The Savvy Adjuster Podcast

When hurricanes, tornadoes, ice storms, and other catastrophic (CAT) events strike, tree removal becomes more complex than clearing a single fallen tree. In this episode of The Savvy Adjuster Podcast, host Chris Nichols is joined by HMI Senior Vice President Doug Cowles and HMI Director of Program Services Gretchen Piechottka to discuss how CAT events affect emergency tree removal operations, response timelines, accessibility, equipment needs, and pricing.

Discussed in This Episode

HMI’s invoice-review services are technical and informational only. HMI does not determine coverage, establish the amount payable under a policy, or negotiate settlements on behalf of the carrier, insured, or contractor.

Additional Resources

More Tree Removal Resources

Disclaimer: Engineering services are provided by or subcontracted to Alpine Intel Commercial Solutions, LLC, Alpine Intel Commercial Solutions, PLLC, Donan Engineering, LLC, Donan Engineering NC, PLLC, Donan Forensic, LP, BSC Forensic Services, LLC, or BSC Experts, PLLC.

When trees fall on property, the damage is often just the beginning. In this episode of The Savvy Adjuster Podcast, host Alpine Intel Senior Account Manager Chris Nichols is joined by HMI Vice President of Operations Doug Malawsky to discuss how adjusters can navigate emergency tree removal claims with confidence. 

Emergency tree removal can impact claim timelines, policyholder satisfaction, and overall claim costs, especially if tree removal pricing is inflated. Whether you’re handling a single tree loss or managing claims after a major CAT event, you’ll gain practical insights into fair pricing, common challenges, and best practices that help keep claims moving while protecting carriers and policyholders.

Discussed in This Episode 

Additional Resources 

Additional Tree Removal Resources: 

Disclaimer: Engineering services are provided by or subcontracted to Alpine Intel Commercial Solutions, LLC, Alpine Intel Commercial Solutions, PLLC, Donan Engineering, LLC, Donan Engineering NC, PLLC, Donan Forensic, LP, BSC Forensic Services, LLC, or BSC Experts, PLLC.

With spring storm season in full swing, adjusters handling hail and wind damage claims involving asphalt shingle roofs need ways to make the process easier. In this episode of The Savvy Adjuster Podcast, Alpine Intel Executive Vice President of Innovation Chris Scallion joins Sales Operations Manager Chris Nichols to discuss Donan On Demand, a new solution designed to streamline roof damage claims through faster assessments and engineer-backed reporting.

Discussed in This Episode 

Learn More About Donan On Demand: https://bit.ly/4egSBcp

Additional Resources

Additional Shingle Roofing Resources:

Disclaimer: Engineering services are provided by or subcontracted to Alpine Intel Commercial Solutions, LLC, Alpine Intel Commercial Solutions, PLLC, Donan Engineering, LLC, Donan Engineering NC, PLLC, Donan Forensic, LP, BSC Forensic Services, LLC, or BSC Experts, PLLC.

In this episode of The Savvy Adjuster Podcast, we’re talking about the effects of smoke and fire damage on business-critical equipment. Host Chris Nichols welcomes back TechLoss Consulting and Restoration Corporate Vice President Bob Karbin and Vice President of Engineering Mikey Minor to discuss concerns about smoke and fire damage claims and the fire damage restoration process. These include corrosive elements in smoke, how extreme heat impacts functionality, and the importance of quickly stabilizing equipment. Listeners will gain insights into how degreed engineers can differentiate between repairable equipment and a total loss, factoring in everything from fire suppression system damage to business interruption.

Discussed in This Episode

• How smoke and fire contamination damages business-critical equipment
• The scientific process of wipe sampling to identify contamination levels
• How damage can also be caused by fire suppression systems and firefighting efforts, introducing water, chemicals, and debris
• Key actions adjusters and insureds should take to evaluate losses
• The importance of timeliness to prevent further equipment deterioration and control costs
• Stories from the field detailing unique and challenging smoke and fire claims, including explosions and widespread corrosion events

Additional Resources

• Alpine Intel Resources Page: https://bit.ly/4pKAXRg
• TechLoss Consulting & Restoration: https://bit.ly/45eWIjN

Additional Resources About Smoke and Fire Damage Claims:

• Article: Equipment Restoration Following Fire and Water Losses: https://bit.ly/4s00MOH
• Article: From FNOL to Resolved: Steps for Business-Critical Equipment Claims: https://bit.ly/3MGrdZJ
• Guide: The Impact of Heat on Equipment: https://bit.ly/3My1Kld

Disclaimer: Engineering services are provided by or subcontracted to Alpine Intel Commercial Solutions, LLC, Alpine Intel Commercial Solutions, PLLC, Donan Engineering, LLC, Donan Engineering NC, PLLC, Donan Forensic, LP, BSC Forensic Services, LLC, or BSC Experts, PLLC.

It’s time to drill down into the nuances of dental equipment claims with The Savvy Adjuster Podcast. When a peril impacts a dental office, the damage can extend beyond the patient chair. Host Chris Nichols is joined by TechLoss Consulting and Restoration Corporate Vice President Bob Karbin and Vice President of Engineering Mikey Minor to discuss the wide array of specialized equipment that can be compromised. They explore the common causes of loss, from water and smoke damage to power surges, and outline the critical first steps adjusters should take to mitigate further damage. 

Discussed in This Episode

• The full range of equipment found in a dental office, including specialized lab and operatory tools
• Common perils that impact sensitive equipment, such as water, smoke, power surges, and physical impact
• Critical first steps and best practices for adjusters to follow when receiving a dental equipment claim to prevent further damage
• The role of wear and tear and how degreed engineers can differentiate it from other causes of loss
• The restoration and cleaning process for contaminated equipment to return it to pre-loss condition
• Options for securing equipment to minimize business interruption for the insured
• Real-world examples and stories from the field of complex dental equipment claims

Additional Resources

• Alpine Intel Resources Page: https://bit.ly/44LMUNZ
• TechLoss Consulting & Restoration: https://bit.ly/4pIjjNB

Additional Dental Equipment Claims Resources:

• Article: Drilling into Dental Equipment Claims: Perils and the Assessment Process: https://bit.ly/3MAr9ud
• Guide: Dental Equipment Assessment and Restoration: https://bit.ly/48LZM9c
• Case Study: Dental Equipment Claim: https://bit.ly/44KGOxj

Disclaimer: Engineering services are provided by or subcontracted to Alpine Intel Commercial Solutions, LLC, Alpine Intel Commercial Solutions, PLLC, Donan Engineering, LLC, Donan Engineering NC, PLLC, Donan Forensic, LP, BSC Forensic Services, LLC, or BSC Experts, PLLC.

Lightning and surge are often linked with electronics failures, but other perils might be playing a role. Alpine Intel Executive Vice President of Specialty Assessments Paul Whitmore and Alpine Intel’s Strategic Sales Development Manager Chris Tomlinson rejoin Alpine Intel Sales Operations Manager Chris Nichols on The Savvy Adjuster Podcast to discuss other causes of loss that lead to electrical equipment failures.

Discussed in This Episode 

• Water damage to electronics
• Weather-related perils
• What to do when policyholders report the cause of loss as “unknown”

Additional Resources 

• Alpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/4qOGNlD
• StrikeCheck: https://bit.ly/47RiryK

Additional Electronics Resources:

• Guide: Water Damage to Electronics: https://bit.ly/3XnCf88
• Article: StrikeCheck Electrical System Assessment Tools of the Trade: https://bit.ly/3WPFEMM
• Guide: Weather Impacts to Electronics Claims: https://bit.ly/47M9OWb

Disclaimer: Engineering services are provided by or subcontracted to Alpine Intel Commercial Solutions, LLC, Alpine Intel Commercial Solutions, PLLC, Donan Engineering, LLC, Donan Engineering NC, PLLC, Donan Forensic, LP, BSC Forensic Services, LLC, or BSC Experts, PLLC.

The Savvy Adjuster Podcast returns with a look at various types of residential electrical equipment frequently found in claims. Alpine Intel Sales Operations Manager Chris Nichols is joined by Alpine Intel Executive Vice President of Specialty Assessments Paul Whitmore and Alpine Intel’s Strategic Sales Development Manager Chris Tomlinson, who each have an extensive history in the insurance industry. Listen as they discuss electronics that may fail during the cooler months and what perils, including water damage, might be affecting them.

Discussed in This Episode 

• Outdoor residential electrical equipment often included in claims (including outdoor entertainment systems!)
• Perils that impact electrically powered equipment in the summer months, such as lightning, and how causes of loss might shift with cooler temperatures to include fire, freezing conditions, and others
• When repairs may be most appropriate versus a replacement
• Why pools and hot tubs might still be included in winter claims
• Water damage to electronics, its causes, and its impacts
• Interesting electronics claims stories

Additional Resources 

• Alpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/42UM00Y
• StrikeCheck: https://bit.ly/49liPb8

Additional Electronics Resources:

• Guide: Outdoor Electronics: Your Guide to Perils, Damages, and Assessments: https://bit.ly/4oIh2S8
• Article: Even Hot Tubs Don’t Like Cold Weather: https://bit.ly/4ofuDQY
• Guide: Preparing for Winter Electrical Fire Claims Guide: https://bit.ly/4obu2zV

Disclaimer: Engineering services are provided by or subcontracted to Alpine Intel Commercial Solutions, LLC, Alpine Intel Commercial Solutions, PLLC, Donan Engineering, LLC, Donan Engineering NC, PLLC, Donan Forensic, LP, BSC Forensic Services, LLC, or BSC Experts, PLLC.

In this episode, Alpine Intel Senior Account Manager Chris Nichols is joined by National Fire Experts Certified Fire Protection Specialists (CFPS) Ted Forbes and Ryan Bain to discuss why it’s important to evaluate fire suppression systems following a fire incident. You’ll understand the difference between the certified fire investigators who determine origin and cause and the fire protection specialists who analyze whether fire suppression systems prevented or failed to prevent the spread of a fire. This can help adjusters determine what may have caused additional losses and if there may be other concerns at a property.

Discussed in This Episode:

• The roles of Certified Fire Protection Specialists and certified fire investigators 
• When during the claims process an adjuster should call for a CFPS 
• How CFPS investigations can be done virtually 
• Different types of Automatic Extinguishing Systems 
• How location and codes impact findings
• Stories from the field about CFPS investigations

Additional Resources:

• Alpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/476JtDR
• National Fire Experts: https://bit.ly/3J7i4Yc
• Investigating Fire Suppression Systems After Commercial Fires: https://bit.ly/3H1uJvm
• Certified Fire Protection Specialist Case Study: Investigating a Restaurant Fire: https://bit.ly/4oypsMK
• 5 Questions to Ask After a Kitchen Fire: https://bit.ly/4lk1Qsk
• Adjuster’s Glossary of Fire Investigation Terms Guide: https://bit.ly/4ftTnS0

Disclaimer: Engineering services are provided by or subcontracted to Alpine Intel Commercial Solutions, LLC, Alpine Intel Commercial Solutions, PLLC, Donan Engineering, LLC, Donan Engineering NC, PLLC, Donan Forensic, LP, BSC Forensic Services, LLC, or BSC Experts, PLLC.

In this short episode, Senior Account Manager Chris Nichols returns with Forensic Engineer Brennan Clark of Alpine Intel’s Component Testing Laboratories and Curtis Whitfill, Vice President of SIU Compliance and CE Programs at Alpine Intel’s VRC Investigations. They discuss the role potential litigation plays in the evidence-gathering and preserving process for vehicle crash investigations and auto claims.

Discussed in This Episode:

• What SIU investigators consider going into the assignment
• The importance of accurate reports and evidence preservation
• Keeping strict processes and single-line chains of custody at Component Testing Laboratories
• How Crash Data Retrieval experts may be involved with depositions or serve as expert witnesses

Additional Resources:

• Alpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/3IuTnVt
• Crash Data Retrieval and Litigation Guide: https://bit.ly/3TFw2Te
• How To Spot Potential Fraud Concerns in Auto Claims: https://bit.ly/3TDcsqP
• Leveraging Crash Data Retrieval as an Auto Claims Adjuster: https://bit.ly/3GKoc7Y
• Best Practices for Evidence Management in Subrogation Cases: https://bit.ly/3TDQT9F

Disclaimer: Engineering services are provided by or subcontracted to Alpine Intel Commercial Solutions, LLC, Alpine Intel Commercial Solutions, PLLC, Donan Engineering, LLC, Donan Engineering NC, PLLC, Donan Forensic, LP, BSC Forensic Services, LLC, or BSC Experts, PLLC.

Learn how vehicle forensics and other investigation techniques can be included in the auto claims process during this episode of The Savvy Adjuster Podcast. Senior Account Manager Chris Nichols discusses what a vehicle’s Event Data Recorder, infotainment equipment, and 3D scan can tell adjusters with Forensic Engineer Brennan Clark of Alpine Intel’s Component Testing Laboratories. Curtis Whitfill, vice president of SIU Compliance and CE Programs at Alpine Intel’s VRC Investigations, joins to provide insights on other evidence sources. These include video, neighborhood canvassing, and license plate readers. The pair also shares stories of times this evidence confirmed an insured’s reported auto claim details, and when it proved something else.

Discussed in This Episode: 

• Sources for reliable evidence that can be used in vehicle claims
• What an Event Data Recorder can tell about vehicle characteristics at the time of the loss
• What a vehicle’s infotainment equipment can show about cellphone usage
• The incorporation of License Plate Readers in investigations
• How to use evidence for the future of vehicle equipment claims
• Red flags in auto claims
• Real stories that show how evidence gathering impacts vehicle claims

Additional Resources: 

• Alpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/46mGDde
• Case Study: Retrieving Crash Data: https://bit.ly/44eD9s4
• Article: How a Car “Black Box” Can Aid Insurance Investigations: https://bit.ly/3Ia33og
• Guide: Crash Data Retrieval and Litigation: https://bit.ly/4eE8zeY
• Guide: Auto Fraud Indicators: https://bit.ly/44rVhgR
   

Disclaimer: Engineering services are provided by or subcontracted to Alpine Intel Commercial Solutions, LLC, Alpine Intel Commercial Solutions, PLLC, Donan Engineering, LLC, Donan Engineering NC, PLLC, Donan Forensic, LP, BSC Forensic Services, LLC, or BSC Experts, PLLC.