord • CA 94520

Otherwise, for payment by cash or check at the door, please make reservations now with 2018 EBCA Secretary, Hailey Ayres: (925) 286-4093 or eastbayclaims@gmail.com

6

East Bay Claims Association News Network • September 2018

CCNC Silver Anniversary Gets a Taste of Squaw Valley Paradise

By Bryan Harrison

Kudos to 2018 CCNC President Jennifer Pinney and the members of her team, including Amaya Fine, Dawn Dawson and others, who pulled together a major feat in producing a successful 25th annual Claims Conference of Northern California August 29th and 30th.

Going on the road with the twoplus day affair up to the Lake Tahoe area was considered by many a bold move undertaken by this year’s committee. Concerns by some over whether folks would travel to attend and participate gave way to an enthusiastic turnout of industry professionals and service providers.

Training sessions for both adjusters and vendors were provided, along with an increased level of continuing education accreditation. continued page 8

2018 CCNC MC, Jim Krueger

Past longtime Exhibitor Chair, Lisa Winn, with Greg Marshall

complete photo gallery at: www.AssociationNewsNetwork.com

East Bay Claims Association News Network • September 2018

2018 CCNC President, Jennifer Pinney, welcomes the crowd to beautiful Squaw Valley, Lake Tahoe

Keynote speaker, Shawn Fair

2018 CCNC President, Jen Pinney

7

8

East Bay Claims Association News Network • September 2018

CCNC Silver Anniversary continued from page 6

continued from page 4

As a national leader on climate change and climate risk, and as the regulator of the largest insurance market in the nation, Commissioner Jones has led a multistate effort since 2012 to require insurers to respond to the Climate Risk Survey adopted by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) in 2009. In early 2016, Jones launched his Climate Risk Carbon Initiative because of the potential for investments in coal, oil, gas and utilities relying substantially on burning carbon, to become stranded assets on the books of insurers with little or no value as governments, private companies and markets, in an effort to address climate change, may slowly or dramatically reduce the demand for carbon-based fuels and their value drops. Jones is the first financial regulator to ask that a financial sector-in this case insurance companies-divest from thermal coal and to require that they publicly disclose their holdings in oil, gas, coal and utilities, due to potential climate-related risks.

In May, Commissioner Jones became the first U.S. financial regulator to conduct a climate-related financial risk stress test and analysis of insurance companies’ investments in fossil-fuels. The department engaged 2° Investing Initiative, an established partner of European financial regulators, to conduct this analysis for insurers in California’s insurance market with over $100 million in

annual premiums. It is arguably the most comprehensive financial stress test analysis ever conducted for the insurance sector. The results of the scenario analysis are consistent with Commissioner Jones’ Climate Risk Carbon Initiative determination that thermal coal as an investment faces climate-related financial risks, despite any short-term fluctuations in market price and policy signals.

In June 2017, 12 state attorneys general and one governor threatened to sue Commissioner Jones for calling on insurance companies to evaluate and address potential climate-related risks to their investment portfolio, to ensure they are investing in assets that retain value and are subsequently available to pay future claims. Despite these threats, Commissioner Jones is continuing the Climate Risk Carbon Initiative, the most recent component of which is the climate-related financial risk stress testing of insurers’ investment portfolios, to make sure insurers are addressing climate change related risks and to protect California consumers. In April 2018, a group of financial supervisors and central banks including the central banks of England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Singapore, China and Mexico announced their cooperation to conduct similar climate stress testing on insurance companies and other regulated financial institutions.

Golden Bear California’s 1st Cannabis Insurer expands coverage options/lowers premiums SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones approved a filing from Golden Bear Insurance Company amending its California Cannabis program product to lower rates, expand coverage options, and expand the classes of business they will cover.

“Golden Bear continues to lead the industry by being the first to offer cov-

erage for cannabis businesses and now by expanding their coverage choices at lower prices,” said Commissioner Jones. “Cannabis businesses and consumers will benefit from the new and expanding coverage options and lower rates.”

Last November Insurance Commissioner Jones approved a Golden Bear continued page 11

The awe-inspiring Squaw Valley resort provided a magnificent backdrop for the event, with bright blue skies, mountain fresh air (no intrusion of smoke), and the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains. Despite some shortcomings in facility layout and functionality, Squaw Valley served as a beautiful CCNC setting.

Shortcomings, specifically, were mainly that the exhibit hall space was a bit disjointed and cumbersome to navigate. Classroom settings felt a bit make-shift, as well. That, and some level of sun-shade on the main lunch and meeting space outdoors would have provided for a more comfortable setting.

Folks managed, however and, fortunately, the weather was magnificent, and sunscreen lotion was provided for those not prepared for sitting out in the sun for extended periods.

In the end, being in the great outdoors at 6,000-plus foot elevation, with

beautiful sunshine and a cool breeze, made for a pretty spectacular conference setting.

A major highlight of the conference was the Wednesday evening party at mountaintop, another 2,000 feet up by way of tram. Fun and games, music and dancing made for a great time for all in attendance.

Keynote sessions each day featured: Mr. Shawn Fair, CEO of Fair Consulting Group; and Mr. Cory Candelario, Executive Vice President for the Claims operation at Pacific Specialty Insurance Company and the McGraw Group of Affiliated Companies. Their presentations were inspiring and informative.

Class sessions were numerous, including a wide range of Property and Casualty/Liability-related topics of interest.

All-in-all, the 2018 CCNC was a quality event worthy of the 25th anniversary celebration billing.

East Bay Claims Association

2018 Membership Get On-Board

EBCA Needs You! JOIN NOW!

The East Bay Claims Association depends on membership dues as a main source of sustainability. As a thank you to your dedication to this organization, EBCA is offering an “early-bird” membership discount, for both individual and corporate memberships.

As a member of the EBCA, you are encouraged to get involved!

Beyond attending the regular luncheon meetings and other events the organization produces throughout the year, help is needed on committees and, ultimately, on the board of directors.

You can play a part in helping to shape a positive future for EBCA. For more information and ways in which you can possibly contribute, speak with one of your EBCA officers or board members today! You can have a say!

Go to www.EastBayClaims.org

9

East Bay Claims Association News Network • September 2018

EBCA 2018 - 2019 Schedule of Upcoming Events

Association Luncheon gatherings are held at: Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant • 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill, CA

• WEDNESDAY, September 12, 2018 - Luncheon

• WEDNESDAY, January 9, 2019 - Luncheon

• WEDNESDAY, October 10, 2018 - Luncheon

• WEDNESDAY, February 13, 2019 - Luncheon

Greg Fuqua, Belfor The Importance & “how to” of document t restoration Gregg Meath

Use of Social Media in Claims Investigations

• WEDNESDAY, November 7, 2018

3rd Annual EBCA Charitable Bowling Tournament Danville Bowl - 3-6pm

• WEDNESDAY, December 7, 2018 Holiday Luncheon Party Charitable Beneficiaries

Christine Reed, Low Ball and Lynch DOI Fair Claims Regs Re-Certification Kathleen Taylor, Velocity Solar Solar Panels and the new laws

• WEDNESDAY, March 13, 2019 - Luncheon 2nd Annual EBCA BINGO Luncheon

• WEDNESDAY, April 10, 2019 - Luncheon Dr. James Mason, ARCCA topic to be confirmed

• WEDNESDAY, May 8, 2019 - Luncheon Speaker/Topic to be confirmed

We are the First Responders “First Responder”!

Specializing in Residential and Commercial Consulting for ASBESTOS | LEAD | MOLD | BACTERIA 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.EastBayClaims.org Bryan Harrison, Publisher

Bryan@AssociationNewsNetwork.com • 925.708.5569

Lynna Harrison, Customer Services Manager

Lynna@AssociationNewsNetwork.com • 925.785.7021 © 1993-2018, all rights reserved • Association News Network, Inc. • www.AssociationNewsNetwork.com 2455 Naglee Rd. #263 . Tracy, CA 95304 • 209.229.8240

Same Day…

3 INSPECTIONS 3 REPORTS 3 ON-SITE CLEARANCES

Call or email us today for fast, reliable service

916-235-3110 service@regasgroup.com

www.RegasGroup.com

10

East Bay Claims Association News Network • September 2018

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. - DAN WARD 25000 Industrial Blvd. dan.ward@atirestoration.com • (510) 429-5000 Hayward, CA 94545 www.ATIrestoration.com • 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 2227 Willow Pass Rd www.chadsmithconstruction.com • (925) 566-8755 Concord, CA 94520 chad@chadsmithconstruction.com • Fax: (925) 566-8757 COAST CONSTRUCTION - Steve Mink/Kevin Morgan 718 Kennedy St www.CoastConstruction.net • (510) 533-7168 Oakland, CA 94606 24 Hr Em: (510) 773-6379 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 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. - DAN WARD 25000 Industrial Blvd. dan.ward@atirestoration.com • (510) 429-5000 Hayward, CA 94545 www.ATIrestoration.com • 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 - STRUCTURAL

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

ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING & CONSULTING

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES SERVICES - Shane Jones PO Box 452 (916) 417-5361 Lockeford, CA 95237 envss1ca@gmail.com PATRIOT ENVIRONMENTAL LABORATORY SERVICES, INC. - Michelle Basto 2186 Paragon Drive mbasto@patriotlab.com • Office (408) 452-9700 San Jose, CA 95131 www.PatriotLab.com • Cell (408) 921-9490

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 - Liza Wisecarver Servicing all BrightleafCleaners.com • cell (925) 406-9889 of Northern CA liza@blcleaners.com • office (925) 455-6000 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. - DAN WARD 25000 Industrial Blvd. dan.ward@atirestoration.com • (510) 429-5000 Hayward, CA 94545 www.ATIrestoration.com • 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 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 RESTORATION SERVICES - Robert Scott Serving Contra Costa rscott@sharjo.com • (800) 480-TIDY Santa Clara & Sonoma www.svmcleaning-restoration.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.

UNIFIED INVESTIGATIONS & SCIENCES - Michael OConnor, P.E. Civil, Structural, Electrical, (916) 640-0640 Mechanical, Fire O&C, Repair Plans www.uis-usa.com

Thank you to all our paid listing subscribers, and all our publication advertising sponsors. Literally couldn’t do it without you!

Deadline for all Submissions for the next issue is

September 21, 2018

bryan@AssociationNewsNetwork.com • 925-708-5569

East Bay Claims Association News Network • September 2018

continued from page 8

filing making the company the first admitted commercial insurance carrier to file cannabis business insurance in the state.

Since then, the department has approved five additional insurance companies to write cannabis-related insurance products in the California market.

ment of the cannabis industry.

Jones has also organized tours for insurance executives at cannabis businesses.

In October of last year, Jones held a first-in-the-nation public hearing to identify insurance gaps faced by the cannabis industry. Cannabis businesses and insurance industry representatives testified about the limited availability of insurance for cannabis businesses.

The hearing revealed that while there is insurance available from surplus lines insurers, insurance gaps in coverage remain, and, until the approval announced last November, no admitted insurance carriers were offering insurance products to cannabis businesses.

Jones also announced that he has directed Department staff to devote the resources necessary to timely review cannabis products and rate filings.

“We are very excited to roll out Equipment Breakdown coverage among other new coverages to our Cannabis package policy,” said Michael Brown Vice president and Underwriting Property Manager at Golden Bear. “This additional endorsement will provide our insureds with vital coverage for losses to inventory and income caused by the failure of refrigeration equipment, HVAC equipment, and manufacturing equipment so important to the cannabis industry. This coverage enhancement provides Golden Bear insureds with even more peace of mind as In May, Commissioner Jones they operate their businesses. hosted a webinar titled “WeedEarlier this month, the National ing through the Unique InAssociation of Insurance Com- surance Needs of the Cannamissioners (NAIC) established bis Industry” with the NAIC a Cannabis Insurance Working Center for Insurance Policy Group to address the issue of and Research. In April, Jones insurance availability for the renewed his call for insurers legalized cannabis industry. to offer insurance products for Recognizing Jones’ leadership California’s legalized cannabis on the issue, the NAIC appoint- industry in the wake of pubed the California commissioner lished reports that President chair of the NAIC Cannabis Trump has overruled Attorney Insurance Working Group.

General Jeff Sessions’ policy Jones has convened meetings on federal law enforcement between commercial insur- against state legalized cannaance company executives and bis. Jones sent a formal letter cannabis business owners to to California insurers encoureducate the insurance industry aging them to fill insurance about the sophistication, pro- gaps for California’s cannabis fessionalism and risk manage- businesses.

11

Carr and Mendocino Complex fire insurance claims top $845 million Commissioner releases new report that examines climate change impact on wildfires SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones today announced that insured residential and commercial losses from the Carr and Mendocino Complex fires top $845 million and are now counted among the most destructive wildfires in the state's history.

The insurance commissioner also provided an update on the insured losses from the 2017 wildfires and 2018 Montecito mudslides and announced a new report that details how climate change contributes to wildfire losses.

"Our wildfire history tells the story of how our fire season has changed over the years from a four-month season to a year-round threat," said Commissioner Jones. "Over the past two decades, the frequency and severity of wildfires has increased and caused significant property damage and the tragic loss of life in the wildland-urban interface areas of the state. Even more troubling is that areas once considered not to be high risk are now being scorched by wildfires."

Data collected by the department shows that the widespread destruction from the Carr and Mendocino Complex fires resulted in damaging or destroying more than 8,800 homes, 329 businesses, and more than 800 private autos, commercials vehicles, and other types of property. More than 10,000 claims have been filed, totaling $845 million in insured losses.

According to CALFIRE, of the Top 20 Most Destructive California Wildfires, in terms of structures destroyed, 17 occurred after September 1st. Fire officials and experts warn that potentially the worst is yet to come.

"The Carr and Mendocino Complex fires not only caused staggering losses to thousands of Californians, they devastated entire communities and tragically cost many people their lives, and were among the most destructive fires in our state's history," added Commissioner Jones.

"We should remember that the vast majority of California's most destructive fires occurred after September 1st, and fire experts tell us that the worst fires for 2018 may still be ahead of us."

The commissioner also released a new report, Trial by Fire: Managing Climate Risks Facing Insurers in the Golden State, which examines the challenges and opportunities associated with

climate risk, climate change, and insurance. The report further shows how climate change is a contributor to wildfire losses in California and discusses Commissioner Jones' efforts to get insurers to consider climate risk and the role insurance can play in addressing the three types of climate risks facing insurance companies: physical, transition and litigation risks.

"Our Trial by Fire report is an important contribution to a better understanding of how climate risk and climate change impact the insurance industry and Californians," said Jones. "As Insurance Commissioner, one of my responsibilities is making sure insurance companies take into account and address climate-related physical, transition and liability risks, which can have consequences for insurers' underwriting and the investing of their reserves. I'd like to thank our partners who joined us to author this report, which provides critical information about the climate-related risks for the insurance sector and Californians and what is and should be done to address those risks."

The report was authored by Dr. Evan Mills, Principal of Energy Associates, a California-based energy and environmental consultancy, the climate policy experts at UC Berkeley School of Law's Center for Law, Energy & the Environment, and the California Department of Insurance.

"The Trial by Fire report is unique in its simultaneous focus on insurance and climate change in the California context, and it is the first of its kind to emanate from the offices of a forward-looking state insurance regulator," said Dr. Evan Mills. "Regulators are the natural entities to look into this, as their role is to safeguard the financial viability of insurers while maintaining availability, affordability, and adequacy of insurance for consumers. As we see in the wildfire data released today, regulators are also important compilers and distributors of raw data on loss costs."

Co-authors from UC Berkeley School of Law, Ted Lamm and Ethan Elkind, along with climate change experts Alice Hill of Stanford University Hoover Institution and Dr. Ben Caldecott of the University of Oxford have provided statements supporting the Trial by Fire report.

TO:

First Class Postage

Association News Network, Inc.

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

Join/Renew for 2018 NOW!

Register at: www.EastBayClaims.org

Annual Membership earns discounts, includes priority privileges and helps fund the organization

Updates and more at our new Mobile-friendly Web Site: www.EastBayClaims.org

is now

The national leader in forensic engineering and origin & cause services • Forensic Engineering: Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Structural • Fire origin and cause investigations • Fire protection engineering • Fire debris analysis

• Structural building plans • Construction Defect Investigation • Damage Assessment/Cost Consulting • Design Services, CAD Drafting

916.640.0640

, inc.

www.uis-usa.com

1172 National Drive Suite 100 • Sacramento, CA 95834

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