Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network - February, 2015

Association News NetworkMid-Valley Claims

February 2015 Volume XXII • Number IIwww.MidValleyClaims.org

Serving MVCA Since 1994

Mid-Valley Claims Association 2015 Membership Drive Is ON!

Join NOW at:www.MidValleyClaims.org

February 20th MVCA LuncheonDemystifying Business Income Claimswith Jim McCurley, of RGL Forensic Accountants

Join MVCA This Friday

February 20, 2015For our next luncheon of the new year

as we welcome

Jim McCurleyRGL Forensic Accountants

-see page 5

http://www.MidValleyClaims.org


2 Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • February 2015

VICE PRESIDENTSherry Wenograd

Frontier Adjusters(209) 478-1422

[email protected]

Your 2015 Mid-Valley Claims Association Board of Directors2015 OFFICERS

SECRETARYGaye Bishop

Royalty Restoration Services(209) 529-3110

[email protected]

2015 BOARD MEMBERS

MVCA Rep to the Claims Conference of Northern CaliforniaBarbara Hall & DeeDee Hintze

PRESIDENTStaci Moreno

Norman-Spencer Agency, Inc.(209) 946-6674

[email protected]

Bob BishopPrivate Investigator

Danielle DynesSams & Associates

Katie HowardSierra Env. Testing & Consulting, Inc.

Marvin WenogradFrontier Adjusters

DeeDee HintzeRestoration Mgmt Co.

John TuckerYork Claims Services, Inc.

TREASURER & PAST PRESIDENT

Deena LuceroFrontier Adjusters

(209) [email protected]

DOI Reporting Requirements & Red Flags at January MVCAcontinued page 7

The Mid Valley Claims Association welcomed Beth Ossino and Claudia Cervantes, of Golden Bear Insurance, as their guest speakers to kick-off the new year at the January 16, 2015 Luncheon Meeting. The duo tag-teamed with a particular case review that had signs that screamed fraud all over it. Claudia explained that, despite a common notion that insur-ance fraud is a victimless crime, "we are all victims of fraud because we have to pay higher premiums.” When fraud is suspected, that is sufficient to fill out a com-plaint form and file with the state. Claims people are not

By Lynna Harrison • Photos by Bryan Harrison

required to prove it.Beth and Claudia gave out a very comprehensive 27 page overview of their Seminar.They discussed a case they had that had a large number of "red flags" suggesting a Fraudulent Claim.The case stemmed from a Fire

continued on page 7

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • February 2015 3Mid-Valley Claims

February 2015Volume XXII • Number II

A s s o c i a t i o n

2 - DOI Reporting & Red Flags at January MVCA - 2015 MVCA Officers & Board of Directors

3 - Incoming 2015 MVCA President’s Message 4 - 2015 Upcoming MVCA Events

5 - DeMystifying Business Claims at February 20, 2015 MVCA luncheon

6 - MVCAAN Services Directory - AssnNewsNetwork Job Connection

2015 Sizing Up To Be Banner Year for MVCA!Incoming Message from 2015 MVCA President Staci Moreno

Happy February. I hope you all had a blessed and safe holiday season. I know 2015 will be a great year for all of us! For those of you I have yet to meet, I’d like to take this opportunity and introduce myself. My name is Staci Moreno I will be your 2015 MVCA President. I have served on the Board for the past four years. I’m currently the claims manager for our Personal Lines Boat/Yacht Department at Norman-Spencer Agency Inc., formally known as Western Marine Insurance Services.For me, being at the helm of the Mid-Valley Claims Association is both a privilege and a great responsibility. I am determined to make the upcoming year the very best year for Mid-Valley Claims Association yet! With our strong, motivated team working together we can surly make our goals a reality.I would like to thank Beth Ossino and Claudia Cervantes for their great pre-sentation, at our January 2015 luncheon, on DOI Reporting Requirements and Red Flag Indicators. They informed us that you do not need proof of fraud only a suspicision to report it with your states Department of Insurance. Their presentation left us all shaking our heads in amazement.

continued on page 7


RON HALL & ASSOCIATES, INCFIRE ANALYSIS AND RESEARCH

(800) 666-0622Tel(916) 635-3441

WWW.RHA-FIRE.COM

• Full Service Fire Investigation• Evidence Storage & Preservation• 7 Day Report Submission• Code Research11151 Sun Center Drive, Suite ARancho Cordova, CA 95670

Friday, February 20, 2015Luncheon MeetingJim McCurley - RGL Forensic Accountants DeMystifying Business Income Claims

Friday, March 20, 2015Luncheon Meeting - speaker tba

Friday, April 17, 2015Luncheon Meeting - speaker tba

Friday, March 15, 2015Annual Mid-Valley Golf Tournament!

Friday, July 17, 2015Luncheon Meeting - speaker tba

Updates at:www.MidValleyClaims.org

Luncheon meetings are held the THIRD FRIDAY of each month

at Papapavlo’s in Stockton, except where indicated.MVCA 2015 Upcoming Events

Tues-Wed, Aug 11-12, 201522nd Annual Claims Conference of Northern California“Hot August Claims” www.ClaimsConference.org

Friday, September 18, 2015Luncheon Meeting

Friday, October 16, 2015Luncheon Meeting

Friday, November 20, 2015Luncheon Meeting

Friday, December 18, 2015Holiday Luncheon party

Mark Your Calendar Now:

2015 CCNC Planning Under Way - "Hot August Claims!"In the long-standing tradition of the CCNC, the 22nd annual event will focus on continuing education for P&C Insurance Claims Professionals."We are changing things up just a bit," stated 2015 CCNC President, Jack Corry. "Our theme, 'Hot August Claims!' is a nod to what has become our own Northern California classic. We plan to dazzle a bit, while providing exceptional continuing eduction accredited tracks for Liability/Casualty and Property Claims professionals."The main two-day event, Tuesday, August 11th and Wednesday, August 12th promises a wide array of activities both familiar and new.It's never too early to get attendee registration set-up. Attendee Registration is open at this time.Exhibit booths for the tradeshow portion of the event are now officially available to returning Exhibitors for first rights. Very soon we will open the field up to newcomers, as well.Numerous Sponsorship opportunities are currently available for purchase, with those spoken for last year being held for first rights to returning sponsors for a limited time.www.ClaimsConference.org

http://WWW.RHA-FIRE.COM

http://www.ClaimsConference.org

http://www.ClaimsConference.org

Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • February 2015 5February 20th MVCA Luncheon

Demystifying Business Income Claimswith Jim McCurley, of RGL Forensic Accountants

Purchase your monthly lunch, and pay your annual membership dues online, directly, at: www.MidValleyClaims.org

Or, for payment by cash or check at the door, please make your reservations now with 2014 MVCA Pres./Tres. Deena Lucero:

209-603-5006, or [email protected]

at

Papapavlo ’s Mediterranean Bistro

501 N. Lincoln Center, Stockton

Choice of Luncheon Entree Served

Just $22 for paid 2014 Members$28 for Non-Members or No Reservations

Join MVCA This Friday

February 20, 2015For our next luncheon of the new year

as we welcome

Jim McCurleyRGL Forensic Accountants

on Business Income/Extra Expense claims

Join the MVCA in welcoming our next luncheon guest speaker, Mr. Jim McCurley, Director at RGL Forensics in Sacramento at the Feburary 20, 2015 meeting.Mr. McCurley will be speaking on a subject of Business Income / Extra Expense claims. His presentation will provide attendees with a basic understanding of what to expect during the adjustment of a Business Income claim

primarily in the retail setting. Specifically, we will discuss: • the objective of Business Income insurance. • The most prevalent policy language for Business Income & Extra Expense coverage • Supporting documentation that should be obtained. • Challenges that can arise in establishing the loss amount including determining the appropriate “period of restoration” • Variations posed by the different ownership structures from “mom and pop” operations to international name brand franchises.Mr. McCurley received a BS in Accounting from Rutgers University in New Jersey in 1985. After working at more traditional accounting jobs in the Philadelphia area following graduation, he relocated to California and began his forensic accounting career in San Francisco in 1987.In the early 1990’s, he moved to Sacramento to continue his career in the in-dustry and raise a family. He has been running the Sacramento office of RGL since 1997 and has provided the local insurance community with a wide range of accounting support in property, liability and insurance defense.Mr. McCurley was a key member of RGL’s Catastrophe Response Team during the 2005 hurricane season that included hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma.He currently holds the office of Treasurer of the Sacramento Claims As-sociation, and has been active in the claims community since his arrival in Sacramento.Outside the office, Mr. McCurley has adjusted to life as an “empty nester” after raising three sons in Fair Oaks. He and his wife, Hillary, will con-tinue to explore California and hope to expand their newly found spare time traveling.With emphasis on “Discovering and Defining Financial Value”, RGL’s forensic accounting, valuation, and technology experts work with insur-ance, legal, corporate and public sector professionals to evaluate economic damages and determine financial value. “Our professionals have decades of experience delivering forensic financial services with accuracy, efficiency and integrity,” McCurley states.



Mid-Valley Claims AssnNewsNet Services DirectoryPROPERTY RESTORATION-CLOTHING SPECIALISTFRSTeam by CUSTOM COMMERCIAL - Jim Nicholas910 Striker Avenue, Suite E (800) 80-SMOKE • (916) 920-0482Sacramento, CA 95834 Fax (916) 920-0483PROPERTY RESTORATION/CONTENTSAMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - Barry Metcalf8440 Elder Creek Road [email protected] • (916) 388-2440Sacramento, CA 95828 Fax (916) 388-2445BELFOR USA - Grant Cody3132 Dwight Rd Ste 300 (209) 339-4301 • Fax (209) 339-4302Elk Grove, CA 95758 [email protected] RESTORATION SERVICES - Kevin Messer/Gaye Bishop1331 Granite Lane [email protected] • (209) 529-3110Modesto, CA 95351 Fax (209) 529-3187SERVPRO OF STOCKTON - Jackie Irrgang2334 Stagecoach Rd., Ste J [email protected] • (209) 477-3090Stockton, CA 95215 Fax (209) 463-6944

CONTRACTORS - ASBESTOS/LEAD/MOLD REMEDIATIONAMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - Barry Metcalf8440 Elder Creek Road [email protected] • (916) 388-2440Sacramento, CA 95828 Fax (916) 388-2445BELFOR USA - Grant Cody3132 Dwight Rd Ste 300 (209) 339-4301 • Fax (209) 339-4302Elk Grove, CA 95758 [email protected] ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. - John Moore & the JM TeamPO Box 2189 www.jmenvironmental.net • (916) 726-0304Granite Bay, CA 95746-2189 Fax (916) 726-0340P.W. STEPHENS ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. - Jason Kettlehut3278 Swetzer Road www.pwstephensinc.com • (916) 212-2962Loomis, CA 95650 [email protected] - ELECTRICALTUCKNOTT ELECTRIC CO. - Robert A. Tucknott6850 Regional St. Suite 110 [email protected] • (925) 931-0800Dublin, CA 94568 www.Tucknott.com • Fax (925) 931-0817CONTRACTORS - GENERAL RESTORATIONBELFOR USA - Grant Cody3132 Dwight Rd Ste 300 (209) 339-4301 • Fax (209) 339-4302Elk Grove, CA 95758 [email protected] GENERAL CONTRACTOR, INC. - Ken TurnageWe treat your home as if it were our own, www.K2GCinc.com • (925)754-5232and value your time as we do our own. K2GC@comcast .netCONTRACTORS-MICROBIAL REMEDIATIONAMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - Barry Metcalf8440 Elder Creek Road [email protected] • (916) 388-2440Sacramento, CA 95828 Fax (916) 388-2445BELFOR USA - Grant Cody3132 Dwight Rd Ste 300 (209) 339-4301 • Fax (209) 339-4302Elk Grove, CA 95758 [email protected]. STEPHENS ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. - Jason Kettlehut3278 Swetzer Road www.pwstephensinc.com • (916) 212-2962Loomis, CA 95650 [email protected] - FORENSICCOMPLERE ENGINEERING GROUP, INC. - Gene Wilkins, P.E.Fire C&O, Property Liability, Thermography, Structural, Combustion Safeguards4230 Kiernan Av., Suite 210 [email protected] • (209) 545-8165Modesto, CA 95356 www.complere.com • Fax (209) 545-8170ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING & CONSULTINGSIERRA ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING & CONSULTING, INC. - Chris Hintz P. O. Box 1563 www.SierraEnviro.com • (209) 366-3684Woodbridge, CA 95258 Fax (866-612-8294FIRE INVESTIGATORS FIRE CAUSE ANALYSIS - Ulises Castellon, CPCUThroughout California, (800) 726-5939 • Fax: (510) 649-3099Nevada, Arizona, Oregon & N. Dakota [email protected] REMOVALNATIONWIDE OVERSPRAY - Eric Gerencser Benicia, California www.overspray.net • (925) 408-5909Safe Overspray Removal [email protected] • (800) 345-1269

The Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network© is a production of Association News Network, Inc. Published monthly as a free service to the MVCA with a commitment and dedication to the promotion and betterment of this professional organization. The views and comments expressed within the articles herein do not necessarily reflect the views of A.N.N., Inc. or MVCA. We assume no responsibility for any opinions and/or statements offered by contributing authors to the publication. Acceptance of advertising material does not constitute endorsement of the products or services offered. We reserve the right to reject any advertising copy or placement. We encourage industry support of this professional organization - its monthly newsletter publication and web site.

Go to: www.MidValleyClaims.org

© 1994-2015, all rights reserved • Association News Network, Inc. • www.AssociationNewsNetwork.com2455 Naglee Rd. #263 . Tracy, CA 95304 • 209.229.8240 • fax 209.229.8328

Please submit articles for consideration by email, to: Bryan Harrison, Publisher

[email protected] • 925.708.5569

For Advertising opportunities and information, contact: Lynna Harrison, New Accounts Manager

[email protected] • 925.785.7021

POSITIONS AVAILABLECLAIMS INDUSTRY PLACEMENTSGary E. Mingus, GEM Search Group provides both Temporary, Temp to Hire and Direct Hire placements in the Insurance Industry also, placing Vendors related to the Insurance Industry. Call Gary Mingus 866-935-4426 or email to [email protected]. Serving the Insurance Industry since 1995.

PROPERTY RESTORATION ESTIMATORS/PROJECT MANAGERSBELFOR Property Restoration is seeking the best Property Restoration Estimators/Project Managers to join our team. Our Sacramento, Modesto, San Jose, San Francisco and Santa Rosa locations are expanding in both large loss and small loss opportunities. Restoration, Construction, Insur-ance Program, and Xactimate experiences preferred. We offer stability, world class training, travel, company vehicle, virtually boundless career opportunity, and a full benefit package. Applicant information will be viewed with absolute confidentiality by GM level only E-mail resume to: [email protected]

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call 209-229-8240 or fax FAX# [email protected]


mailto:[email protected]


Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network • February 2015 7

Upcoming luncheons:February 20th - Jim McCurley (Director - RGL Forensics) - Demys-tifying Business Income ClaimsMarch 20th - Mark Berry with Mayall Hurley, Knutsen, Smith & Green - Re-certification of the Fair Claims Practices Acts Regulation MVCA 50th Golf Tournament is just around the corner. Please save the date: “May 1, 2015”. If you are interested in being on the golf committee please contact Staci at (209) 570-9180.If you have not yet updated your membership for 2015, feel free to pay online through the midvalleyclaims.org website or contact me for an application. Application and dues will also be accepted at the luncheon. Check with Deena at registration. Looking forward to seeing you on the 20th:)

Staci MorenoBoat & Yacht Claims [email protected]:(800) 633-8606 ext.1380Fax: (209) 466-0260Norman-Spencer Agency, Inc. Marine Insurance Services

claim which happened within 13 thirteen days after the Insurance policy was purchased. There were major red flags on the Insurance Application, including: incorrect employer listed on the application; the Wife gave several names; the property deed showed a woman than the insured’s wife, Additionally, the home built in 1925, and had a second story added later with no permits. And they did not have record of previous home-owners’ insurance. One instance of ap-plication fraud was the checked box for animals that stated “No”, when they owned llamas, goats & chickens on the property.The bottom line is that after three and a half years the case is still pending because, at trial, the insurance agent admitted filling out the application form for the insured. Claim out the window.A few of the General Insurance Fraud "Red Flags they listed are: Recent increase in coverage; a loss that has occurred shortly after inception date of policy; undisclosed duplicate cover-age; insured willing to settle for substantially less than purported value in order to speed claims settlement; extensive history of similar claims; unwillingness by insured to respond to questions

President’s MessageFraud Claims at Jan MVCAcontinued from page 2 continued from page 3

or to provide documentation; a history of gambling or alcohol or drug abuse; indications of financial trouble, such as recent law suits or judgments against insured; and/or if/when the insured's lifestyle is clearly inconsistent with their stated income. In all likelihood, Cervantes and Ossino stated, this case will be written off. Resources to prosecute insurance fraud on highly limited. The key is to find a local District Attorney interested and willing to prosecute. Even then, the likelihood of winning that battle is dim at best. Still, carriers at least attempt to keep a handle on fraud. Without the effort to combat it, the number of fraudulent claims would likely be skyrocket.


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Mid-Valley Claims Association News Network - February, 2015

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