Educational Courses 2026
ADJUSTERS GUIDE TO EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE CLAIMS/ 3 CE
George McCluskey, YA Group
Jon Sommers, DH Adjusting
The course provides an overview of earthquake coverages under an ISO form including deductibles, coverage extensions, covered perils that may be triggered by an earthquake. Also included is an explanation of the California Earthquake Authority. The course also covers thorough investigation techniques, organized file documentation and investigation practices. Complies with requirements as set forth in CA code of Regulations, Title 10, Chapter 5, Subchapter 7.5.1, Article 1, Section 2695.40-2695.43.
HOW TO OVERCOME COVERAGE CHALLENGES AND ADVERSITIES WHEN DEALING WITH WATER DAMAGE AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTANTS ON A CLAIM/ 1 CE
Hether Flores, Express Air Testing, Inc.
Shannon Blomquist, Bamboo Insurance
This course is designed to define common pollutants, explain the regulatory standards for each common pollutant, and provide insight on how to identify coverage within a homeowners policy. We will also discuss navigating coverage exclusions and how to communicate proper mitigation procedures to the insured.
THIS OLD HOUSE - DANGERS OF MODERN ELECTRICAL UPGRADES TO OLDER HOMES/ 1 CE
Sally Noma, Attorney, Noma Law Firm
Taylor A. Russell, P.E., CAP, CFEI, Forensic Engineer, EDT
The proliferation of residential solar power, electric vehicle chargers, energy storage systems, standby generators, and home automation has increased dramatically in recent history, with no signs of slowing down. But adding these items to older homes (with old electrical systems) has created new risks for property owners and insurers. This session will examine how upgrades to older homes can go awry, and the challenges they pose to property claims and subrogation.
WILDFIRE ENGINEERING AND ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE ASSESSMENT AND MITIGATION: LESSONS LEARNED FROM PARADISE, LAHAINA, and PALISADES/ 1 CE
George McCluskey, YA Group
Jim Krueger, JS Claims
Eloy Cisneros, CFSC, CMC, CAC, CLIA-PM, YA Group
Wildfire Engineering and Environmental Damage Assessment and Mitigation course will explore topics related to both engineering and environmental issues associated with wildfire impacts and prepares participants for claims involving wildfire related damages.
THE HIDDEN DANGERS OF LITHIUM BATTERY FIRES/ 1 CE
Vinh Q. Pham, CIH, CAC, Envirocheck
A new emerging claim trend these past few years is Lithium Ion Battery fires. From EV Vehicles, to E Bikes and more. We will explore the environmental impact these Lithium Ion Battery fires have on residential and commercial structures and the testing required to identify the toxicity of the heavy metals, acids and soot char and ash these types of batteries give off while engulfed in flames. We will also explore the insurance coverage aspect of these specialized claims and the approach the insurance carrier could take while handling a specialized claim of this magnitude.
COMMON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES ON PROPERTY DAMAGE CLAIMS/ 1 CE
Eloy Cisneros, CFSC, CMC, CAC, CLIA-PM, YA Group
I will be discussing hazmat issues (asbestos, heavy metals, PCBs, etc.), fire and smoke contamination, water and microbial impacts (mold and Cat 3), etc. My session will make attendees aware of the numerous potential environmental issues on property damage claims and how to properly assess, identify and delineate them.
OFFENSE/DEFENSE: COUNTER-INTELLIGENCE FOR THE CLAIMS & LEGAL PROFESSIONAL/ 1CE
Garrett McGinn, DigiStream
Identifying anomalies early on in the claims cycle will help an adjuster set, manage and release reserves for investigations more effectively than using surveillance alone. When reserves are set, a background or social media investigation can help an adjuster get an idea of the possibility for litigation, future medical needs and even apportionment. The course relates to the adjusting of insurance claims because oftentimes information gathered during this initial phase of the investigation, even prior to surveillance or other efforts, can lead an adjuster to accept, deny or delay a claim. Alternatively, information discovered during a social media and background check may lead a claims adjuster to determine further investigation is necessary before the injury is determined to be AOE/COE. Finally, adjuster competence may be improved by completion of the course because it will enable them to better target their investigative dollars to files that need more investigating, rather than adopting a blanket approach to investigations such as completing a limited number of days of surveillance on claimants whose files exhibit certain red flags. Simply put, a knowledge of social media and background investigations gives adjusters more bandwidth in combating potentially fraudulent claims. Timely, proactive investigations with many competent statewide vendors will help each adjuster maintain accurate reporting.
AI CAN SEE IT. CAN IT ESTIMATE IT?/ 1 CE
Todd VanSant, ATI Restoration
Rob Harrell, Docusketch
This course examines the real-world application of artificial intelligence in property claims estimating. Using a contractor-led perspective, it walks through how AI interprets damage, generates scope, and attempts to build estimates—and where it succeeds and fails. Attendees will gain a practical understanding of how AI-assisted estimating impacts claim accuracy, documentation, and review.
FROM ANOTHER PLANET TO ALIFF- THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE FOLLOWING THE JANUARY 7TH WILDFIRES/ 1 CE
Michele Levinson, FBT Gibbons
This course will focus on the changes in case law with respect to the policy requirement of direct physical damage.
We will discuss the cases that were heard by the courts before and after the 1/7/2025 wildfires to gain a better understanding on how court evaluate the not so obvious damage claims. We will discuss the policy provision itself and from there go through the court rulings including those that came out of COVID to the most recent smoke and ash claims.
This discussion will include claims that may be seen as suspect and how they are evaluated by industry professionals.
We will also discuss some real-world scenarios as viewed by claims professionals when evaluating these types of claims in the current era.
ORDER OUT OF CHAOS: MANAGING A COMPLEX PROPERTY CLAIM INVOLVING SUSPECTED FRAUD AND COVERAGE ISSUES/ 1CE
Peter Schifrin, SGD, Inc.
A large commercial property loss with both potential coverage issues and suspected fraud is, under the best of circumstances, a claim that may involve greater expense, effort and exposure than is typical.
These claims typically involve complex issues, and the expense, effort and exposure are substantial. For the adjuster tasked with handling such a claim, understanding how to assemble, direct and manage resources is the key to enhancing the likelihood of reaching the proper result and protecting the insurer from unnecessary liability.
Every claim is unique, of course, involving unique facts and circumstances. There is no one-size-fits-all template that applies to every claim. An adjuster must utilize common sense and intelligence in overseeing the handling of the claim.
By working through an example claim from start to finish, this class identifies typical issues and offers suggestions for addressing those issues, including discussion of preferred practices.
Flushes, Flows, and Hose - A Deep Dive Into Water Damage Claims
Ulises Castellon, Fire Cause Analysis
Josh Bastian, Fire Cause Analysis
The peril of water damage and the associated severity is a huge exposure for insurers. The claim professional must carefully assess opportunities for potential remedies against responsible parties for loss recovery, defending liability claims, or evaluating coverage.
This engaging program features detailed illustrations of water systems and component failures supported by visually compelling case studies. It provides step-by-step guidance on conducting thorough investigations capable of withstanding rigorous challenges. The use of photography, microscopy, and video reinforces how a claims professional can effectively work with investigators, engineers, and scientists to identify the root cause of water system component failures.
Fire Cause Analysis forensic experts will illustrate a range of powerful technical tools and perspectives necessary to understand both residential and commercial water systems, how to process a water damage claim scene, document findings, and safely collect and preserve evidence.
DISASTER PREPLANNING/1 CE
Brian Foote, BELFOR
The most effective recovery of property damage begins well before a disaster with proper preplanning. In the absence of information, people fill the void themselves. Bad decisions made in a crisis without proper information usually lead to more expensive and less effective recovery of facilities and contents. By learning what questions to ask and getting answers before disaster strikes, decisions can be made and communicated with key stakeholders ahead of time. This reserves decision-making bandwidth for unique aspects of a crisis that could not have been anticipated.
Using examples and case studies from actual large-scale disasters, as well as small- and medium-sized everyday residential and commercial losses, this presentation will help attendees anticipate and plan for common real-world challenges, issues, and risks that make up the recovery and restoration process. Through participation in this course, insurance professionals will be better equipped to answer questions and set expectations for policyholders and other project stakeholders, leading to overall cost reductions.
PANEL DISCUSSION(S): (NO CE CREDITS PROVIDED)
FIRST NOTICE TO FINAL PAYOUT:REDEFINING PROPERTY CLAIMS WITH AI
April Lowe, Pacific Specialty
Julie Moore, CIG
Shannon Blomquist, Bamboo Insurance
Technology is redefining how we handle property claims. From tools like Drones, Matterport, Dockusketch, PLNAR, Eagleview to software programs that help with QA, auditing estimates and preparing estimates for non-complex claims. How carriers, TPA and IA’s can use AI to improve customer service, reduce cycle time, reduce expenses, document damages, recover subrogation and allow adjuster to focus on more complex tasks that require the human element. AI is a tool that will require oversight and help adjusters be more skilled and efficient in their roles.