BCMG Catastrophe Claims Conference 2014

Last week BCMG hosted its first annual Catastrophe Claims Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana.   CAT adjusters from all over the country gathered in the Crescent City for two days of training, certification, and networking.  Marvin Aikens, with Donan Engineering, put on a 1 hour CE presentation specifically tailored to wind and hail damage.  Also, Dan Dyce with California Earthquake Authority and Bill Creeder with Rimkus Consulting, offered an earthquake certification course for those in attendance.  We were also pleased to have some of our clients come in to go over specific expectations and procedural details.  Each day concluded with a social hour that allowed for mingling, networking, and discussing the latest industry news and trends.  Overall, it was a great chance for our CAT adjusters to get to know our company, each other, and a few of our clients.  We appreciate everyone who attended, presented, and gave their time for this event.  We are looking forward to an even bigger and better conference next year!  The date for next year’s conference has tentatively been set for March 24^th-26^th, 2015.  We hope to see you all there!

Marvin Aikens, with Donan Engineering, presents 1 Hr CE credit on Wind and Hail Damage.

BCMG Owner/President, Steve Brown, conducts presentation on Ethics and Professionalism in the insurance industry

Dan Dyce, with California Earthquake Authority,  during his presenation at the earthquake certifcation program.

 Bill Creeder, with Rimkus Consulting, explores past earthquakes and the damages they cause.

Update on Use of Drones by Claims Adjusters

The emerging technology of camera-equipped drones has the potential to have tremendous implications on how property claims adjusters do their jobs and has been a frequent topic recently among leaders in the insurance claims industry.  

One hesitation by some in the claims industry and elsewhere to embrace this technology relates to the uncertainty of how the federal government will regulate the use of even small drones for such commercial purposes, including threats of prosecution.  However, a recent article in the Wall Street Journal by Mr. L. Gordon Crovitz on March 16, 2014 entitled “Drones Cleared for Takeoff” explains that “a federal administrative judge held that the FAA has no legal authority to meddle in the market and dismissed a fine levied against an operator who defied regulators by getting paid to use a drone to film the University of Virginia campus. Judge Patrick Geraghty of the National Transportation Safety Board ruled that the agency had only issued internal guidance on drones and hadn't followed any process to apply restrictions to the public.”  The article states that the FAA has appealed the decision, but Mr. Crovitz makes the argument that the Federal government may be overreaching in trying to so tightly regulate these small drones for commercial purposes, which one would have to conclude is likely to include claims adjusting.

The article can be found in the Wall Street Journal, or its online edition at: http://online.wsj.com/news/article_email/SB10001424052702304914904579441052310129582-lMyQjAxMTA0MDIwNTEyNDUyWj  and it is interesting that it also includes a Reuters photo of a small drone (DJI Phantom 2 Vision) in flight with the caption, “A camera drone flies near the scene where two buildings collapsed in East Harlem in New York City on March 12” (…no doubt piloted by a claims adjuster, engineer, inspector, or other industry professional looking to get a unique perspective of the damage to these properties in order to better do their job.)

CAT Season Opportunity in Louisiana!

BCMG Adjusters will have a unique opportunity to be involved in the handling of one of the largest insurance companies in the state of Louisiana for CAT Season 2013.  

As part of that agreement, BCMG will be one of only two companies handling claims for this carrier in the event of a hurricane.  You MUST be certified to work for this carrier and we currently have open spots for July 18th, August 3rd, and later dates in Louisiana to get you certified.  Please register on the Adjuster Registration tab at our website www.browncatastrophe.com to be added to our roster.

If your application is approved, you will receive an email advising you of the carrier and the time and location of the certification classes.  We require a minimum of 3 years' experience and to be proficient in Xactimate.

BCMG Deployed to Handle Hail Damaged Autos in OKC

Inch and a half hail rained down on areas in and around Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Friday, April 26th.  BCMG was asked to assist with appraising hail damage to more than 1,200 new Cadillac, Audi, Nissan and Kia, etc. automobiles at the Bob Moore Auto Group.

For more information on the recent hail events in the area check out the article here.

Exciting News at BCMG!

Brown Catastrophe Management Group (BCMG) has some exciting things to report for this 2013 Hurricane Season.  Our vigorous marketing efforts the past few months have paid off and resulted in BCMC landing agreements with several of the top regional HO insurance carriers in the State of Louisiana, and other coastal states.  In one case, we will be the “primary” CAT company for that carrier in not only Louisiana, but also states like Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, New York, etc.  Through a developing strategic partnership with another national CAT company, we hope to announce soon our possible involvement with yet another major HO carrier.  Stay tuned for more information and details to come.

PLRB in Boston, MA

For those of you attending the Property Loss Research Bureau (PLRB) Claims Conference in Boston, MA this weekend and next week, stop by BCMG's booth #1336 in the expo hall.

It looks to be a great conference with exciting industry information and many networking opportunities.  We look forward to meeting all of those at the conference and hope you stop by booth #1336!

BCMG in London

In late January, BCMG Owner/President, Stephen Brown had an opportunity to accompany a colleague to London, England for a week of meetings with representatives of the London insurance market, including several at the historic Lloyd’s of London.  During that week, we had a chance to get a firsthand look at Lloyd’s underwriting process, and visit with numerous Lloyd’s underwriters, brokers, and claims managers.  As an insurance professional, it is impossible to go away from your first visit to Lloyd’s without being overwhelmed at the history, the tradition, and the formality of Lloyd’s.  And yet, in this day of complex analytical and actuarial software and analytics by insurance carriers, perhaps the most impressive of all was to see that unique risks from all over the world are still underwritten (and claims oftentimes also discussed) face to face in the “boxes” on the floor and at the coffee shops in and around Lloyd’s.  Many new friends and contacts were made on the trip to the Lloyd’s market and BCMG will no doubt benefit from the experience.       

(L to R) Lloyd's of London, The Gherkin, Willis Building

The Floor of Lloyd's

BCMG Looking for Experienced Adjusters for NY & NJ Deployment

BCMG is actively working in HO claims in New Jersey and New York.  If you are an experienced adjuster and would like additional information about current opportunities with our firm, please email an inquiry, along with your resume’ to resume@browncatastrophe.com.  Please pass along this information to anyone who may be interested.  

Hurricane Sandy Deployment

BCMG has been placed on standby for deployments in VA, MD, DE, and NJ.  Though the exact path and ramifications of Hurricane Sandy on the east coast are too early to predict, BCMG is being placed on standby for several carriers with coastal state exposures.  Catastrophe operations will be based out of our regional office in Glen Allen, VA.

(image via: Weather Channel, updated 2 PM est)

 The potential damages reported could be significant, and according to this article on the Insurance Journal website, "some forecasters even say that Sandy has the potential to be a multibillion dollar disaster greater than last year’s Hurricane Irene".

BCMG Enrolling Adjusters for Isaac:

Source: National Hurricane Center

BCMG has existing contracts in place with various homeowner’s carriers for deployment of adjusters not only throughout south Louisiana, but Mississippi and Alabama.  We will be staging in Baton Rouge, LA and Mobile, AL.  Interested adjusters (inside and outside) should register on this site and/or inquire at: resume@browncatastrophe.com 

BCMG Opening Catastrophe Roster for Inside Desk Adjusting and Examiners

BCMG has opened its roster, not only for outside CAT adjusters, but is currently is looking for qualified inside desk adjuster/examiners for this Hurricane season as well.  If you are an experienced desk adjuster and would like to be added to our roster, please go to www.browncatastrophe.com and complete our “Adjuster Registration” form on our website.  Adjuster Registration must be filled out before we can add you to our roster and the inside operations center would either be based in Louisiana, or the Carolinas.  There is a “Comments” section at the conclusion of the registration page where you can specify if you are interested in inside desk adjusting, outside adjusting, or both.  BCMG looks forward to working with you.

BCMG Summer Happenings!

Hello out there!

 

We apologize for being so quiet these last few weeks; it’s been a very busy summer at BCMG!   Here are a few highlights:

 

The Louisiana Claims Association held its annual conference in Baton Rouge in mid-June and the turnout was great!  The three-day conference was informative and insightful, filled with industry news and networking opportunities.

 

With a majority of the BCMG home office staff present, our very own Owner/President, Steve Brown, was recognized with the 2012 Louisiana Claims Person of the Year Award.  This award is such an honor and we are all very proud of Steve!

Pat Brown and Steve Brown

Three Generations- Pat Brown, Mary Katherine Brown, and Steve Brown

 

The celebration continued into the night with the first annual BCMG Summer Soirée, at the home of Steve and Cindy Brown.  The weather threatened all day,but the rain held out that evening and our guests enjoyed great food, delicious drinks, and live music.   We appreciate all of you who came out and hope thatthose of you who couldn’t make it this year will join us next year!

 

 Karen Magee, Rodney Magee, and Mary Katherine Brown

Steve Brown and Louisiana State Treasurer, John Kennedy

 

After a great party, Steve Brown and our Marketing Director, Mary Katherine Brown left the next morning to fly to San Juan, Puerto Rico for the National Association of Independent Insurance Adjusters Annual Conference.  This was the 75^th Anniversary conference for the Association and they truly outdid themselves!  The conference brought together independent adjusters, insurance carriers, and vendors from across the country (and even outside of the U.S.) totalk about a host of topics relevant to the insurance claims business, and we were even able to squeeze in some time to enjoy the adventures and beauty of Puerto Rico...

 

Preparing to zip line through the Luquillo Rainforest!

 

It has been an exciting few weeks at BCMG and now that the Independence Day holiday is over, its back to work.  We continue to stay busy with daily claims in Louisiana and Mississippi, as well as with the storms that seem to be regularly moving across the Midwest, Southeast, and Atlantic Coast.  As always, we seek to keep our existing carrier clients happy, while exploring new opportunities!

 

As always, we look forward to handling any property, casualty, or catastrophe claims services you may have.  Please visit our website for more information at www.brownclaims.com and send any new assignments to contact@brownclaims.com.

 

Have a wonderful week and we look forward to hearing for you!

Kentucky Deployment and Tropical Storm Alberto

The BCMG catastrophe team has been deployed in Louisville, Kentucky for the past few weeks following last month's storms.

BCMG and Client Company Supervisors perform pre-inspections and re-inspections for hail damage in Louisville, Kentucky in May 2012

BCMG adjusters view deployment schematics and receive last minute instructions prior entering the field for the May 2012 hail storm in Louisville, Kentucky.

Also, while the 2012 Atlanta Hurricane season doesn't officially begin until June 1st, the first named storm formed this past weekend.  Tropical Storm Alberto churned off the coast of South Carolina, southeast of Charleston.  Experts are not predicting a damaging landfill, though rain showers, rip currents, and choppy seas are all possible conditions in the next few days along the Atlantic coast, from Florida to North Carolina.  

For new assignments please email contact@brownclaims.com or give us a call at 225-924-5210.  We look forward to hearing from you!

PCS Catastrophe Conference 2012

BCMG will be attending ISO's 2012 PCS Catastrophe Conference in Baltimore, Maryland next Monday April 30th, to Wednesday May 2nd.  The conference is stacked with knowledgeable speakers and the newest industry trends.

If you will be at the conference, please stop by the BCMG booth at the Service Provider Reception from 5-7pm Monday night for your chance to win a brand new Kindle Fire from Amazon- just in time for your summer beach trips!

We look forward to a great conference with exciting industry information and great networking opportunities.  For more information on the conference agenda and speakers visit the website here.  Hope to see you there!

Helpful New iPhone App for Business Use

With the explosion of smart phones and apps, we are always on the lookout for new tools that help make day to day business a little easier.  While at a marketing conference a few weeks ago, I was introduced to a mobile app that does just that- CardMunch.

LinkedIn is old news to many, but the CardMunch application takes the social media platform one step further.   It helps you catalog who you meet and network with, and reminds you to connect to those you know.  All you have to do is take a picture on your phone of business cards of those you meet, and the application stores the information, searches LinkedIn for the contact, and then invites you to connect with them.  It's easy, quick, and utilizes your networking to the greatest potential.  

And make sure you connect with Brown Claims Management Group on LinkedIn!

Louisiana Claims Association 2012 Annual Conference

It's that time again!

The 2012 Louisiana Claims Association Annual Conference and Expo. will be held in Baton rouge, LA June 13-15th.  The conference will be at the newly opened Renaissance Hotel and offers 12 hours of multi-state adjuster continuing education.

Also, we invite you to join BCMG for an evening party for clients and industry friends on Thursday night, June 14th. Formal invitations will be sent in the coming weeks.  We look forward to seeing all of you both at the conference and the BCMG Summer Soiree.

For more information, visit the Louisiana Claims Association website.

National Tornado Preparedness Summit

At the First National Tornado Preparedness Summit today in Oklahoma City, OK.  Over 400 attendees; good number of company and IA adjusters; and about 40 expo booths.  Looks to be a very good conference. - Steve Brown

Jim Cantore from the Weather Channel addresses the National Tornado Preparedness Summit today in Oklahoma City, OK

A Wild Day in Weather – February 23, 2012

From earthquakes to snow storms, today has been quite an interesting weather day across the United States. An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.0 struck near East Prairie, Missouri this morning around 3:45 a.m. and was felt in as many as 5 other neighboring States:  Illinois, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia.  Later this afternoon, the National Weather Service in Detroit, Michigan issued a winter storm warning for snow and hazardous weather conditions across much of the Great Lakes region through the evening hours of February 24.  Gusting winds and snow falls in excess of 4-8 inches could be expected in some areas.  This system is expected to affect much of the eastern United States over the next 48 hours.  BCMG is in contact with our clients to monitor the situation and is preparing to respond as requested to any claims scenarios arising from these severe weather developments.


Please see our website for contact information and catastrophe Adjuster Registration!

Mobile and Tablet Apps for Claims Adjusters

   
In the age of the smart phones and tablets, nowadays there is an application for almost anything.  Most of the large Insurance companies already offer their customers apps aimed at enhancing the clients' experience.  Whether it be locating the nearest body shop or calculating auto estimates, insurance claims adjusters can also make great use of this new technology.

The Computer Sciences Corporation created a family of applications that encompasses many different facets of the insurance business.  Specifically, 2 Work for Adjusters is a tablet app that is tailored to the needs of of claims adjusters while out in the field.  It offers cataloging systems for notes and photographs and other components of a claims investigation.  For more information on 2 Work for Adjusters application, check out the CSC website here.

What are some of your favorite applications that you use in your everyday life and while out in the field?  What app would you like to see created to make your life a little easier?

Weather Advisory: Kentucky region

With today's severe weather that is moving and has moved through the Kentucky region, BCMG has been asked to place a deployment team on stand-by.  CAT adjusters who are licensed and bonded in Kentucky, and interested in working with BCMG should register and contact us through our website www.browncatastrophe.com.  We look forward to hearing from you!