tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30502498288575396652024-03-06T01:48:32.015-06:00Provencher & Company Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879007105786666865noreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050249828857539665.post-17976186248685854272014-10-24T07:00:00.000-05:002014-10-24T07:00:10.273-05:00Halloween Safety Tips for Homeowners<br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>By: Julie Rock-Chatellier</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsn5sQQJ8oMsZIn8ZK7jEYk3lZ2hbi418s0m3ovrbYLo0demxFuTdiNd8mCIwuAGD6yKQH0lFuh3RNQvDy18n-IRX1YtV9stxPHVWRKc35Cyi4hg8W6Ddj2rqv_vjukP6Y2TBO3tiyU32A/s1600/halloween-images-for-kids-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsn5sQQJ8oMsZIn8ZK7jEYk3lZ2hbi418s0m3ovrbYLo0demxFuTdiNd8mCIwuAGD6yKQH0lFuh3RNQvDy18n-IRX1YtV9stxPHVWRKc35Cyi4hg8W6Ddj2rqv_vjukP6Y2TBO3tiyU32A/s1600/halloween-images-for-kids-5.jpg" height="244" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Halloween is a festive day that kids enjoy, because they get dressed up and get treats. However, for a homeowner -- it could be an insurance claim waiting to happen. Will you be hosting a party or inviting trick-or-treaters to your door? Opening your property to the public can leave you susceptible to insurance claims and lawsuits.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>If you follow a few tips to ensure safety and protect your home from damages or liability, you can prevent the risk of a homeowners insurance claim spoiling the fun.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>Here are some tidbits to get you started.....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Keep the Lights On</b> – By having a well-lit home you will be sure that everyone, both visitors and trick-or-treaters, are able to see clearly after dark once they enter your property. Not only will you be protecting yourself from a liability claim, you will deter burglars from getting their hands on your secret stash of chocolate & diamonds.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Clear the Way</b> – While it may be funny to watch in the movies, having a child running from the house that a monster jumps out of (and that child not be your own), will likely result in having a liability claim filed against you should the child be injured. Get rid of law clutter. Especially at Halloween! Clear your lawn and walkways of toys, lawn ornaments, gardening equipment, etc. to help avoid a liability. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Put Fido in the Kennel</b> – Dogs and cats could jump on or even bite unfamiliar visitors -- especially those in costume. For the safety of your guests as well as your pets, keep dogs and cats away from the front porch or open areas. Can you imagine poor little Tommy having to get stitches because Fido was scared of Spiderman? Tommy's dreams of being a postman will forever be torn apart.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>How Old Are You? </b>– You are responsible for the safety of guests who will visit your home this Halloween. Keep everyone the safest you can on your property and only serve non-alcoholic beverages to your older party guests; and, if you <i>will</i> be serving alcohol, be sure that you do not allow anyone who is under-age to drink it. Unless you look really good in horizontal stripes or plan to carry your prisoner costume into real life, just don't do it! Want to know what the laws are for underage drinking in your home state? <a href="http://drinkingage.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=002591" target="_blank">Click Here</a>. There are actually eight different exceptions to the Minimum Legal Drinking Age (MLDA) of 21.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>I Want Candy</b> - Just like with alcohol consumption, you are responsible for what your guests and visitors consume. Only give trick-or-treaters commercially-packaged treats. Do you want to give out healthier treats? Try giving out small packs or raisins, small apples or mandarin oranges, fruit juice boxes, pretzels, or snack pack pudding. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Assure Home Security</b> – Getting away from the ghosts and goblins? Don't forget to set your alarm system before you leave the house. Let your neighbors know you will be leaving, and turn on motion-sensor lights, so they can keep their eyes on the place. Just like Christmas, Halloween is a prime time for mischief and burglaries. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Test Your Home Smoke Alarms</b> – While you are testing your home security system, don’t forget to test your smoke alarms well in advance of the Halloween celebrations to minimize the chance of having a claim for fire damage. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>To Carve or Not to Carve</b> – Leave the pumpkin-carving to the adults this Halloween and encourage them to use a special pumpkin cutter for extra safety. Allow children to help with the design before carving. Better yet, use an acrylic paint to paint the pumpkins or try any of <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/provencherclaim/no-carve-pumpkins" target="_blank">these alternatives</a> to cutting the pumpkins up.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Jack-o-Lantern Safety </b>– Avoid fire damage claims by using a battery-powered light in your pumpkin. Jack-o-Lanterns left unattended can easily be tipped over by trick-or-treaters or pets. No sense in putting a person, pet or your home in danger.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>No Open Flames</b> – Just as with Jack-o-Lanterns, setting the spooky Halloween mood with candles and luminaries that can easily be overturned, could result in homeowners insurance claims for fire damage. Consider light sticks or battery-powered lighting instead.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Check Your Homeowners Insurance</b> – Take a moment to speak with your insurance agent to be sure you will be fully protected for whatever plans you have for the Halloween Holiday. The time to find out that your coverage is incomplete is NOT after you have a claim.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">*****</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGiioQrfBXfcxHbbL1dfHudUNupkblF0LNa0QftIcxKaeczJRZQqqQpY5H_vXvbmTkHXq28vToc0N20sMng2gGobvlw3OrqmVnLeVObdWp3BAZ0mX_m6jRUYoot7r8a2YvvjuUcXh54wTb/s1600/Julie-Chatellier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGiioQrfBXfcxHbbL1dfHudUNupkblF0LNa0QftIcxKaeczJRZQqqQpY5H_vXvbmTkHXq28vToc0N20sMng2gGobvlw3OrqmVnLeVObdWp3BAZ0mX_m6jRUYoot7r8a2YvvjuUcXh54wTb/s1600/Julie-Chatellier.jpg" /></a><b style="background-color: white; color: #093b6a; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: justify;">About <a href="mailto:jrock@provencherclaims.com" style="color: #660000; font-style: italic; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Julie Rock-Chatellier</a></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #093b6a; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: justify;">As Claim Manager and adjuster for Provencher & Company, Julie assures the claims process transpires smoothly and timely with both our adjusters and clients throughout the course of managing our claim assignments; overseeing the claims support staff, examiners and trainers in our National Claim Center.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #093b6a; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #093b6a; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: justify;">Julie </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #093b6a; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: justify;">also serves as the claim system administrator and website & social media manager for Provencher & Company. Having</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #093b6a; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: justify;"> over 18 years experience in office management, bookkeeping and customer account management, she had served in staff and management assignments in various industries, gaining a working, practical knowledge of marketing & account administration. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879007105786666865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050249828857539665.post-54220946059535582282014-10-22T07:00:00.000-05:002014-10-22T07:00:07.751-05:00Registration now OPEN for the National Tornado Summit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The National Tornado Summit improves disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery in order to save lives and property in the United States.</div>
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In addition, the summit serves as a national forum for insurance professionals and regulators as well as international, national and state experts to exchange ideas and recommend new policies to improve emergency management.</div>
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Summit highlights include:</div>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">A two-day tradeshow that connects you to valuable resources, services, and products</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">General sessions with presentations on Crisis & Disaster Communications, Business & Home Safety, Disaster Stress, and Reinsurance</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Over 25 breakout sessions featuring international, national, and state experts</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Continuing education credits for insurance professionals</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Friends, food, and fun at the "Twister Mixer" reception</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;">Tour of the National Weather Center in Norman, OK</li>
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #093b6a; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">*The posting of this article is for informational purposes only, as a courtesy to our reading audience. Provencher & Company does not own, has in no way been compensated for the sharing of this information, and content of said article belongs to that of the originating author. The use of or enrollment in any classes, seminars, training, etc. in no way constitutes or implies any endorsement of the provider of said programs. Provencher & Company shares no financial obligation to attendee or organizer.</i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879007105786666865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050249828857539665.post-80931243696632281102014-10-20T07:00:00.000-05:002014-10-20T07:00:11.971-05:00Large Loss Reserving<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>By: Jerry Provencher</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjStFqQ6sKcZg5uL1qAeOsztHQcE3BG0CtCdilONmQzGksgHhqiHSVyfE-kTIID29qRxt70mileiKfnsr6ZUqCSDeIigHoSi-HpeSDNP_uZMhGffyXKd8IvRmep6Jetdmr2SKlmnX4yMRw-/s1600/business-income.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjStFqQ6sKcZg5uL1qAeOsztHQcE3BG0CtCdilONmQzGksgHhqiHSVyfE-kTIID29qRxt70mileiKfnsr6ZUqCSDeIigHoSi-HpeSDNP_uZMhGffyXKd8IvRmep6Jetdmr2SKlmnX4yMRw-/s1600/business-income.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>Reserving is risky business. Adjusters
hardly ever get credit for a tightly estimated reserve, but <i>nobody </i>escapes the hairy eyeball for a
reserve increase. The surest road to loss of client confidence is through stair
stepping of reserves. That said, even the largest or most complicated loss can
be fairly reserved with a systematic approach.</div>
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A systematic approach to
establishing reserves, spiced with a healthy suspicion in the extent of damage
builds reputation and client confidence.
Airline pilots, surgical teams and engineers utilize lists to ensure
comprehensive analysis in their fields; an adjuster using the same method to
calculate reserves will have better reserve accuracy. I say we should be calculating,
rather than ball-parking, because a reserve is as much a calculation as an
estimate.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Knowing the coverage is critical.
Endorsements provide all manner of additional coverages or expansions. Increased limits, Law or Ordinance, Newly
Acquired Property and Time/Power Element coverage expansions are commonplace.
Edition dates can be significant: The Building and Personal Property Coverage
Form edition 10/00 provides up to an additional $10,000 for debris removal, the
10/12 edition $25,000.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A systematic approach is based
upon categories of exposure, either by coverage or damage; Emergency expenses,
remediation, general conditions and demolition & cartage are all separate
estimates. Construction division categories are components of a reserve:
Roofing, electrical, plumbing, masonry, doors/windows, interior finishes are
all examples of the individual calculation that adds up to the whole. Each may have subcategories; Interior
finishes include flooring, drywall and decorating. Each category can be
estimated by square foot, cubic foot or experienced judgment, depending upon
the loss. The key is to reduce each exposure to its smallest component, and not
omit any category of cost. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Finally, foolish is the adjuster
who does not include a healthy allowance for the unknown; reducing reserves is
easy; increasing reserves often means the person who assigned you the loss has
to go explain your reserve increase to the boss. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/21onrc453yi8eep/Reserve%20Notes_0001.pdf?dl=0" target="_blank">HERE</a> is an example of a quick reserve in the field. Provencher & Company adjusters may log into the secured adjuster portal on our website for a more detailed, systematic explanation and more examples.</div>
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*****</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRF0a8jM-zB7yN37pJgxpC8lUv02I55L58rJIepUtjdHSgjXChyphenhyphenVzU8jge3FZUj4jcBkwoE0A71Ywb-e0Eb9EvEsS8H2pq3fZW4RayV9Tr2UAxtRH2rFh_eJkmZdvQ8GENeWBCGIAMzOqs/s1600/Jerry+Provencher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRF0a8jM-zB7yN37pJgxpC8lUv02I55L58rJIepUtjdHSgjXChyphenhyphenVzU8jge3FZUj4jcBkwoE0A71Ywb-e0Eb9EvEsS8H2pq3fZW4RayV9Tr2UAxtRH2rFh_eJkmZdvQ8GENeWBCGIAMzOqs/s1600/Jerry+Provencher.jpg" /></a><b>About <a href="mailto:jprovencher@provencherclaims.com" style="color: #660000; font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Jerry Provencher</a></b></div>
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As CEO/ Executive General Adjuster Jerry has handled multi-million dollar losses across the country and oversees the Business Interruption Unit. He has testified as an expert witness in business interruption and has represented major insurers as claims handling expert in both bad-faith litigation and the Justice Department’s investigation into catastrophe claims handling following the Northridge Earthquake.</div>
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Jerry has more than 30 years experience in property claims, including 16 years with insurance company claims management and Home-Office Technical staff. As AVP of a major insurer, he managed the general adjuster, fire investigation and catastrophe programs.</div>
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Jerry is a frequent speaker and instructor with numerous organizations and his articles on technical claim issues have been published by such organizations as American Bar Association, Claims Magazine, PLRB, International Association of Arson Investigators, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms and the IICRC S520 Mold Remediation Standards.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879007105786666865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050249828857539665.post-47960154350795770572014-10-17T07:00:00.001-05:002014-10-22T12:58:44.506-05:00Home Fire Safety<span style="text-align: justify;"><b>By: Julie Rock-Chatellier</b></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">October: National Fire Prevention Month</span></b></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQrzUb934EAaDda7VWmcW0Q8RmSS8j1M877scg3TArA_743Te5bN2yey1p2ZKHYKRlnC38kCOyeLFS7oS3uETnmqTGnn3foEvYXIT1GVDLn5VZxu73XTQ3cKxQAxM7VrQ4KrQ9Oa4knh2E/s1600/Fire+Facts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQrzUb934EAaDda7VWmcW0Q8RmSS8j1M877scg3TArA_743Te5bN2yey1p2ZKHYKRlnC38kCOyeLFS7oS3uETnmqTGnn3foEvYXIT1GVDLn5VZxu73XTQ3cKxQAxM7VrQ4KrQ9Oa4knh2E/s1600/Fire+Facts.jpg" height="640" width="294" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Would you know what to do if a fire started in your home? Would your children? Last week schools across the country participated in activities related to <i>National Fire Prevention Week</i>. If your kids are anything like mine, they came home with a wealth of knowledge and even some funny stories. <i>"Mom, did you know Mrs. Brown [a teacher] is always at the fire station because her husband is like A CHIEF or something?!?!?! But, the fireman that I talked to told me that SHE is the REAL boss of all the firemen because she keeps them ALL in line!" </i>*This was coming from my 11 yr. old, but I fought back laughter knowing the Brown family personally.*<i> </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You see we, just so happen, live in a wonderful community that takes great pride in teaching our youngsters about fire safety -- poster contests, visits from firemen & firetrucks to the schools, free pencils, erasers, stickers, those *gross* little fake tattoos, fire hats.... you know, the stuff youngsters like! You name it - they do it! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">However, they aren't only given "fun" stuff, they are taught valuable information that could save their lives in the event of a fire. The kids listen, then they come home and tell mom & dad all about it. For a week now, at least once of my children tests a smoke alarm DAILY to make sure it works, <i>"So we don't die MOM!"</i> Ahhhhh...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, with that said: Take the time now to review fire safety facts and tips so your family will be prepared in the event of a fire emergency in your home. Of course, the best way to practice fire safety is to make sure a fire doesn't break out in the first place, but be prepared nonetheless.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Smoke Alarms</span></b></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fact: Having a smoke alarm in the house cuts your risk of dying in a fire in half. Almost 60% of all fatal residential fires occur in homes that don't have smoke alarms, so this may be the single most important thing you can do to keep your family safe from fires.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If your home doesn't have smoke alarms, now is the time to install them on every level of your home and in each bedroom. If possible, choose one with a 10-year lithium battery. If your smoke alarm uses regular batteries, remember to replace them every year. Test your smoke alarms monthly (not daily - like my sweet little monsters), and be sure your kids are familiar with the sound of the alarm.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span style="color: #660000;">Tip: change your batteries when you change your clock back from Daylight Saving Time in the fall.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Because smoke rises, smoke detectors should always be placed on ceilings or high on walls. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you're having a new home built or remodeling an older home, you may also want to consider adding a home sprinkler system -- depending on your policy, this can also give you added savings on your homeowners' insurance rates. </span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Teaching Kids the Facts About Fire</span></b></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Unfortunately, many people will try to hide from a fire, often in a closet, under a bed, or in a corner. But if taught basic fire facts, they'd be better able to protect themselves. If your family isn't as fortunate as mine to have a education-focused local fire department, teach them yourself that: fires spread quickly, that most fire-related deaths are not from burns but from smoke inhalation, and that dangerous fumes can overcome a person in just a few minutes.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Things Everyone Should Know In The Event of A Fire:</i></span></h4>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cover your mouth and nose with a moist towel or an article of clothing to keep out dangerous fumes while evacuating</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Crawl under the smoke to safety, staying as low to the ground as possible (smoke always rises)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Touch any door (not the doorknob) to see if it is hot, and if it is, not to open it — find another exit</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Locate the nearest stairway marked "Fire Exit" if you live in an apartment building, or a fire escape if the stairway isn't accessible — children should know to always avoid elevators during a fire</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Never stop to take personal belongings or pets or to make a phone call (even to 911) while evacuating</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Never go back into a burning building once safely outside</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Stop, drop, and roll to extinguish flames if an article of clothing catches on fire</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Children should also always be dressed for bed in flame-retardant sleepwear.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Practice Fire Drills at Home</b></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Kids have fire drills at school and adults have them at work. Why shouldn't you have them at home, too? Fires are frightening and can cause panic. By practicing different scenarios, your family will be less likely to waste precious time trying to figure out what to do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Planning escape routes are a necessity, especially if a fire were to occur during the night. Go through each room in your house and think about the possible exits. You should have in your mind two escape routes from each room, in case one is blocked by fire. Inspect the room to make sure that furniture and other objects are not blocking doorways or windows.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Make sure that the windows in every room are easy to open and are not painted over or nailed shut - these may be your only way out in a fire.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">**See Footnote**</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you live in an apartment building, make sure any safety bars on windows are removable in an emergency. Be sure to know the locations of the closest stairwells or fire escapes and where they lead.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If your house is more than one story tall or if you live above the ground floor of an apartment building, an escape ladder is an important safety feature. You should have one escape ladder made of fire-safe material (aluminum, not rope) in each upper-story bedroom that is occupied by a person who is capable of using it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Like fire extinguishers, escape ladders should be operated by adults only. The ladder must be approved by an independent testing laboratory, its length must be appropriate for your home, and it must support the weight of the heaviest adult in the house.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Discuss and rehearse the escape routes you've planned for each room of your home. Designate a meeting place outside your house or apartment building that is a safe distance away (a mailbox, a fence, or even a distinctive-looking tree will do) where everyone can be accounted for after they escape.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then, every so often, test your plan. Use your finger to set off the smoke detector and let everyone know it's time for a fire drill. See if everyone can evacuate your home and gather outside within 3 minutes — the time it can take for an entire house to go up in flames.</span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">**Boston Herald photographer Stanley J. Forman snapped this picture in 1975 after a fire broke on out Marlborough Street. The two individuals depicted, Diana Bryant and Tiare Jones, jumped from their building just seconds before a fireman tried to grab them to save their life. Diana Bryant was pronounced dead at the scene, while the little girl survived. The powerful photograph won a Pulitzer Prize and also paved the way for Boston and other states to mandate tougher fire safety codes.**</span></i></div>
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*****</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGiioQrfBXfcxHbbL1dfHudUNupkblF0LNa0QftIcxKaeczJRZQqqQpY5H_vXvbmTkHXq28vToc0N20sMng2gGobvlw3OrqmVnLeVObdWp3BAZ0mX_m6jRUYoot7r8a2YvvjuUcXh54wTb/s1600/Julie-Chatellier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGiioQrfBXfcxHbbL1dfHudUNupkblF0LNa0QftIcxKaeczJRZQqqQpY5H_vXvbmTkHXq28vToc0N20sMng2gGobvlw3OrqmVnLeVObdWp3BAZ0mX_m6jRUYoot7r8a2YvvjuUcXh54wTb/s1600/Julie-Chatellier.jpg" /></a><b style="background-color: white; color: #093b6a; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">About <a href="mailto:jrock@provencherclaims.com" style="color: #660000; font-style: italic; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Julie Rock-Chatellier</a></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #093b6a; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">As Claim Manager and adjuster for Provencher & Company, Julie assures the claims process transpires smoothly and timely with both our adjusters and clients throughout the course of managing our claim assignments; overseeing the claims support staff, examiners and trainers in our National Claim Center.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #093b6a; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #093b6a; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Julie </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #093b6a; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">also serves as the claim system administrator and website & social media manager for Provencher & Company. Having</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #093b6a; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> over 18 years experience in office management, bookkeeping and customer account management, she had served in staff and management assignments in various industries, gaining a working, practical knowledge of marketing & account administration. </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879007105786666865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050249828857539665.post-8615626912619180212014-10-15T07:00:00.000-05:002014-10-15T12:36:54.763-05:00Using Remote Depositions To Reduce Costs in Litigation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong><i><span style="color: #003366; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 17.0pt;">Using Remote Depositions
To Reduce Costs in Litigation</span></i></strong><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Insurance
companies have found substantial benefits in using remote depositions as a way
to reduce costs and increase internal access to depositions. Insurers are
enabling attorneys and claims professionals the ability to easily view
depositions as they happen - or after the fact. Join this webinar to learn best
practices from legal professionals who are using this in their practice.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Date:</span></strong><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> Wednesday, November 5, 2014<br />
<strong>Time:</strong>
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM EDT</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: blue; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #093b6a; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">*The posting of this article is for informational purposes only, as a courtesy to our reading audience. Provencher & Company does not own, has in no way been compensated for the sharing of this information, and content of said article belongs to that of the originating author. The use of or enrollment in any classes, seminars, training, etc. in no way constitutes or implies any endorsement of the provider of said programs. Provencher & Company shares no financial obligation to attendee or organizer.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879007105786666865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050249828857539665.post-5340208084306904972014-10-13T10:07:00.000-05:002014-10-13T10:11:54.381-05:00Severe Storms Wallop South; Tornado Ashdown, AR<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyOpKl1qJyC5X28kOIPSGjZhBWYn-pjNezJSnqhiPL8YFS7bE435PDpHkvFWZ4sWLEedKOa94ysJfJPvFgCgdjLOd4mNENEsFSlV3I4uXdj-IGaXX0LK954Fz0HHOpq-kvNG_pxsxMdZ1/s1600/5141975_G.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyOpKl1qJyC5X28kOIPSGjZhBWYn-pjNezJSnqhiPL8YFS7bE435PDpHkvFWZ4sWLEedKOa94ysJfJPvFgCgdjLOd4mNENEsFSlV3I4uXdj-IGaXX0LK954Fz0HHOpq-kvNG_pxsxMdZ1/s1600/5141975_G.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Severe storms ripped through the South overnight, killing at least one person in Arkansas and damaging homes and property in Oklahoma, Texas and Missouri, according to the Weather Channel. </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">More severe weather is forecast for Monday. A tornado watch -- meaning conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop -- is in place for much of Arkansas and parts of Louisiana, Tennessee and Mississippi.</span></b></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Wind gusts of 75 to 80 mph were reported in southwestern parts of that Oklahoma, as one home lost parts of its roof in Elmer. In Texas, thousands of homes and businesses lost electricity as thunderstorms soaked northern parts of the state. Most of the outages are concentrated in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.</span></b></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Forecasters say areas east of Little Rock are at the greatest risk of tornadoes Monday, including eastern Arkansas, northwestern Mississippi and far western Tennessee. Memphis is the biggest city under the severe weather threat Monday.</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;"></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Widespread heavy rainfall is also expected in and around these areas contributing to flash flood potential, the National Weather Service predicts.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">With a seasoned team of adjusters located throughout the Ohio Valley & Gulf Coast States, Provencher & Company stands ready to assist all of our client's claim evaluation needs. For commercial or residential property loss assistance, call 866-722-5246. </span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /><span style="color: #660000;">Send your assignments to us directly at</span></b><span style="color: #660000;"> </span><a href="mailto:claims@provencherclaims.com"><span style="color: #073763;">claims@provencherclaims.com</span></a> <b><span style="color: #660000;">or complete our online assignment form at</span></b> <a href="http://www.provencherclaims.com%20/"><span style="color: #073763;">www.provencherclaims.com</span></a></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879007105786666865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050249828857539665.post-10438655092267256042014-10-13T08:00:00.000-05:002014-10-13T08:00:00.391-05:00Risk of Damage from Natural Hazards By StateAre you safe where you live? Find out in the article below whether you
live in an area at risk for Natural Hazards.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Risk of Damage from Natural Hazards By State</b></span></div>
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Florida, Rhode Island, Louisiana, California and Massachusetts are the top 5 states for exposure to multiple natural hazards, according to an analysis by CoreLogic, a property data and analytics firm.</div>
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Michigan, West Virginia, New York, North Dakota and Vermont have the lowest score for exposure to multiple hazards, the report said.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The analysis was derived from the CoreLogic Hazard Risk Score (HRS), a new tool that gathers data on multiple natural hazard risks and combines them into a single score ranging from 0 to 100. The overall score indicates risk exposure at the individual property and location level.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For every geo-coded location across the U.S, the proprietary CoreLogic HRS is compiled using data representing nine natural hazards: flood, wildfire, tornado, storm surge, earthquake, straight-line wind, hurricane wind, hail and sinkhole.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Alaska and Hawaii were not included due to limited natural hazard risk data, CoreLogic said.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Locations with higher risk levels are exposed to multiple hazard risks and will, therefore, receive higher scores when the risk analysis is aggregated. Subsequently, locations with minimal risk levels have lower exposure and receive lower scores. Geo-coded locations are generated at the property-address level using latitude and longitude coordinates and include both residential and commercial properties.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3S7CODIp5RD3cYhD__aTUItEfRLGxaxChJvLucWrObK_IMB2abiygGSZ-21g06yNP2-dKeFVFROw3xTvaDICdQDULY_gK0EoNCcwGzWsnHkQQcQ6InePQZYu3SmRNSuilpPUq7_KC1Ui/s1600/hazard-9-9-2014-580x456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3S7CODIp5RD3cYhD__aTUItEfRLGxaxChJvLucWrObK_IMB2abiygGSZ-21g06yNP2-dKeFVFROw3xTvaDICdQDULY_gK0EoNCcwGzWsnHkQQcQ6InePQZYu3SmRNSuilpPUq7_KC1Ui/s1600/hazard-9-9-2014-580x456.jpg" height="502" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Florida’s high level of risk is driven by the potential for hurricane winds and storm surge damage along its extensive Atlantic and Gulf coastline, as well as the added potential for sinkholes, flooding and wildfires. Michigan alternatively ranks low for most natural hazard risks, other than flooding,” said Dr. Howard Botts, vice president and chief scientist for CoreLogic Spatial Solutions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In calculating the overall score, both the probability of an event and the frequency of past events are significant contributing factors used to determine risk levels associated with individual hazards, as well as each distinct hazard’s risk contribution to total loss. The data is combined into an aggregated, consistent and normalized value that allows statistically valid combinations to be derived.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“In the past, natural hazards have been difficult to compare and combine in a meaningful way,” said Dr. Botts. He said the new Hazard Risk Score is a “single solution” that measures risk concentration consistently and pinpoints the riskiest places in the U.S. with accuracy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“This insight is critical in conducting comparative risk management nationwide and fully understanding exposure to potential natural hazard damage,” he said.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">CoreLogic says the score can be used to improve decision-making in a variety of business operations, including:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Business continuity and disaster recovery planning</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Analyzing risk associated with a residential property or portfolios of properties</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Measuring mitigation savings vs. total hazard potential damage</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Evaluating and determining natural hazard risk levels of distribution and supplier networks</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Recognizing which underinsured or uninsured properties may become at risk of default</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Adverse selection avoidance and identification of “good risk” properties</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>U.S. Natural Hazard Risk by State* (Ranked by CoreLogic Hazard Risk Score)</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Rank State HRS</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 FL 94.51</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 RI 79.67</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3 LA 79.23</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4 CA 75.56</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5 MA 72.12</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">6 KS 69.51</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">7 CT 69.04</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">8 OK 66.82</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">9 SC 66.38</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">10 DE 65.38</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">11 OR 64.89</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">12 NJ 61.54</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">13 IA 61.02</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">14 TX 60.89</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">15 NC 59.72</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">16 MO 57.81</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">17 DC 57.33</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">18 MS 57.05</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">19 AR 56.7</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">20 NH 55.3</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">21 ID 52.75</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">22 MD 52.28</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">23 CO 51.88</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">24 NE 51.86</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">25 IL 51.8</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">26 IN 50.74</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">27 GA 50.58</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">28 NV 50.12</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">29 AL 49.42</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">30 KY 47.34</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">31 TN 46.48</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">32 UT 45.22</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">33 NM 43.76</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">34 AZ 42.81</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">35 VA 42.35</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">36 WA 42.3</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">37 WI 38.52</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">38 SD 38.24</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">39 MT 37.91</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">40 MN 36.42</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">41 OH 34.61</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">42 ME 31.64</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">43 WY 30.24</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">44 PA 28.79</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">45 VT 28.31</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">46 ND 27.5</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">47 NY 24.97</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">48 WV 20.67</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">49 MI 20.22</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Source: CoreLogic 2014</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">* AK and HI were excluded in the ranking due to limited natural hazard risk data</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Article Originally Published By: <a href="http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2014/09/10/340082.htm" target="_blank">Insurance Journal</a></span></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #093b6a; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">*The posting of this article is for informational purposes only, as a courtesy to our reading audience. Provencher & Company does not own, has in no way been compensated for the sharing of this information, and content of said article belongs to that of the originating author. The use of or enrollment in any classes, seminars, training, etc. in no way constitutes or implies any endorsement of the provider of said programs. Provencher & Company shares no financial obligation to attendee or organizer.</span></i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879007105786666865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050249828857539665.post-54711611708888469432014-10-09T15:32:00.000-05:002014-10-22T12:59:39.765-05:008 Ways to Prepare Your Property for Winter<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">By: </span><span style="color: #073763; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Julie Rock-Chatellier</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #073763; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">As property owners we're often faced with the tougher realities of the changing seasons. A heavy snowfall doesn't just mean a day off of school or work; it can also mean an overworked furnace, a power outage, damage to a roof, and even burst pipes. All of these situations cause damage to our homes or business, then in-turn create a call to an insurance agent or company to file a claim. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxA5vs3j02-cHd6TZTnVhUtdZt1LmSaaNR7qeyKKO-gAJxc-eXmY78zLEFHoGhX2sKS3SNjXCvXznekgu0C9WMaa0ZYDh6hNuGqFcV7DZ649okgnzXCQneoMpSJh4ogGgQJ1mzhW4FGdZd/s1600/raking+leaves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxA5vs3j02-cHd6TZTnVhUtdZt1LmSaaNR7qeyKKO-gAJxc-eXmY78zLEFHoGhX2sKS3SNjXCvXznekgu0C9WMaa0ZYDh6hNuGqFcV7DZ649okgnzXCQneoMpSJh4ogGgQJ1mzhW4FGdZd/s1600/raking+leaves.jpg" height="221" width="400" /></span></a><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>Let's also not forget about rising energy costs: A</b></i></span><i style="color: #073763; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>ccording to the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity, </b></i><i><b><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Americans spend almost twice as much of their income on energy as they did a decade ago. From the Northern Pacific, down to the Gulf Coast, and back north to the New England state - our wallets are all taking a hard hit to stay warm and to protect our property from damages. It's a necessary evil we all face!</span></b></i><br />
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<i style="color: #073763; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>While we can't always predict what Old Man Winter will send our way, we can take a few precautions to ensure we spend less time cleaning up weather-induced messes, filing insurance claims, </b></i><i style="color: #073763; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>and </b></i><i style="color: #073763; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>fretting over utility bills and more time building sledding ramps & snowmen in the back yard.</b></i><br />
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<i style="color: #073763; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Below are 8 of the top things you can do to protect your property investment from damage during the winter months. A little time and/or money spent up front can eliminate your need to call upon your insurance provider as a result of damage. Remember, wear and tear is NOT a covered cause of loss! </b></i></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Tune Up Your Heating System</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37tTzGoam-4nFs00yY38AZ1LdUR_aKtTbhp-2jyQm2f5J1XDVjlYSpRUFwTEUxNmOcqDdKVn7n-DeP-adZkOaBsmNp2m95W1T0yaX-x1cFn0Dm8r9G2DqmeEZxg_dx0mCYsZ2ApoDwkPK/s1600/031+Furnace+Repair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37tTzGoam-4nFs00yY38AZ1LdUR_aKtTbhp-2jyQm2f5J1XDVjlYSpRUFwTEUxNmOcqDdKVn7n-DeP-adZkOaBsmNp2m95W1T0yaX-x1cFn0Dm8r9G2DqmeEZxg_dx0mCYsZ2ApoDwkPK/s1600/031+Furnace+Repair.jpg" height="197" width="200" /></span></a><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before winter arrives, the most important thing you need to do for yourself, your family and your employees is to ensure that your furnace is operational, safe, and as energy-efficient as you can make it. For about $100, a technician can inspect your boiler, furnace or heat pump ensuring the system is clean, working properly, and that it can achieve its manufacturer-rated efficiency. The inspection will also measure carbon-monoxide leakage. Side note: Do you have <a href="http://www.amazon.com/First-Alert-CO615-Monoxide-Plug-In/dp/B000Q5VMKG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1412880677&sr=8-3&keywords=carbon+monoxide+detector" target="_blank">carbon-monoxide detectors</a> in addition to your <a href="http://www.amazon.com/First-Alert-SA710CN-Photoelectric-Sensor/dp/B0000CBIIT/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412880723&sr=8-1&keywords=first+alert+smoke+detector" target="_blank">smoke detectors</a> installed?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By scheduling that inspection now, you'll minimize the chance of being 100th caller in line for repairs on the coldest day of the year. Look for a heating and air-conditioning contractor that belongs to the <a href="http://www.acca.org/consumer/find-a-contractor" target="_blank">Air Conditioning Contractors of America</a> and technicians certified by the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) program. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Hit the Roof</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKhOKJlFgx3q4WWj-4xUF-zwBa7WW1AwNw2QqD5JHFhn6MFF8YAXsnXaY2mIJtz9DQB9i3yMgfWJ7M6niiX-u3olYvpqGv0fwdGaDgfIIdfRDY6P6wXQoYcmFzZniMoBTVtGHgOS5Ya7A/s1600/man+on+roof.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKhOKJlFgx3q4WWj-4xUF-zwBa7WW1AwNw2QqD5JHFhn6MFF8YAXsnXaY2mIJtz9DQB9i3yMgfWJ7M6niiX-u3olYvpqGv0fwdGaDgfIIdfRDY6P6wXQoYcmFzZniMoBTVtGHgOS5Ya7A/s1600/man+on+roof.jpg" height="216" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grab a ladder and take to the roof - or, if you are terrified of heights like I am, break out the binoculars and give it a good look. Look for damaged, loose or missing shingles that may leak during winter’s storms or from melting snow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Roof deficiencies are the most common problem reported by home inspection associations,” says the <a href="http://www.nrcia.org/" target="_blank">National Roof Certification and Inspection Association</a>. “Thirty percent of real estate inspection claims are due to roof leaks and water penetration,” the group says. “Thirty nine percent of homeowner’s insurance claims are because of roof problems.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;">A simple cleaning with a broom or blower is all that is generally necessary. </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If your roof is flat and surfaced with asphalt and pebbles, rake or blow off fall leaves and pine needles, which hold moisture. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If need be, hire a handyman to repair a few shingles or a roofer for a larger section. Be sure to check and repair breaks in the flashing seals around vent stacks and chimneys.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Clean the Gutters</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbf0EhoU2q2Mn8ZwiSJZpfmUJo2KW3Xs3JGsok3ChHkPx3S3uzJmzADDN6sZBf-qLXW1gpCiDbOBDxB6G9FBnTWnO8skrq7pHNR-RWCN8uspzsufGDRo4ku5uEyNGiJD2zdzbMaED62a7S/s1600/downspouts-full-gutter-This-Old-House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbf0EhoU2q2Mn8ZwiSJZpfmUJo2KW3Xs3JGsok3ChHkPx3S3uzJmzADDN6sZBf-qLXW1gpCiDbOBDxB6G9FBnTWnO8skrq7pHNR-RWCN8uspzsufGDRo4ku5uEyNGiJD2zdzbMaED62a7S/s1600/downspouts-full-gutter-This-Old-House.jpg" height="236" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: start;">Every winter there are billions of dollars in insured losses due to burst pipes, frozen gutters and other weather-related disasters. I</span>f your gutters are full of debris, water can back up against the house and damage roofing, siding and wood trim - plus cause leaks and ice dams.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have a low-sloped roof, even a leaf protection system cannot prevent debris from accumulating on your roof, so with or without a leaf protection system, roof maintenance is required. </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;">Remove leaves, acorns, sticks and other debris from gutters, so melting snow and ice can flow freely.</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also look for missing or damaged gutters and fascia boards and repair them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;">If you choose to call in a professional maintenance service, y</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ou'll typically pay $70 to $225 to clean gutters on a single-story house, depending on its size and your geographical location. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Call a Chimney Sweep</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS9QtPhNGusX-ClfO31_RIC2gkYyLqjlmI7xl0k9AJ4GoR4aGDlovwYbogO7OfujCY4qaRO7QEK-RQUFIs4y4pyawruc1-JuRp9LZb6bfaA4IRNEVXkwiCSsUfKPyVH77KHTXmPCMfGQTc/s1600/Chimney+Rebuild+with+Raised+Cap,+Amherst+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS9QtPhNGusX-ClfO31_RIC2gkYyLqjlmI7xl0k9AJ4GoR4aGDlovwYbogO7OfujCY4qaRO7QEK-RQUFIs4y4pyawruc1-JuRp9LZb6bfaA4IRNEVXkwiCSsUfKPyVH77KHTXmPCMfGQTc/s1600/Chimney+Rebuild+with+Raised+Cap,+Amherst+1.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Proper chimney preparations will not only help to cut your energy costs but will also help to keep you and your family safer. Besides - who likes to see a dirty looking chimney? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before you put the first log in for the winter, make sure your fireplace, chimney and vents are clean and are in no need of repair. This will prevent chimney fires and prevent carbon monoxide from creeping into your home. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just like with any other "seasonal" type service provider, as the weather turns cooler chimney sweeps start booking up. Search for a sweep certified by the <a href="http://www.csia.org/" target="_blank">Chimney Safety Institute of America</a> to ensure your service provider is the best available. CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps are regularly tested on their understanding of the complexities of chimney and venting system. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can expect to pay $50 to $90 for an inspection to see if you need a cleaning, and $100 to $300 for the cleaning. </span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Source: Costowl.com</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clean chimneys don’t catch fire. Dirty chimneys can cause chimney fires, which damage structures, destroy homes and injure or kill people. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you’re wondering how often you should have your chimney cleaned, a good rule of thumb is every three to five cords of wood that you burn. It depends on the size of your fireplace or wood stove though.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Prevent Ice Dams</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRI3rwD97K_UYeSG3IF-tqXZ8XxXJ4Qz2FpNCLmmUeH0tV8xIeb3h8DgqKxybKRxrLb5-T198eHuCbrvgd0K0ZmIA3aLBKZz1t2rzD5UkHMqXH2DWF0Klm80k4P3bIyAVrOYlOuFU8Wnt/s1600/ice-dam-600x450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHRI3rwD97K_UYeSG3IF-tqXZ8XxXJ4Qz2FpNCLmmUeH0tV8xIeb3h8DgqKxybKRxrLb5-T198eHuCbrvgd0K0ZmIA3aLBKZz1t2rzD5UkHMqXH2DWF0Klm80k4P3bIyAVrOYlOuFU8Wnt/s1600/ice-dam-600x450.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An ice dam can damage both your roof and the inside of your home and will also put gutters and downspouts at risk of collapsing under the weight. Insurance claim waiting to happen, right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My grandmother always said <i>"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure",</i> and if you have ever experienced an ice dam on your roof you are likely shaking your head in agreement on that statement. What do you do to prevent an ice dam? Well -- Be sure to have a professional inspect and seal all areas where warm air may leak from inside your home/busines going into the spaces immediately below the roof sheathing. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Insulating the living or work area and v</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">enting the space between the insulation and the roof sheathing (so any heat that <i>does</i> leak through is carried away) are also essential elements to preventing ice dams from forming.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A weatherization contractor can identify and fix air leaks and inadequate insulation in your home's attic that can lead to ice dams. If you have the work done before December 31, you can claim the <a href="http://www.irs.gov/uac/Energy-Incentives-for-Individuals-in-the-American-Recovery-and-Reinvestment-Act" target="_blank">federal energy-efficiency tax credit</a> for 10% of the cost (excluding installation), up to $500. Your state or utility may offer a rebate, too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If your home had lots of icicles last winter - or worse, ice dams, which can cause meltwater to back up and flow into your house - take steps now to prevent potential damage this year.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Caulk Around Windows and Doors</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCsDJnJO774Mgf1yCSM8I0fbhSa4FEUoVyuYCNBDDRZtKL7SbUdH1gPIhDK0HDQicjz_y9chWivxfIXUvndrmz0WLL6IgCmRCg7w6WsPMnQPmsKuWdFMS9QlM6YZZgRI645xKkC76rv66E/s1600/caulk5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCsDJnJO774Mgf1yCSM8I0fbhSa4FEUoVyuYCNBDDRZtKL7SbUdH1gPIhDK0HDQicjz_y9chWivxfIXUvndrmz0WLL6IgCmRCg7w6WsPMnQPmsKuWdFMS9QlM6YZZgRI645xKkC76rv66E/s1600/caulk5.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With the rising cost of heating, who wants to let their money float out through the cracks? If the gaps between siding and window or door frames are bigger than the width of a nickel, you need to reapply exterior caulk. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Silicone caulk is best for exterior use because it won’t shrink and it’s impervious to the elements. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Try using a </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Momentive-Performance-Materials-GE012A-10-1-Ounce/dp/B0000CBIH9/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412884390&sr=8-1&keywords=GE%27s+Silicone+II+Window+and+Door" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">"rain ready" silicone caulk</a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> for best results</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. Check window-glazing putty, too (which seals glass into the window frame). Add <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Frost-King-V25W-Weather-Strip-Inch-by1/dp/B000B4N3OA/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1412884481&sr=8-5&keywords=weather+stripping" target="_blank">weatherstripping</a> as needed around doors, making sure you cannot see any daylight from inside your home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course, if your windows are older than 10 years or are single-paned glass, you probably should think about replacing them for the energy-efficient ones currently on the market. Windows are not cheap, though, so you might have to replace them over a period of time - unless your last name is Rockefeller or Gates.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Exposed Exterior Water Sources</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguq-FUvhoQPUyZLn9ZxoioRdD1yH0UpGWGtBzzXYkPJZMH_U1yYIhyphenhyphenCK3H6TKn9_O4A0Z5KE3V9uZlM6ZATRl9AWIRs3hzw2xlQxvtyRhNkb5Dw_Jt8MSyFtx95ts4lTYlofFrvyBLBLj1/s1600/50a49172f8f57815286da93f204a9f0a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguq-FUvhoQPUyZLn9ZxoioRdD1yH0UpGWGtBzzXYkPJZMH_U1yYIhyphenhyphenCK3H6TKn9_O4A0Z5KE3V9uZlM6ZATRl9AWIRs3hzw2xlQxvtyRhNkb5Dw_Jt8MSyFtx95ts4lTYlofFrvyBLBLj1/s1600/50a49172f8f57815286da93f204a9f0a.jpg" height="320" width="192" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Property owners are encouraged to take precautions to winterize their outdoor pipes to save time, money, and water. According to sources at the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service, most in-ground pipes will be OK during the winter, since typically only the top two inches of ground will freeze in Georgia. <i>Source: www.hcwsa.com</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Undrained water in pipes can freeze, which will cause pipes to burst as the ice expands. Start by disconnecting all garden hoses and draining the water that remains in faucets. If you leave your garden hose attached to the faucet, you’re asking for trouble.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Determine if your faucet is frost-free or not. To know for sure whether a faucet is frost-free or not, look up inside the spout. On a frost-free faucet, all you’ll be able to see is a metal stem. On a faucet that isn’t frost free, you’ll be able to see the valve components open and close when the handle is turned. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you don’t have frost-proof faucets (homes more than ten to 15 years old typically do not), turn off the shut-off valve inside your home. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Drain Your Lawn-Irrigation System</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS53q5aAekqmGedCwpcr7XgXV9eE4lJVL-BatpKsvlqADGzg6cWy4p-kl83kqszq1jkJ-Hk-JjARuTa1YQWf9BkPoiWrqUNu2CJQjwbq7fE1kjbz4OkscHSr6mFt_sSVt6-XrzsjIe0rU7/s1600/sprinkler-on-lawn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS53q5aAekqmGedCwpcr7XgXV9eE4lJVL-BatpKsvlqADGzg6cWy4p-kl83kqszq1jkJ-Hk-JjARuTa1YQWf9BkPoiWrqUNu2CJQjwbq7fE1kjbz4OkscHSr6mFt_sSVt6-XrzsjIe0rU7/s1600/sprinkler-on-lawn.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every year, before the first freeze, the ritual of irrigation "blow out" becomes the priority for all irrigation systems in regions located where the frost level extends below the depth of installed piping.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even if you have drained the water out of your irrigation system, some water remains and can freeze, expand, and crack PVC piping. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To minimize the risk of freeze damage, you'll need to winterize your irrigation system. In areas where winterization is mandatory, irrigation systems are installed using one of three types of water removal: manual drain, auto drain, or blowout. If you don't know your system type, it is best to use the blowout method.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, to be on the safe side, this is one area of winterization that it is always best to call in a professionals to do the job. Your sprinkler service will charge $50 to $150, depending on the size of the system.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Insurance shouldn’t be looked at as a maintenance policy and property owners should do all they can do to avoid damage. Likewise, once damage does occur, it is the property owners’ responsibility to prevent any further damage to the best of their ability. </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Depending on which insurance you have, you could be financially responsible for the roof destruction caused by winter storms. Every insurance company is different and property owners' need to know completely what their policy states.</i></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVNUyNi8Q2iXVw5wyStKp6u5RGIvcYvNiEj9T2rZxzqdc0gWVphPf-1AfC1Gg_ZrIYDl1Jj0llkuWoRJPlnKWyX9q5dwV8u6O9wQr5aJ6wXmxGa-UjRA99U2KkENxZv9myb-FVUmIiaIE/s1600/Julie-Chatellier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVNUyNi8Q2iXVw5wyStKp6u5RGIvcYvNiEj9T2rZxzqdc0gWVphPf-1AfC1Gg_ZrIYDl1Jj0llkuWoRJPlnKWyX9q5dwV8u6O9wQr5aJ6wXmxGa-UjRA99U2KkENxZv9myb-FVUmIiaIE/s1600/Julie-Chatellier.jpg" /></a></div>
<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">About <a href="mailto:jrock@provencherclaims.com" style="color: #660000; font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Julie Rock-Chatellier</a></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As Claim Manager and adjuster for Provencher & Company, Julie assures the claims process transpires smoothly and timely with both our adjusters and clients throughout the course of managing our claim assignments.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Julie oversees the claims support staff, examiners and trainers in our National Claim Center and is instrumental in making sure daily and catastrophe assignments and work is being distributed and produced accurately and timely while following all state compliance statutes. She also serves as the claim system administrator.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Julie has over 18 years experience in office management, bookkeeping and customer account management. She had served in staff and management assignments in various industries, gaining a working, practical knowledge of marketing & account administration. </span></div>
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<strong><i><span style="color: #003366; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Audit 101 - Do's and
Don'ts, Pet Peeves and Pitfalls</span></span></i></strong><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This
webinar will examine the roles played by industry professionals, corporate
counsel and law firms and how to collaboratively work through the audit
process. Specifically, we will examine the "dos and don'ts" of
audits, identify pet peeves of the various players, and provide practical tips
on how to avoid audit pitfalls.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Date:</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> Wednesday, October 22, 2014<br />
Time:
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM EDT</span></b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #093b6a; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: start;">*The posting of this article is for informational purposes only, as a courtesy to our reading audience. Provencher & Company does not own, has in no way been compensated for the sharing of this information, and content of said article belongs to that of the originating author. The use of or enrollment in any classes, seminars, training, etc. in no way constitutes or implies any endorsement of the provider of said programs. Provencher & Company shares no financial obligation to attendee or organizer.</i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879007105786666865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050249828857539665.post-63528904678384945972014-10-06T08:13:00.000-05:002014-10-15T17:51:35.768-05:00Home Insurance Liability Coverage And Bees<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_WgD2myGtqDMsj-seReFTbajVVciX1xyuCfj3JTgYVkO5UzzZlyA6sk8kcNFfNkSsUqmSxqPXEf8MrYqd6iU991EKqB80hwsCsgGLyTFcHj1EHit1lv2w9CaGCLhK6ij00sfqYGxcPGi/s1600/bees-in-honeycomb_320x170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_WgD2myGtqDMsj-seReFTbajVVciX1xyuCfj3JTgYVkO5UzzZlyA6sk8kcNFfNkSsUqmSxqPXEf8MrYqd6iU991EKqB80hwsCsgGLyTFcHj1EHit1lv2w9CaGCLhK6ij00sfqYGxcPGi/s1600/bees-in-honeycomb_320x170.jpg" height="212" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Summer time is full of picnics, fun times and outside activities. While out on her patio, a next door neighbor is stung by a bee and notices that you have a huge beehive hanging from an overhang. The neighbor says she is calling a lawyer to sue you for her injuries. Should you be worried? See the attached article for one insurance advisor’s opinion.</i></span></div>
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By Jack Hungelmann • <a href="http://bankrate.com/">Bankrate.com</a></div>
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Dear Insurance Adviser,</div>
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We have a honey bee hive on our roof that is home to a couple dozen bees, and we recently were told by a neighbor that she would be contacting her attorney because she got stung. These bees have never bothered us at all. If she sues us, would the liability coverage in our home insurance take care of any or all of the lawyer's fees? What about any damages? </div>
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-- Sally</div>
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Dear Sally,</div>
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Good news! Home insurance policies pretty much universally include worldwide personal liability coverage to a limit of at least $100,000 for any damages. Defense costs are covered separately and completely until the full liability limit has been paid to the injured party.</div>
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Limits higher than $100,000 are available at minimal extra cost. For example, the additional cost to raise the limit to $500,000 is as low as $20-$30 a year. Additional liability coverage is one of the best buys in the insurance business. The extra liability protection comes with continued defense coverage until the higher limit has been paid in damages.</div>
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As an aside, it doesn't seem like your neighbor has much of a case. You're not raising bees and don't have a honey-making operation. You are just a homeowner peacefully coexisting with nature. Some bees have adopted your roof as their home.</div>
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Where is the negligence? Even if it's true that one of your bees did sting her, she would have to prove that the guilty bee came from your hive. Good luck with that!</div>
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I hope that helps.</div>
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Ask the adviser</div>
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To ask a question of the Insurance Adviser, go to the <a href="http://www.bankrate.com/brm/ask.asp">"Ask the Experts"</a> page and select <a href="http://www.bankrate.com/finance/personal-finance/advisers/insurance-adviser.aspx">"Insurance"</a> from the drop-down box. Read more Insurance Adviser columns.</div>
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<i>*The posting of this article is for informational purposes only, as a courtesy to our reading audience. Provencher & Company does not own, has in no way been compensated for the sharing of this information, and content of said article belongs to that of the originating author. The use of or enrollment in any classes, seminars, training, etc. in no way constitutes or implies any endorsement of the provider of said programs. Provencher & Company shares no financial obligation to attendee or organizer.</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879007105786666865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050249828857539665.post-43237664056553066142014-10-03T13:48:00.001-05:002014-10-13T10:07:32.602-05:00Severe Storms Rake Areas From Texas to Kentucky<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Severe Storms Rake Areas From Texas To Kentucky</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">A powerful cold front produced towering clouds, severe thunderstorms and torrential rain from the Lower Mississippi Valley and the Deep South into the Ohio Valley and Upper Midwest late Thursday into Friday.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">At one point, a squall line extended from Michigan to Texas. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On yesterday, October 2, 2014 , hail and damaging winds, as high
as 60 mph, were reported across north Texas as severe weather travels
through the area. <span lang="EN">High
winds have led to damage across north Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and southeast Missouri. </span>Tornadoes spun up in Arkansas and Missiouri. A brick wall crumbled and came down at the popular DFW Stockyards, huge trees were downed and almost 1 million people were without power in the Dallas-Forth Worth metroplex. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Power crews worked early Friday to restore electricity from Texas to Kentucky. A power outage forced the University of Texas at Arlington to close on Friday. The large storm system continues to make its way across the eastern United States on Friday and through the weekend.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>With a seasoned team of adjusters located throughout the states of Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Kentucky and Missouri, Provencher & Company stands ready to assist all of our client's claim evaluation needs. For commerical or residential property loss assistance, call 866-722-5246. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Send your assignments to us directly at <a href="mailto:claims@provencherclaims.com">claims@provencherclaims.com</a> or complete our online assignment form <a href="https://provencherclaims.com/submit-a-claim/">HERE</a>.</b></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879007105786666865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050249828857539665.post-29475903090264714282014-09-30T09:31:00.000-05:002014-09-30T09:31:55.791-05:00Asbestos Suits Against Employers Present New Risk for Employer's Liability Insurers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOV5BIXTws2P8SEmfNbHOsP6RaThUtm2EPof96oZki-QcGOeofts1VvwMmppDe6cxZCh09biKQ6_ObHw80I6T-zbcnfV_Z2fyvJiprNOf1olP4Xs4S9k4gS33h_gQI9qqB-3dmxlQaDym/s1600/LEGAL+SCALES+IMAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOV5BIXTws2P8SEmfNbHOsP6RaThUtm2EPof96oZki-QcGOeofts1VvwMmppDe6cxZCh09biKQ6_ObHw80I6T-zbcnfV_Z2fyvJiprNOf1olP4Xs4S9k4gS33h_gQI9qqB-3dmxlQaDym/s1600/LEGAL+SCALES+IMAGE.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>The authors of this article have spotlighted an emerging issue regarding employer’s liability coverage and asbestos cases in Pennsylvania and Illinois. Since plaintiffs can now bring suit against an employer outside of the exclusivity of Workers Compensation, the relatively low cost Employer’s Liability coverage may see a significant increase in claims and the amounts of those claims. It is certainly something that liability adjusters need to be aware of when investigating such losses.</i></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: maroon; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Asbestos Suits Against Employers Present New Risk for Employer’s
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Two
asbestos hotbed jurisdictions, Pennsylvania and Illinois, have recently opened
the door to long-tail occupational disease claims against employers in the tort
system. These decisions held that the exclusivity provisions of the
applicable state workers’ compensation acts do not prohibit employees diagnosed
with occupational diseases long after their retirement from suing their former
employers in the tort system alongside the traditional panoply of asbestos
defendants. Employers and their employer’s liability insurers should be
aware of this new risk and the issues it may present going forward.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">In
Pennsylvania – as in almost any other state – the Workers’ Compensation Act is
and has been the exclusive means for an employee to recover from his or her
employer for workplace-related injuries. Certain enumerated “occupational
diseases,” such as asbestosis, are included within the act’s ambit provided
that they occur “within three hundred weeks after the last date of employment .
. .” 77 P.S. § 411(2). This 300-week provision had been interpreted as a
statute of limitations and/or repose, closing the door on claimants’ recovery
from employers when a latent disease manifests after 300 weeks.
Therefore, employees could not sue their employers in the tort system because
of the workers’ compensation exclusivity provision, nor could they pursue
workers’ compensation benefits because of the statute of repose. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The
Supreme Court of Pennsylvania abrogated this long-standing interpretation in <em><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><a href="http://gordonrees.actonsoftware.com/acton/ct/3986/s-0121-1409/Bct/l-002c/l-002c:1f0/ct0_0/1" id="ct0_0">Tooey v. AK Steel Corp</a>.</span></em>, 81 A.3d 85 (Pa.
2013). The court held that because the occupational disease claims
manifesting outside the 300-week period are not covered by the act, the act’s
exclusivity provision does not apply, and employees are free to sue their
former employers in tort. Similarly, in Illinois, the Workers’
Compensation Act and Workers’ Occupational Diseases Act contain exclusivity
provisions that bar employees’ direct tort actions against employers for
workplace injuries. Under those statutes, an employee must file claims
within three and 25 years, respectively. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">In
<a href="http://gordonrees.actonsoftware.com/acton/ct/3986/s-0121-1409/Bct/l-002c/l-002c:1f0/ct1_0/1" id="ct1_0"><em><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Folta v. Ferro
Engineering</span></em></a>, (Ill. App. Ct. 1st Dist. June 27, 2014), an
Illinois intermediate appellate court held that the Foltas could maintain a
tort claim against James Folta’s former employer because he first discovered
his asbestos-related injury outside of the acts’ statutes of repose.
Unlike Pennsylvania, where a legislative amendment to the workers’ compensation
statute appears to be the only “fix,” there remains a possibility that <em><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Folta</span></em> is reversed on
appeal or that the Illinois Supreme Court overrules <em><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Folta</span></em> in another case. The defendant
in <em><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Folta</span></em> filed
a petition for leave to appeal, which remains pending.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">While
the traditional asbestos products and premises defendants seek coverage from
their historical general liability insurers, commercial general liability
policies are unlikely to provide coverage to employer defendants because of the
policies’ employer’s liability exclusions. Instead, employers may look to
their workers’ compensation/employer’s liability policies. Employer’s
liability coverage exists “to ‘fill the gaps’ between workers’ compensation
coverage and an employers’ general liability policy… to protect the insure[d]
from tort liability for injuries to employees who do not come under the
exclusive remedy provisions of workers’ compensation.” <em><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">See Erie Ins. Prop. & Cas. Co.
v. Stage Show Pizza, JTS, Inc.</span></em>, 210 W. Va. 63, 68, 553 S.E.2d 257,
262 (2001). <em><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Tooey</span></em>
and <em><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Folta</span></em> have
created a new “gap,” and that gap may widen into a chasm, as Philadelphia’s <em><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">The Legal Intelligencer</span></em>
reported on June 3 that courts are “universally” accepting plaintiffs’ attempts
to join employers in pending mesothelioma cases, and that virtually every new
filing names employers as defendants.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Employer’s
liability coverage is fundamentally different and much more limited than
general liability coverage. Because this coverage was offered to fill the
narrow “gap” between general liability and workers’ compensation coverage, it
was offered inexpensively. As a result, employer’s liability coverage
often includes high deductibles (or loss reimbursement provisions) and low
aggregate limits. Some employer’s liability coverage forms include time
limitations, limiting coverage to claims filed against the employer within
three or five years of the policy’s expiration date. Further, most
employer’s liability coverage contains specific trigger language, limiting
coverage to those policies in effect only on the last date of the worker’s
exposure to hazardous conditions at the workplace. Therefore, the
“continuous trigger” applicable to general liability policies is unlikely to
apply to employer’s liability insurers. Employers risk only being able to
access a single policy year that is subject to a high deductible and low
aggregate limit (with no excess coverage available). <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">It remains to be seen whether the decisions in Pennsylvania and Illinois
represent an emerging risk that may spread to other jurisdictions, or if the
legislatures of both states will react swiftly to amend their respective
states’ laws. For now, however, employers and their employer’s liability
insurers should be prepared to address these potential newfound liabilities.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Reprinted from:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.gordonrees.com/">Gordon & Rees LLP</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Copyright © 2014
Gordon & Rees LLP<br />
Our address is 275 Battery Street, Suite 2000, San Francisco, CA 94111, United
States</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; text-align: start;">*The posting of this article is for informational purposes only, as a courtesy to our reading audience. Provencher & Company does not own, has in no way been compensated for the sharing of this information, and content of said article belongs to that of the originating author. The use of or enrollment in any classes, seminars, training, etc. in no way constitutes or implies any endorsement of the provider of said programs. Provencher & Company shares no financial obligation to attendee or organizer.</i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879007105786666865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050249828857539665.post-37057015534082691122014-09-23T08:00:00.001-05:002014-09-23T08:00:02.542-05:00They Had Another Thing Coming....<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">Happy 200<sup>th</sup> Anniversary </span></b></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">of the
Star Spangled Banner!</span></b></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjsAG9U00LMXBU9JrH2vo2BQjZ6SC2Mm4vgO9OVQzHk9KNzSbXSkV48WiFfcMUPIZPOVNrFUDe57mpFF3cyMH7ocIayJApuVrU_MYlKb1YBuEV9DUWJnnKWRxSgATDSaFViw9EYnw8Hch/s1600/LSL-HC-Battle-of-North-Point.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjsAG9U00LMXBU9JrH2vo2BQjZ6SC2Mm4vgO9OVQzHk9KNzSbXSkV48WiFfcMUPIZPOVNrFUDe57mpFF3cyMH7ocIayJApuVrU_MYlKb1YBuEV9DUWJnnKWRxSgATDSaFViw9EYnw8Hch/s1600/LSL-HC-Battle-of-North-Point.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Following the <a href="https://armyhistory.org/battles-that-saved-america-north-point-and-baltimore-1814/" target="_blank"><i>Battle of North Point</i></a>, British troops marched to Baltimore, an economic, shipbuilding hub that was the center of privateer activities against British shipping. The British, expecting to easily disperse the 250 man militia they had encountered at North Point, were shocked to encounter over 12,000 well-armed Americans in prepared positions on the outskirts of Baltimore. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879007105786666865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050249828857539665.post-36899715701580592312014-09-22T08:00:00.001-05:002014-09-22T08:00:07.292-05:00What Happen to Major General Robert Ross?<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUF0_Twed83pZREb7r6K3_dD2r2enWODJ8nnm2x6YK-8eBITAVXRvZgTv8OM1_yrtPfHtN66J5ATIjsPa3Cex7oGO8ZEhQkZjqACPBjTFs46Gpfto58zertDAbeOxRt3-eITMB6ftPc8Ou/s1600/7301332184_debddc3a78_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUF0_Twed83pZREb7r6K3_dD2r2enWODJ8nnm2x6YK-8eBITAVXRvZgTv8OM1_yrtPfHtN66J5ATIjsPa3Cex7oGO8ZEhQkZjqACPBjTFs46Gpfto58zertDAbeOxRt3-eITMB6ftPc8Ou/s1600/7301332184_debddc3a78_z.jpg" height="246" width="400" /></a><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Happy 200<sup>th</sup> Anniversary </span></b></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">of the </span></b></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Star Spangled Banner!</span></b></h2>
<b><o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The British general who burned Washington, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Ross_(British_Army_officer)" target="_blank"><i>Major General Robert Ross</i></a>, was himself killed by two 14-year old sharpshooters with the 3rd Maryland militia Brigade at North Point as he led troops against Baltimore. Sadly, the two boys themselves did not survive the battle, but were immortalized in the <a href="http://archive.baltimorecity.gov/Government/BoardsandCommissions/HistoricalArchitecturalPreservation/MonumentsandConservation/BattleMonumentConservation.aspx" target="_blank"><i>Battle Monument in Baltimore</i></a>. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">*****</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879007105786666865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050249828857539665.post-76702132832397531112014-09-19T09:16:00.001-05:002014-09-19T10:55:06.957-05:00Provencher & Company Launches New Website & Social Media<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span lang="en-US" style="color: maroon; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold;">Welcome to Provencher & Company</span></span></h2>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">Provencher & Company is pleased to announce the launch of their new website, designed with a fresh new look and user-friendly navigation, updated with the latest information about our company and the new </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ligatures: none; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #085296; mso-style-textfill-type: solid; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="https://provencherclaims.com/services/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">services</span></a></span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: blue;"> </span>we offer, which include:</span></div>
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<span style="direction: ltr; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; unicode-bidi: embed;">·</span><span style="width: 12.75pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ligatures: none;">Forensic Accounting, CPA<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ligatures: none;">Check out the built-in interactive map. Our clients have been asking for an on-line interactive<i><span style="color: blue;"> </span></i></span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="https://provencherclaims.com/locations/" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: blue;">map</span></i></a></span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ligatures: none;"> showing where our adjusters are located -- ask and you shall receive! You can click on a dot and map that adjuster to your loss. Of course we never intended for this to replace speaking with someone live in our Claim Center. If you don’t see a dot close enough to your loss, call our National Claim Center to see if we can arrange for a waiver of some travel time and mileage, based on size of loss. You can also zoom in on a specific state to see more clearly the exact location of the resident adjuster.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ligatures: none;">Did someone say </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ligatures: none;">Social Media</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ligatures: none;">??? Yes, Provencher & Company has jumped in with both feet. We are now on </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic;"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/provencher-&-company-llc?trk=company_logo" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">LinkedIn</span></a></span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ligatures: none;">, </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/provencherclaims"><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: blue;">Facebook</span></span></a><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ligatures: none;">, </span><a href="https://twitter.com/Provencherclaim"><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: blue;">Twitter</span></span></a><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ligatures: none;">, </span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/provencherclaim/"><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: blue;">Pinterest</span></span></a><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ligatures: none;"><u>,</u> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ligatures: none;">and we maintain a<span style="color: blue;"> </span></span><a href="http://provencherclaims.blogspot.com/"><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ligatures: none; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #085296; mso-style-textfill-type: solid; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="color: blue;">Blog</span></span></a><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ligatures: none;">. Follow us via your favorite social media site by hitting </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ligatures: none;">Like or Follow</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ligatures: none;"> on our company page. We try to keep everyone current with industry specific information; check out our series on </span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/provencherclaim/business-interruption-loss-of-income/"><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ligatures: none; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #085296; mso-style-textfill-type: solid; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="color: blue;">Raiders of the Lost Profits</span></span></a><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ligatures: none;">. After a major storm, let us be your eyes and ears on the ground. We’ll be posting photos to show you firsthand how wide spread the damage really is; don’t rely on the sensationalism of the media! Have a new interest category you would like us to include, contact <span style="color: blue;"> </span></span><a href="mailto:jrock@provencherclaims.com"><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ligatures: none; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #085296; mso-style-textfill-type: solid; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="color: blue;">Julie Rock-Chatellier</span></span></a><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ligatures: none;">. Julie is our Social Media Manager. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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We hope you will enjoy browsing our new site, finding more options and information each time, and it will be yet another tool for strengthening our business relationship. Be sure to check out the video message from </span><a href="https://provencherclaims.com/about/leadership/"><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ligatures: none; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #085296; mso-style-textfill-type: solid; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="color: blue;">Jerry Provencher</span></span></a><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ligatures: none;">, CEO/Executive General Adjuster, located at the bottom of our </span><a href="https://provencherclaims.com/"><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ligatures: none; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #085296; mso-style-textfill-type: solid; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="color: blue;">Homepage</span></span></a><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ligatures: none;">.</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ligatures: none;">For more information, please feel free to reach out directly to </span><a href="mailto:jabbott@provencherclaims.com"><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; font-style: italic; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ligatures: none; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #085296; mso-style-textfill-type: solid; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="color: blue;">Jim Abbott</span></span></a><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ligatures: none;">, VP Business Development & Client Relations. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879007105786666865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050249828857539665.post-83847047933786423402014-09-18T08:00:00.000-05:002014-09-18T08:00:03.183-05:00Equal Opportunity Arsonists<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Happy 200th Anniversary </i></b></span></h2>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>of the </i></b></span></h2>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Star Spangled Banner</i></b></span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDwW93D55jN6EWAFLv0FM1k-HvbcRyg0p1m2TC39f-tzLzO0GUHVUGFWSxQuMejtCoe7btuefdd61ifNH8Km-IT-UzbCrKrgZpTnFOvmUloiLq8uvC8OxPi2cg_Go8kBT_BmR7YhWKTC-/s1600/60c976530f97c7e9dcfe770d6ec905b6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDwW93D55jN6EWAFLv0FM1k-HvbcRyg0p1m2TC39f-tzLzO0GUHVUGFWSxQuMejtCoe7btuefdd61ifNH8Km-IT-UzbCrKrgZpTnFOvmUloiLq8uvC8OxPi2cg_Go8kBT_BmR7YhWKTC-/s1600/60c976530f97c7e9dcfe770d6ec905b6.jpg" height="400" width="342" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Americans were equal opportunity arsonists: a year before British forces burned Washington D.C., Americans sacked and burned York (present-day Toronto), the capital of Upper Canada. After an ammunition explosion at a garrison killed 300 Americans, irate American soldiers responded by burning York’s provincial parliament and other public buildings. A British imperial lion looted by the Americans is still possessed by the <a href="http://www.usna.edu/homepage.php" target="_blank"><i>U.S. Naval Academy</i></a>.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879007105786666865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050249828857539665.post-58928077007897174552014-09-17T17:05:00.000-05:002014-09-17T17:05:15.463-05:002014 CYBER LIABILITY SUMMIT <div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><a href="http://cl.s6.exct.net/?qs=8d9573acbbfa145b624868cc77c98f22644709305b8133c8cd3ef1e14ee1bcf6"></a></span></strong><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;"><a href="http://cl.s6.exct.net/?qs=8d9573acbbfa145b624868cc77c98f22644709305b8133c8cd3ef1e14ee1bcf6"></a></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://cl.s6.exct.net/?qs=8d9573acbbfa145b624868cc77c98f22644709305b8133c8cd3ef1e14ee1bcf6"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><img border="0" height="162" id="_x0000_i1025" src="http://image.s6.exacttarget.com/lib/fe9413707567037870/m/1/CLS2014_header3.JPG" width="650" /></span></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Attendees will come
away with a full understanding of the risks, exposures, development of claim
activity and trends in the areas specific to Data and Network Security, Privacy
& Social Media, and the types of cases that result from such. The distinguished
panel of presenters will discuss the essential cyber liability topics to ensure
you have the most comprehensive and up-to-the-minute information in an ever
changing environment. </span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Register at <a href="http://cl.s6.exct.net/?qs=8d9573acbbfa145b624868cc77c98f22644709305b8133c8cd3ef1e14ee1bcf6">www.TheCLM.org/Events/CLS2014
</a><br />
Cost: $99 Fellows/$399 Members <br />
CE and CLE Pending </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Keynote
Speaker </span></strong><o:p></o:p><br />
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thomas
Finan, Senior Cybersecurity Strategist and Counsel <br />
<strong>U.S. Department of
Homeland Security</strong></span><o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Summit
Speakers </span></strong><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<ul type="disc">
<a href="http://cl.s6.exct.net/?qs=8d9573acbbfa145b624868cc77c98f22644709305b8133c8cd3ef1e14ee1bcf6" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="Event Sponsors" border="0" height="897" src="http://image.s6.exacttarget.com/lib/fe9413707567037870/m/1/CLS2014_2.jpg" v:shapes="_x0000_s1026" width="258" /></a>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Austin
Berglas, Assistant Special Agent in Charge; Cyber Branch <br />
<strong>FBI</strong></span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thomas
Kang, Direct of Privacy Services<strong>
</strong><b><br />
<strong>ACE</strong></b></span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Joshua
Ladeau, Underwriter <b><br />
<strong>Allied World
Assurance Company, Ltd.</strong></b></span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Paul
Nikhinson, Breach Response Manager <b><br />
<strong>Beazley</strong></b></span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Katherine
Keefe, Head of Breach Response Services <b><br />
<strong>Beazley</strong></b></span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Antonio
Trotta, Senior Claim Counsel <b><br />
<strong>CNA Insurance</strong></b></span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Brad
Boucher, Delivery Management Lead <b><br />
<strong>McGraw Hill
Financial</strong></b></span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">John
Wurzler, President <b><br />
<strong>OneBeacon
Technology Insurance</strong></b></span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ziad
Kubursi, SVP & Head of M&PL Division<strong> </strong><b><br />
<strong>Philadelphia
Insurance Companies</strong></b></span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Scott
Umstot, Broker <b><br />
<strong>RT Specialty</strong></b></span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Peter
Foster, Sr VP Network Security & Privacy, Media, Technology<b><br />
<strong>Willis</strong></b></span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jeremy
Gittler, Assistant Vice President, Claims Manager <b><br />
<strong>XL Group</strong></b></span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Michael
Weil, Director - National Computer & Cyber Forensics Leader <b><br />
<strong>Deloitte</strong></b></span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Peter
Garza, Computer Forensics Consultant <b><br />
<strong>DTI Global</strong></b></span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ty
Sagalow, President <b><br />
<strong>Innovation
Insurance Group, LLC</strong></b></span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tim
Ryan, Director - Cyber Investigatons<b><br />
<strong>Kroll</strong></b></span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mark
Greisiger, President <b><br />
<strong>NetDiligence</strong></b></span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rocco
Grillo, Managing Director<b><br />
<strong>Protiviti</strong></b></span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Craig
Hoffman, Attorney <b><br />
<strong>Baker &
Hostetler LLP </strong></b></span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Theodore
Kobus, Attorney <b><br />
<strong>Baker &
Hostetler LLP</strong></b></span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">John
F Mullen, Attorney <b><br />
<strong>Lewis Brisbois
Bisgaard & Smith LLP</strong></b></span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Stuart
Panensky, Attorney <b><br />
<strong>Traub Lieberman
Straus & Shrewsberry LLP </strong></b></span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dianna
McCarthy, Attorney <b><br />
<strong>Winget, Spadafora
& Schwartzberg, LLP</strong></b></span><o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><i>*This posting is for informational purposes only, as a courtesy to our reading audience. Provencher & Company has in no way been compensated for the sharing of this information. The use of or enrollment in any classes, seminars, training, etc. in no way constitutes or implies any endorsement of the provider of said programs. Provencher & Company shares no financial obligation to attendee or organizer.</i></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879007105786666865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050249828857539665.post-57677421765010426632014-09-12T12:30:00.001-05:002014-09-12T12:30:50.184-05:00Did The Star Spangled Banner Originate with High Insurance Rates?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OsGlX9x2j3LdXMoTc9867soY8MU_3qlepiW2BQwDhSOdHcJ9m0CAlEByfQKNQUHH2ZYd-vD4eza7Iwbvup87_LiO74H5n5FKKNr_Fb64C7NDcLIWUC60O2pbFk3L8I0KvW_N_xEshyWm/s1600/Star+Spangle+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OsGlX9x2j3LdXMoTc9867soY8MU_3qlepiW2BQwDhSOdHcJ9m0CAlEByfQKNQUHH2ZYd-vD4eza7Iwbvup87_LiO74H5n5FKKNr_Fb64C7NDcLIWUC60O2pbFk3L8I0KvW_N_xEshyWm/s1600/Star+Spangle+Banner.jpg" height="268" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">During the War of 1812, British Navy and commercial shipping were not seriously dented by American privateers, but privateers did take their toll on the cost of doing business. Alarmed by presence of American privateers and ships with letters-of-marque operating even in the British home waters, insurance companies jacked up rates. British shipowners and insurance companies suffered heavy losses, and British vessels paid high insurance rates just to cross the Irish Channel after American privateers began operating in British waters. This led wealthy merchants to complain loudly to Westminster demanding they to do something about the problem. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This may have led to the demise of Admiral Sir John Borlase Warren's career; the British Naval leader in the West Atlantic theater complained about how privateers with their speed and mischief had made his job all but impossible. Finding his job impossible got him sacked after his final demand for more help against the privateers. This may explain why his replacement, Vice Admiral Sir Alexander Cochrane chose to assault Baltimore. The city was the privateering capital of America, dubbed "a nest of pirates" by the British, perhaps setting up that memorable confrontation that launched the American anthem.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>About the Author:</u></b></span></h3>
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<a href="https://provencherclaims.com/about/leadership/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Jerry Provencher</i></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>CEO/Executive General Adjuster</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Provencher & Company</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Professional Claim Services</i></b></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879007105786666865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050249828857539665.post-6813122894460021572014-09-09T07:00:00.000-05:002014-09-09T07:00:06.435-05:00So, you think you know Fire Insurance?<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>So, you think you know Fire Insurance?</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtWs6EYurzkz9I0qdY35oLj5pOwYozj8VEaXETNbMBqx2mXkWr9IGTGWoUOgKAvgBQaw3oHKxhP100L4Tn-bvLNqmsD4ZL25ul80I9OXX4yJzMfVd0u74LL21ifJr3d1d9YbS6lb8_6qt/s1600/Kiev_ukraine_559_building_fire_(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtWs6EYurzkz9I0qdY35oLj5pOwYozj8VEaXETNbMBqx2mXkWr9IGTGWoUOgKAvgBQaw3oHKxhP100L4Tn-bvLNqmsD4ZL25ul80I9OXX4yJzMfVd0u74LL21ifJr3d1d9YbS6lb8_6qt/s1600/Kiev_ukraine_559_building_fire_(3).jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At the turn of the Last Century, the best minds in Fire Insurance were directed to the riveting issue of apportionment of losses under non-concurrent policies. As the respected W. N. Bament, General Adjuster of the Home Insurance Company wrote in 1922: “ It has commanded the attention on the fire insurance business for nearly a century, and although many rules have been devised, the prospect of discovering the philosopher’s stone is a remote as ever. “ </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the name of fame, glory and a gift card, which of the following was </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">NOT </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">an accepted method of apportionment?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Reading Rule</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Albany Rule</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Gradual Reduction Rule</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Modified Reading Rule</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Limited Inability Rule</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Modified Finn Rule</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Kottabos Rule</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Continuity Error</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Rice Rule</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Giesse Rule</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Morristown Rule</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Submit your answer via LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook comment and we will do a random drawing of the correct answers to determine the winner of a gift card courtesy of Provencher & Company. Drawing will be held September 30, 2014.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jerry Provencher</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">CEO/Executive General Adjuster</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Provencher & Company</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Professional Claim Services</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> *Winning recipient must agree to have their name publicly announced on social media in order to receive the prize.*</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879007105786666865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050249828857539665.post-91350657370579395812014-09-05T07:30:00.000-05:002014-09-05T07:30:01.219-05:00Fun Friday: Can You Find The Fire Dog?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgBVecBTVJ1l4nOJBWOIMxZNqIsioP4tnO2a1pRvvCbASRkP1dC4r0yeduFp-mPMv4_E02ZD-Drh3zOdS7UfTifD-sfKPq0mvq2lixZUKI-yFOQoWys_LYlX5dwbjo5jUe0jU9XxHak5t/s1600/Fire+Dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgBVecBTVJ1l4nOJBWOIMxZNqIsioP4tnO2a1pRvvCbASRkP1dC4r0yeduFp-mPMv4_E02ZD-Drh3zOdS7UfTifD-sfKPq0mvq2lixZUKI-yFOQoWys_LYlX5dwbjo5jUe0jU9XxHak5t/s1600/Fire+Dog.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879007105786666865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050249828857539665.post-72717031664456192652014-09-04T07:00:00.000-05:002014-09-04T07:00:04.902-05:00The Adjuster<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>The Adjuster</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVi-9lqYqMpoK9lnqaqf2fKAQ8W2vrZJc_Tjry3dy6gqmeUNDyMpwbGLc4TVFGzylvyGq_5wYkWaXbCFAmfJbThYS8wt0VSqFoHk4Qn9phoj3a6H1O6Jkvh5lJ0uGp4YNCA5bX1uK2H2uY/s1600/93855457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVi-9lqYqMpoK9lnqaqf2fKAQ8W2vrZJc_Tjry3dy6gqmeUNDyMpwbGLc4TVFGzylvyGq_5wYkWaXbCFAmfJbThYS8wt0VSqFoHk4Qn9phoj3a6H1O6Jkvh5lJ0uGp4YNCA5bX1uK2H2uY/s1600/93855457.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“If adjusting be an art, then is the thoroughly competent adjuster an Artist of no mean order of talent; for there are few callings or professions requiring so man essential qualification to enable him to cope successfully with the multitudinous phases usually presented by complicated losses, whether such complications arise from conflicting and non-concurrent policies, or from the villainies of shrewd operators bent upon fleecing insurance companies.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br />Jeremiah Griswold, General Adjuster<br />Handbook of Adjustment of Loss Or Damage by Fire<br />Insurance Monitor, New York. 1868</span><div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879007105786666865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050249828857539665.post-29023923459182846102014-09-03T08:00:00.000-05:002014-09-03T08:00:07.714-05:002014 COVERAGE COLLEGE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqPIuHoJrUQYGwyVzXJf2Hx-U8_ryZK-1px_mKnkCWw5-NWHpEVoHd7i-eEW2nBvSRqg7QoT2wiqVUQWRk7EWfPBUL7ghPYws6U3v9CP89FYgJmz8Ia0ZdPdsAvW_uNmoJaEXkgjzYg_Rz/s1600/db6741adced044eb878cae14222c0cb6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqPIuHoJrUQYGwyVzXJf2Hx-U8_ryZK-1px_mKnkCWw5-NWHpEVoHd7i-eEW2nBvSRqg7QoT2wiqVUQWRk7EWfPBUL7ghPYws6U3v9CP89FYgJmz8Ia0ZdPdsAvW_uNmoJaEXkgjzYg_Rz/s1600/db6741adced044eb878cae14222c0cb6.jpg" height="228" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #31312e; line-height: 16.501649856567383px; margin-top: 15px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The eighth annual White and Williams LLP Coverage College® is coming to the Pennsylvania Convention Center on October 2, 2014. The College provides an opportunity for insurance claims professionals to engage in a rigorous study of a diverse insurance coverage curriculum. Last year’s Coverage College brought together 600 students representing more than 150 companies from 19 states.<br /><br />Students can choose from 16 Masters Classes taught by experienced White and Williams lawyers. In addition, a renowned policy holder counsel will discuss the most prevalent mistakes and miscalculations made by insurers and their counsel.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #31312e; line-height: 16.501649856567383px; margin-top: 15px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The College also includes breakfast, lunch, two breaks and a cocktail reception, allowing students to interact and engage with the faculty, fellow students and sponsors throughout the day.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #31312e; line-height: 16.501649856567383px; margin-top: 15px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To celebrate the eighth annual Coverage College, we will be holding eight weeks of contests and games leading up to the event. Participate on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/white-and-williams-llp" style="border: 0px; color: #242424; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WhiteandWilliamsLLP" style="border: 0px; color: #242424; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteandWil" style="border: 0px; color: #242424; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://instagram.com/whiteandwil" style="border: 0px; color: #242424; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Instagram</a> for your chance to win! Starting August 7, which marks 8 weeks before Coverage College, we'll post a contest on one of our social media accounts every Thursday. Participate to win prizes that will be given out at this year's College!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>When</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thursday, October 2, 2014</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8:00 AM - 5:00 PM</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Where</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pennsylvania Convention Center</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1101 Arch Street</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.cvent.com/events/white-and-williams-2014-coverage-college-/registration-4d489aa59c5d4691bbc104df76873dd5.aspx?dvce=1" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4ESfMPB45lhC0_725kgEkwxmiupcjfMnqu_133_kYrrhmV7eymlyUEk8DNHE4faa8fxv5dqvixmfjlGjVzokPS6go228bavQkEOMWxTtBxhMb0fs4dTGlGZ8Oyg1TqtqSlAaCvqC3bXq/s1600/REGISTER+NOW.jpg" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879007105786666865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050249828857539665.post-4578004407067050222014-08-29T08:00:00.000-05:002014-08-29T08:00:01.483-05:00Labor Day Office Closing - Monday Sept 1st<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq57pRAypjSbOdrGN_pS7UBeMlCFBUUg4wp_jqHnfoYsIRoK5o1mOsd9hwjtnsfsUtDNAHIYZWwTtUGVLKxrh_v8lbM9_GFjETyxDcasqXW-uYFScjsmw-V3FyTazjilDN2lFLKAjy1Igo/s1600/Happy-Labor-Day-HD-Images-and-Photos-lovely-pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq57pRAypjSbOdrGN_pS7UBeMlCFBUUg4wp_jqHnfoYsIRoK5o1mOsd9hwjtnsfsUtDNAHIYZWwTtUGVLKxrh_v8lbM9_GFjETyxDcasqXW-uYFScjsmw-V3FyTazjilDN2lFLKAjy1Igo/s1600/Happy-Labor-Day-HD-Images-and-Photos-lovely-pic.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Provencher & Company National Claims Center will be closed this coming Monday, Sept. 1 in recognition of Labor Day.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>AS ALWAYS</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>24-Hour Emergency Response</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>is available by calling</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>(866)722-5246</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">We Hope Everyone Has A Safe & Happy Holiday!</span></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879007105786666865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050249828857539665.post-70116544756611639922014-08-28T07:30:00.000-05:002014-08-28T07:30:01.553-05:00Technology Overload<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7rmukGCdP50V6BevvJ7Pt3GhfzhH7EJcCopoyg1huS62lvE4hZvj1GzOvQBK4JA1Z6dIxBCCh9fSIVFClTRQZaYroFM7Xh1gbiNhdVAalqprWEvDOTTT13Prr9-vDbx9eSpNM2y5inoA/s1600/technology-overload-copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7rmukGCdP50V6BevvJ7Pt3GhfzhH7EJcCopoyg1huS62lvE4hZvj1GzOvQBK4JA1Z6dIxBCCh9fSIVFClTRQZaYroFM7Xh1gbiNhdVAalqprWEvDOTTT13Prr9-vDbx9eSpNM2y5inoA/s1600/technology-overload-copy.jpg" height="236" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Texting.
Phone calls. Emails. In today’s fast paced insurance industry, you
must be available 24/7, 365 days a year and have a close ear to your
clients. Our worst fears are no cell service or loss of
electricity. The loss of information.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">However,
would slowing down assist us more than improving technology? This article, originally published by <a href="http://www.propertycasualty360.com/" target="_blank">PropertyCasualty360</a> advocates its writer’s opinion that maybe we should all slow down a bit.
Spend more time with clients. Take the time to understand their
needs. Take time to process all the information that technology
permits. I agree, we should all slow down. Do you? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Read More <a href="http://www.propertycasualty360.com/2014/07/28/slowing-down?t=agency-management#.U9eMvRfch98.email" target="_blank">Here</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">******</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Submitted by:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Brian Single</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sr. Claim Examiner</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879007105786666865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3050249828857539665.post-18819957999890564082014-08-27T14:02:00.003-05:002014-08-27T14:03:33.698-05:002014 LITIGATION MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><img height="146" id="_x0000_i1025" src="http://image.s6.exacttarget.com/lib/fe9413707567037870/m/1/LMI-Header+Space.jpg" width="650" /></span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: red; font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 15.0pt;"><br /></span></strong></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: red; font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 15.0pt;">Only 10 Spots Remain - Register
Today!</span></strong><o:p></o:p></div>
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">In
its fourth year, the prestigious Litigation Management Institute is a
professional development opportunity like no other: </span></strong><o:p></o:p><br />
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span align="left"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hosted by Columbia Law School in New York </span></span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span align="left"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Graduates earn the CLMP (Certified Litigation
Management Professional) designation </span></span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span align="left"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Curriculum includes classroom instruction and valuable
group projects with quality interaction among group participants </span></span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span align="left"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Students learn the business of litigation management,
helping to bridge the gap between client and attorney knowledge </span></span><o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<span align="left"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Some
of your colleagues who will be attending:</span></span><o:p></o:p><br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="mso-cellspacing: 1.5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 640px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 240.0pt;" width="320">
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Laura Aznavoorian, Gallagher Bassett <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Larry Beemer, QBE <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lorenzo Berenguer, XL Group <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Michael Brown, Fort Orange Claims Service <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dorothy Capers, US Foods Inc.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lynne Cavallo, York <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Frank Chang, Uber <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">David Cohen, CNA Insurance <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Carol Coursey, American National Property &
Casualty Company <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Michelle Dadisman, BBA Aviation USA, Inc.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Marillyn Damelio, Nationwide Insurance Company <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tim Diveley, Fireman's Fund Insurance Company<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Laura Farjadian, Navico, Inc <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Joseph Gallo, California Insurance Guarantee
Association <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">William Garcia, Liberty Mutual Insurance <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Helen Gillcrist, Liberty Mutual Insurance <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jeanette Hernandez, State Auto Insurance Companies <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
</td>
<td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 7.5pt;" width="10">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 240.0pt;" width="320">
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jennifer Kaleta, Viad Corp. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Scott Klingsporn, XL Group <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Chris Lisle, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Colleen Lyons, Liberty International Underwriters <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Vic Marmo, Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lauren McBride, Publix Super Markets, Inc. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Robert McCarthy, Nationwide Insurance Company <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Christopher O'Meara, Farm Family Casualty Insurance
Company <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Michael Reid, Accident Fund Holdings, Inc. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ann Schnure, Macy's, Inc. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jennifer Sherber, Health Care Stabilization Fund <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Stephanie Smith-Evans, Chubb <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Peter Uzzi, ACE <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Roeg WIlliamson, School Claims Service, LLP <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dan Winkler, Westfield Group <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jennifer Zambrano, avisbudget <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mike Zeoli, Chubb<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<span align="left"><strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Chancellors
</span></strong></span><o:p></o:p><br />
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span align="left"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Larry Beemer, QBE </span></span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span align="left"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Julie Fortune, Sr. Vice President and Chief Claims
Officer, Arrowpoint Capital </span></span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span align="left"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mari Leigh, Senior Partner, Meckler Bulger Tilson
Marick & Pearson </span></span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span align="left"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">John McGann, General Counsel, CLM</span></span><o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">LMI</span></strong></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Columbia Law School </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">New York </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">October 17 to 19 </span></div>
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<a href="http://cl.s6.exct.net/?qs=ee3e988131fe597c12ef881ec315fb716f1473c33a317fa029909c4b31c6b679"></a><a href="http://cl.s6.exct.net/?qs=ee3e988131fe597c12ef881ec315fb716f1473c33a317fa029909c4b31c6b679" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><img alt="Register" border="0" height="61" id="_x0000_i1025" src="http://image.s6.exacttarget.com/lib/fe9413707567037870/m/1/register-button3.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09879007105786666865noreply@blogger.com0