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Reflecting on the 2024 PCAPIA Annual Meeting

The November 11-12, 2024 Annual Meeting of the Pacific Coast Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (PCAPIA) offered a comprehensive program addressing the multifaceted aspects of public insurance adjusting.
This year's event, held at the Courtyard by Marriott Marina Del Rey in Marina Del Rey, CA, featured insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and sessions tailored to equip public adjusters with the tools to navigate complex claims environments. Below are highlights from the two-day conference that provided ten continuing education credits for public insurance adjusters licensed in California, Oregon and Washington State:

Day 1: Foundations and Networking

The event kicked off with the Appraiser & Umpire Prep and Certification Course led by IAUA's Robert Norton, CPCU, AIC and Joel Gumbiner, Esq. of Williams & Gumbiner. This in depth five-hour session focused on the certification process for appraisers and umpires. Key topics included:
  • Introduction to Property Damage Claims: Covered the definitions of "amount of loss" and what constitutes a dispute.
  • Methods of Dispute Resolution: Mediation, arbitration, and appraisal were discussed, with an emphasis on the roles of mediators, arbitrators, and umpires as neutrals.
  • Policy Provisions and Responsibilities: Highlighted the unique elements of appraisal, managing partial denials, and addressing additional living expenses (ALE).
  • Best Practices for Appraisal Handling: Focused on award formats, sub-limits, and policy implications.


Bob Norton co-presents the IAUA certification course

Attendees also delved into practical elements such as general conditions and appraisal techniques for ALE, fostering a deeper understanding of critical triggers and implications.

The afternoon concluded with a "Fireside Chat," an exclusive, members-only discussion requiring NDAs. This informal session provided an open forum for claims professionals to share insights and real-world experiences.


Members hold a conversation on claims-related matters

The evening reception, sponsored by Merlin Law Group, provided an excellent opportunity for attendees to unwind, network, and discuss the day's takeaways.


Evening reception offers time to network and relax

Day 2: Advanced Insights and Standards

The day began with a breakfast sponsored by Williams & Gumbiner, followed by a welcome from PCAPIA President Denise Hsu Sze, Esq., of Blue Oaks Public Adjusting.

Michael Duffy, Esq., from Merlin Law Group, presented a comprehensive review of public adjuster files in his talk entitled Real-Life Analysis of Public Adjuster Files. Key topics included: 
  • The importance of submitting Proof of Loss (POL) forms and understanding suit limitations.
  • Proper handling of ACV/RCV calculations, examination under oath (EUO), and retaining qualified experts.
  • Case law reviews that underscored the implications of improper documentation and compliance failures.


Michael Duffy, Esq. provides key advice on adjuster files

In his session, Newly Approved Standards for Assessing Fire and Wildfire Damage, Jonathan Bowers from Clean Environmental Solutions introduced Standards S700 and S760, emphasizing their importance in fire and wildfire damage assessment. Through case studies, attendees gained direct insights into applying these standards to real-world scenarios.

Vendor presentations and the break sponsored by Alliance Environmental Group allowed attendees to engage with industry vendors and explore the latest tools and services for public insurance adjusting.

Ethics: What PAs Need to Know was presented by Derek Chaiken, Esq., of Merlin Law Group. The state-required class for PAs provided essential information on ethical practices. Through case studies and regulatory reviews from states like California, Oregon, and Washington, attendees explored:
  • Common ethical issues, including conflicts of interest and disclosure requirements.
  • Strategies to enhance professionalism and maintain trust with clients and insurers.

Identifying Secondary Damages and Common Oversights by Taylor Babb of Pacific Public Adjusters went over actionable strategies for identifying secondary damages, such as mold, corrosion, and hidden structural issues. Case studies highlighted the consequences of common oversights and offered best practices to mitigate risks.

Morgan Law Group sponsored a midday lunch, providing an opportunity for attendees to recharge and network.
 
The final session of the day, Competing Legal and Engineering Perspectives, featured Cam Sinsir, PhD, PE, from Walker Consultants, Dilip Khatri, PhD, SE, of Khatri International, and Joel Gumbiner, Esq., discussing the interplay between legal and engineering considerations in property claims. Attendees learned to navigate conflicts between technical assessments and policy interpretations, fostering better collaboration among stakeholders.

With nearly 80 attendees, the PCAPIA Annual Meeting was a resounding success, offering a balanced mix of foundational knowledge, advanced insights, and networking opportunities. From preparing for certifications to exploring ethical dilemmas and new assessment standards, attendees left equipped with tools and strategies to elevate their practice.

Contributors

Contributors