Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network December 2013

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network

Mid Valley Claims Association

December 2013 Volume XX • Number X

www.MidValleyClaims.org

This Friday

December 20, 2013

Toys For Tots!

And Local “MVCA Heroes” To Share Good Work Being Done at

Pa pa pa v lo’s

Mediterranean Bistro

501 N. Lincoln Center, Stockton

Please bring a new, unwrapped, toy or book to contribute to the annual MVCA donation to Toys for Tots!

Since 1994 with the MVCA

2

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • December 2013

Your 2013 Mid-Valley Claims Association Board of Directors 2013 Officers

President

Vice President

Secretary

Past President

Frontier Adjusters

Norman Spencer

Royalty Restoration Services

Frontier Adjusters

(209) 603-5006 midvalleyclaims@gmail.com

(209) 466-1413

(209) 529-3110

StaciMoreno@Norman-Spencer.com

gbishop613@comcast.net

Deena Lucero

Bob Bishop

Staci Moreno

Barbara Hall

Private Investigator

Gaye Bishop

2013 Board Members

Marine Claims Services, Inc.

John Tucker

York Claims Services, Inc.

Sherry Wenograd

Marvin Wenograd Frontier Adjusters

MVCA Rep to the Claims Conference of Northern California Barbara Hall

INSURING

PEACE OF MIND From water extraction to complete reconstruction, BELFOR has a solution to help you recover and get back to your life.

BELFOR ...

There When You Need Us.

FIRE • WATER • STORM DAMAGE • RECONSTRUCTION Site Containment Water Extraction Structural Drying Dehumidification Structural Cleaning Decontamination Mold Remediation Contents Restoration Document Recovery Vital Records Recovery Electronics Restoration www.belforcalifornia.com License #810553

Bakersfield • Fresno Lake Tahoe • Los Angeles Riverside • Sacramento San Francisco • San Diego San Jose • San Fernando

EMERGENCY HOTLINE

877.339.4301

(209) 478-1422

Centralcalclaims@aol.com

Don Wood

Appraisals by Don

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • December 2013

Mid-Valley Claims Mid Valley Claims Association

As s ociati on December 2013 Volume XX • Number X

December 2013 Message from MVCA President Deena Lucero

In This Issue...

2 2013 MVCA Officers & Board of Directors 3 December 2013 Message from MVCA President Deena Lucero - “Giving” secret word 4 Trends In The Heavy Equipment Industry at November 15, _ 2013 MVCA Luncheon 5 Toys For Tots Drive and more at December 20th MVCA 6 Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network Services Dir. 7 2013 Upcoming MVCA Events 7 Association News Network Job Connection 8 JOIN MVCA NOW Online!

visit: www.MidValleyClaims.org

We Make Restoration Easy!

• Fire/Smoke/Water Damage Restoration • Emergency Services • Insurance Work • Home Improvements • Kitchen & Bath Remodels

Free Estimates www.jpgallagherconst.com CA. Lic. # 702021

“Giving” The Word for December MVCA

209.466.8147

3333 Delaware Ave. Stockton, CA 95204

It’s that time of year once again……time for warm fires, hot chocolate and lots of fun and celebration!

I would like to thank Brian Weringer, with Transport Claims Associates, for his unique and informative presentation on, “Trends in the Heavy Equipment Industry”. Brian discussed some upcoming changes in the heavy equipment industry. Our members kept Brian busy with lots of interesting questions on what we can expect in the future with heavy equipment.

For the month of December, we will be having our annual “MVCA Heroes” luncheon. We have arranged for several of our own MVCA members to discuss some of the wonderful and charitable things they have been doing for individuals and other organizations. We had such a wonderful response to the “MVCA Heroes” last December, that we decided to have it every year. Thank you to all of our caring members and hope everyone will be able to attend.

If you have not already sent in your annual membership, please feel free to renew your membership online or by mail. This newsletter will include MVCA’s 2014 Membership Application.

All Members, please mark your calendar for the following date(s): • December 20th – Holiday luncheon (Please remember to bring your “Toys for Tots” again this year. Each year our Association donates bags of toys to children who may not have a present to open. The toys need to be unwrapped and can be for a boy or a girl.)

“President’s prize” - All members who email, or fax, the word “GIVING”, prior to the December luncheon, will have the opportunity to win the “President’s prize.” (You must be at the meeting in order to be included in the drawing).

Your MVCA President,

3

3 Cost Estimators 3 Architects & Engineers 3 Restoration, Electrical, Roofing, IR

.com

Deena Lucero

Deena Lucero 2013 Mid-Valley Claims Association President Frontier Adjusters (209) 478-1422 • cell (209) 603-5006 midvalleyclaims@gmail.com

4

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • December 2013

Heavy Equipment Regs & Claims at November MVCA

By Bryan Harrison

The membership of the Mid-Valley Claims Association was treated to a close look at some heavy equipment, and the substantial claims that can come along with their commensurate costs. Brian Weringer shared his expertise as an Adjuster/Appraiser in the Heavy Equipment Industry as the guest speaker at the November 21, 2013 MVCA luncheon meeting.

Mr. Weringer’s background as a body shop man clearly serves him well as an Independent multi-line claims adjuster and appraiser, as he knows big rigs, heavy-duty tractors, and all kinds of serious machines. He led the good-sized crowd through a series of slides that showed the extent of damage even on what would appear to be a minor fender-bender. He also showed examples of really devastating losses, some involving fatalities.

Brian has been serving the property and casualty insurance industry for more than eight years, striving to provide or customer with a professional product. His depth of knowledge is clear.

Weringer is a partner at Transportation Claims Associates, an independent multi-line claims adjusting and appraising service serving the property and casualty insurance industry for over 30 years.

“We at TCA strive to provide our customers with a professional product,” their site states.

Using this presentation as an indicator of his expertise, one can only nod in agreement.

MVCA President, Deena Lucero, thanked November guest speaker Brian Weringer.

Photo Gallery Available At www.

MidValleyClaims.org

Fire Origin and Cause • In-House Engineering • In-House & Mobile X-Ray • Litigation Support • Vehicle Analysis • Courtroom Graphics • Seminars/Workshops •

Your Experts on the Scene Prompt Dispatch To The Scene - 24/7

1-800-726-5939 Service where you need it throughout California • Arizona • Nevada • Oregon North Dakota • Minnesota

www.fcafire.com • inquiry@fcafire.com

Corporate office: 935 Pardee Street Berkeley, CA 94710-2623

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • December 2013

Toys For Tots!

5

And Good Work By “MVCA Heroes” To Be Shared This Friday

December 20, 2013 at

Pa pa pa v lo’s

Mediterranean Bistro

501 N. Lincoln Center, Stockton

Purchase your monthly lunch, and pay your annual membership dues online, directly, at MidValleyClaims.org Choice of Luncheon Entree Served

Just $22 for 2013 Members $28 for Non-Members or No Reservations Or, for payment by cash or check at the door, please make your reservations now with 2012 MVCA Pres./Tres. Deena Lucero: 209-603-5006, or midvalleyclaims@gmail.com

Being Prepared Is Having A Team In Place We Want To Be On Your Team!

Over 25 years in Business • A+ Rating with the BBB

Mold, Asbestos & Lead Consulting Clandestine Lab Investigations

Serving: Stanislaus, San Joaquin, Merced, Tuolumne & Calaveras Counties

Chris Hintz, CAC REA, CIE

209-366-3684

Fax: 866-612-8294 sierraec@comcast.net

www.SierraEnviro.com

CSL 817756

209-579-9393

3 Large Loss Fire Restoration 3 Use of Xactimate, Symbility & Simsol 3 Work with all Insurances 3 24/7/365 Emergency Services 3 Carry $2,000,000 Liability Coverage 507 Galaxy Way • Modesto, CA 95376

www.RestorationResourcesByFetter.info

6

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • December 2013

Mid-Valley Claims AssnNewsNet Services Directory Thank you to all our paid directory listing sponsors

Accident RECONSTRUCTION

Overspray Removal

Contractors - Asbestos/Lead/Mold Remediation

property restoration-clothing specialist

Boster, Kobayashi & Associates - Michael Kreutzelman Serving the United States 24 hr. (925) 963-9653 • (925) 447-6495 and Overseas Fax (925) 447-6589 American Technologies, Inc. - Barry Metcalf 8440 Elder Creek Road bmetcalf@amer-tech.com • (916) 388-2440 Sacramento, CA 95828 Fax (916) 388-2445 Belfor USA - Grant Cody 3132 Dwight Rd Ste 300 (209) 339-4301 • Fax (209) 339-4302 Elk Grove, CA 95758 grant.cody@us.belfor.com 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. - Jon Aronson 3278 Swetzer Road www.pwstephensinc.com • (916) 212-2962 Loomis, CA 95650 jona@pwsei.com restoration management COMPANY - Rodney Day Water, Smoke & Environmental Specialists 2479 Station Dr., Ste B (800) 400-5058 Stockton, Ca 95215 rday@rmc.com • Fax (209) 941-0450

Contractors - Electrical

Tucknott Electric Co. - Robert A. Tucknott 6850 Regional St. Suite 110 tucknottel@aol.com • (925) 931-0800 Dublin, CA 94568 www.Tucknott.com • Fax (925) 931-0817

Contractors - General restoration

Belfor USA - Grant Cody 3132 Dwight Rd Ste 300 (209) 339-4301 • Fax (209) 339-4302 Elk Grove, CA 95758 grant.cody@us.belfor.com J.P. Gallagher Construction, Inc. - Jack Gallagher 3333 Delaware Ave. jp.gallagher@yahoo.com • (209) 466-8147 Stockton, CA 95204 www.jpgallagherconst.com • Fax (209) 466-8141 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

Contractors-Microbial Remediation

American Technologies, Inc. - Barry Metcalf 8440 Elder Creek Road bmetcalf@amer-tech.com • (916) 388-2440 Sacramento, CA 95828 Fax (916) 388-2445 Belfor USA - Grant Cody 3132 Dwight Rd Ste 300 (209) 339-4301 • Fax (209) 339-4302 Elk Grove, CA 95758 grant.cody@us.belfor.com P.W. Stephens Environmental, inc. - Jon Aronson 3278 Swetzer Road www.pwstephensinc.com • (916) 212-2962 Loomis, CA 95650 jona@pwsei.com

Engineers - Forensic

Complere Engineering Group, Inc. - Gene Wilkins, P.E. Fire C&O, Property Liability, Thermography, Structural, Combustion Safeguards 4230 Kiernan Av., Suite 210 wilkins@complere.com • (209) 545-8165 Modesto, CA 95356 www.complere.com • Fax (209) 545-8170

Environmental Testing & Consulting

Sierra Environmental Testing & Consulting, Inc. - Chris Hintz P. O. Box 1563 www.SierraEnviro.com • (209) 366-3684 Woodbridge, CA 95258 Fax (866-612-8294

FIRE INVESTIGATORS

Fire Cause Analysis - Ulises Castellon, CPCU Throughout California, (800) 726-5939 • Fax: (510) 649-3099 Nevada, Arizona, Oregon & N. Dakota inquiry@fcafire.com

Deadline for all submissions for the December 2013 issue is Friday, December 27, 2013

Nationwide Overspray - Eric Gerencser Benicia, California

www.overspray.net • (925) 408-5909 Safe Overspray Removal eric@overspray.net • (800) 345-1269 FRSTeam by CUSTOM COMMERCIAL - Jim Nicholas 910 Striker Avenue, Suite E (800) 80-SMOKE • (916) 920-0482 Sacramento, CA 95834 Fax (916) 920-0483

property restoration/Contents

American Technologies, Inc. - Barry Metcalf 8440 Elder Creek Road bmetcalf@amer-tech.com • (916) 388-2440 Sacramento, CA 95828 Fax (916) 388-2445 Belfor USA - Grant Cody 3132 Dwight Rd Ste 300 (209) 339-4301 • Fax (209) 339-4302 Elk Grove, CA 95758 grant.cody@us.belfor.com restoration management COMPANY - Rodney Day Water, Smoke & Environmental Specialists 2479 Station Dr., Ste B (800) 400-5058 Stockton, Ca 95215 rday@rmc.com • Fax (209) 941-0450 Royalty Restoration Services - Kevin Messer/Gaye Bishop 1331 Granite Lane kevin@royaltycleaning.com • (209) 529-3110 Modesto, CA 95351 Fax (209) 529-3187

Web Site Development

Harrison promotional Services - Bryan Harrison a division of Association News Network, Inc. Web Site Design & Hosting, harrisonpromo@yahoo.com • (209) 229-8240 Photography, Music Production Fax (209) 229-8328

Construction Defect and Case Law at October MVCA continued from page 4

Keeping up to speed on the latest in Construction Defect claims litigation, and general insurance case law, can be a daunting task.

To address these issues at the October luncheon meeting of the MidValley Claims Association were Christine Reed and Joe Fenech, shareholders at the Monterey Office of Low Ball & Lynch. Ms. Reed discussed in detail some of the main cases that have recently had an impact within the construction defect claims arena, including the use of the “998 statute”.

She explained that the 998 statute is basically an offer to compromise on a settlement. It is designed to encourage settlement. If compromise is offered and refused, then case is won for less than offer, offering party is awarded things like expense for expert witnesses.

“There’s quite a body of law on how and when you can use a 998,” she added.

Mr. Fenech added that “it’s not too often that we see CD cases go to trial. It’s typically too expensive.

“If the policy language is not clear decision will favor the insured.”

The day also celebrated MVCA President Deena Lucero’s birth-

7

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • December 2013

MVCA

continued from page 4 Mid Valley Claims Association

2013- ‘14

Calendar of Events

AssociationNewsNetwork.com

Positions Available

Updates at: Claims Industry Placements Gary E. Mingus, GEM Search Group provides both Temporary, Temp to Hire and www.MidValleyClaims.org Direct Hire placements in the Insurance Industry also, placing Vendors related to

December 20, 2013

“MVCA Heroes” Holiday Luncheon Please contribute to the MVCA donation drive for the Marines’ Toys for Tots

January 17, 2014

Kick-Off The New Year - Luncheon Meeting

February 21, 2014

the Insurance Industry. Call Gary Mingus 866-935-4426 or email to Gary@GEMSearchgroup.com. Serving the Insurance Industry since 1995.

Experienced Construction Estimator:

East Bay general contractor is looking for an estimator with experience in insurance repair. Duties include: · Work closely with the insured, insurance adjuster, and all other parties involved in claims. · Establish a good rapport with all parties and write a timely accurate estimate to get the building back to pre-loss condition. · Knowledge of Xactimate is mandatory, as well as intermediate to advanced experience with Microsoft Office programs. · Must have excellent time management skills and the ability to work independently.

Competitive salary, benefits and 401K. Fax: 925-944-0908 or email liz@msconstruction.com.

Temporary Housing/Insurance Claims -

Assured Relocation is the leading national temporary housing provider for insurance companies. The position is fast paced. We need people with empathy, a sense of urgency, and claims experience using software (Salesforce preferably). Salary/ benefits/exciting work environment in Menlo Park. Email resume/cover letter to Jobs@assuredrelocation.com.

Luncheon Meeting

March 21, 2014 Luncheon Meeting

Submit Your Job Connection ad to:

Choose from Four (4) Monthly Print Editions + Online Edition: www.AssociationNewsNetwork.com/job.html Up to 50 words just $35 (just 50¢/word thereafter) Run Your Ad Network-Wide for a net rate of just $131.25/mo.

April 18, 2014

Luncheon Meeting

May 16, 2014

Next Deadline for submissions is December 27, 2013 call 209-229-8240 or fax FAX# 209-229-8328 info@AssociationNewsNetwork.com

Luncheon Meeting

The Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network© is a production of Association News Network, Inc. Published monthly as a free service to the MVCA 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 MVCA. We 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. We reserve 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.MidValleyClaims.org

Please submit articles for consideration by email, to: Bryan Harrison, Publisher Bryan@AssociationNewsNetwork.com • 925.708.5569

For Advertising opportunities and information, contact: Lynna Harrison, New Accounts Manager Lynna@AssociationNewsNetwork.com • 925.785.7021

© 1994-2013, all rights reserved • Association News Network, Inc. • www.AssociationNewsNetwork.com 2455 Naglee Rd. #263 . Tracy, CA 95304 • 209.229.8240 • fax 209.229.8328

A production service from: Association News Network, Inc. 2455 Naglee Rd #263 Tracy, CA 95304

Return Service Requested

TO:

Produced as a free service for the

Mid Valley Claims Association

December 2013

www.AssociationNewsNetwork.com

Volume XX • Number X

Mid-Valley Claims A ssociation

Join Online!

www.MidValleyClaims.org

Get It Online!

Association News Network

E-News Edition

Receive Monthly Email Updates on Association

Events & Happenings sign up now for F ree at

AssociationNewsNetwork.com Communications Bringing Claims Professionals Together Throughout Northern California

Association News Network, Inc.

w w w. A s s o c i a t i o n N e w s N e t w o r k . c o m

www.MidValleyClaims.org

Invite Your Associates