The Savvy Adjuster Podcast

In this episode of The Savvy Adjuster Podcast, we’re talking about the effects of smoke and fire damage on business-critical equipment. Host Chris Nichols welcomes back TechLoss Consulting and Restoration Corporate Vice President Bob Karbin and Vice President of Engineering Mikey Minor to discuss concerns about smoke and fire damage claims and the fire damage restoration process. These include corrosive elements in smoke, how extreme heat impacts functionality, and the importance of quickly stabilizing equipment. Listeners will gain insights into how degreed engineers can differentiate between repairable equipment and a total loss, factoring in everything from fire suppression system damage to business interruption.Discussed in This EpisodeHow smoke and fire contamination damages business-critical equipment The scientific process of wipe sampling to identify contamination levelsHow damage can also be caused by fire suppression systems and firefighting efforts, introducing water, chemicals, and debris Key actions adjusters and insureds should take to evaluate lossesThe importance of timeliness to prevent further equipment deterioration and control costs Stories from the field detailing unique and challenging smoke and fire claims, including explosions and widespread corrosion eventsAdditional ResourcesAlpine Intel Resources Page: https://bit.ly/4pKAXRgTechLoss Consulting & Restoration: https://bit.ly/45eWIjNAdditional Resources About Smoke and Fire Damage Claims:Article: Equipment Restoration Following Fire and Water Losses: https://bit.ly/4s00MOHArticle: From FNOL to Resolved: Steps for Business-Critical Equipment Claims: https://bit.ly/3MGrdZJGuide: The Impact of Heat on Equipment: https://bit.ly/3My1Kld

It’s time to drill down into the nuances of dental equipment claims with The Savvy Adjuster Podcast. When a peril impacts a dental office, the damage can extend beyond the patient chair. Host Chris Nichols is joined by TechLoss Consulting and Restoration Corporate Vice President Bob Karbin and Vice President of Engineering Mikey Minor to discuss the wide array of specialized equipment that can be compromised. They explore the common causes of loss, from water and smoke damage to power surges, and outline the critical first steps adjusters should take to mitigate further damage. Discussed in This EpisodeThe full range of equipment found in a dental office, including specialized lab and operatory toolsCommon perils that impact sensitive equipment, such as water, smoke, power surges, and physical impactCritical first steps and best practices for adjusters to follow when receiving a dental equipment claim to prevent further damageThe role of wear and tear and how degreed engineers can differentiate it from other causes of lossThe restoration and cleaning process for contaminated equipment to return it to pre-loss conditionOptions for securing equipment to minimize business interruption for the insuredReal-world examples and stories from the field of complex dental equipment claimsAdditional ResourcesAlpine Intel Resources Page: https://bit.ly/44LMUNZTechLoss Consulting & Restoration: https://bit.ly/4pIjjNBAdditional Dental Equipment Claims Resources:Article: Drilling into Dental Equipment Claims: Perils and the Assessment Process: https://bit.ly/3MAr9udGuide: Dental Equipment Assessment and Restoration: https://bit.ly/48LZM9cCase Study: Dental Equipment Claim: https://bit.ly/44KGOxj

Lightning and surge are often linked with electronics failures, but other perils might be playing a role. Alpine Intel Executive Vice President of Specialty Assessments Paul Whitmore and Alpine Intel’s Strategic Sales Development Manager Chris Tomlinson rejoin Alpine Intel Sales Operations Manager Chris Nichols on The Savvy Adjuster Podcast to discuss other causes of loss that lead to electrical equipment failures.Discussed in This Episode Water damage to electronicsWeather-related perilsWhat to do when policyholders report the cause of loss as “unknown”Additional Resources Alpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/4qOGNlDStrikeCheck: https://bit.ly/47RiryKAdditional Electronics Resources:Guide: Water Damage to Electronics: https://bit.ly/3XnCf88Article: StrikeCheck Electrical System Assessment Tools of the Trade: https://bit.ly/3WPFEMMGuide: Weather Impacts to Electronics Claims: https://bit.ly/47M9OWb

The Savvy Adjuster Podcast returns with a look at various types of residential electrical equipment frequently found in claims. Alpine Intel Sales Operations Manager Chris Nichols is joined by Alpine Intel Executive Vice President of Specialty Assessments Paul Whitmore and Alpine Intel’s Strategic Sales Development Manager Chris Tomlinson, who each have an extensive history in the insurance industry. Listen as they discuss electronics that may fail during the cooler months and what perils, including water damage, might be affecting them.Discussed in This Episode Outdoor residential electrical equipment often included in claims (including outdoor entertainment systems!)Perils that impact electrically powered equipment in the summer months, such as lightning, and how causes of loss might shift with cooler temperatures to include fire, freezing conditions, and othersWhen repairs may be most appropriate versus a replacementWhy pools and hot tubs might still be included in winter claimsWater damage to electronics, its causes, and its impactsInteresting electronics claims storiesAdditional Resources Alpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/42UM00YStrikeCheck: https://bit.ly/49liPb8Additional Electronics Resources:Guide: Outdoor Electronics: Your Guide to Perils, Damages, and Assessments: https://bit.ly/4oIh2S8Article: Even Hot Tubs Don’t Like Cold Weather: https://bit.ly/4ofuDQYGuide: Preparing for Winter Electrical Fire Claims Guide: https://bit.ly/4obu2zV

In this episode, Alpine Intel Senior Account Manager Chris Nichols is joined by National Fire Experts Certified Fire Protection Specialists (CFPS) Ted Forbes and Ryan Bain to discuss why it’s important to evaluate fire suppression systems following a fire incident. You’ll understand the difference between the certified fire investigators who determine origin and cause and the fire protection specialists who analyze whether fire suppression systems prevented or failed to prevent the spread of a fire. This can help adjusters determine what may have caused additional losses and if there may be other concerns at a property.Discussed in This Episode:The roles of Certified Fire Protection Specialists and certified fire investigators When during the claims process an adjuster should call for a CFPS How CFPS investigations can be done virtually Different types of Automatic Extinguishing Systems How location and codes impact findingsStories from the field about CFPS investigationsAdditional Resources:Alpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/476JtDRNational Fire Experts: https://bit.ly/3J7i4YcInvestigating Fire Suppression Systems After Commercial Fires: https://bit.ly/3H1uJvmCertified Fire Protection Specialist Case Study: Investigating a Restaurant Fire: https://bit.ly/4oypsMK5 Questions to Ask After a Kitchen Fire: https://bit.ly/4lk1QskAdjuster’s Glossary of Fire Investigation Terms Guide: https://bit.ly/4ftTnS0

In this short episode, Senior Account Manager Chris Nichols returns with Forensic Engineer Brennan Clark of Alpine Intel’s Component Testing Laboratories and Curtis Whitfill, Vice President of SIU Compliance and CE Programs at Alpine Intel’s VRC Investigations. They discuss the role potential litigation plays in the evidence-gathering and preserving process for vehicle crash investigations and auto claims.Discussed in This Episode:What SIU investigators consider going into the assignmentThe importance of accurate reports and evidence preservationKeeping strict processes and single-line chains of custody at Component Testing LaboratoriesHow Crash Data Retrieval experts may be involved with depositions or serve as expert witnessesAdditional Resources:Alpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/3IuTnVtCrash Data Retrieval and Litigation Guide: https://bit.ly/3TFw2TeHow To Spot Potential Fraud Concerns in Auto Claims: https://bit.ly/3TDcsqPLeveraging Crash Data Retrieval as an Auto Claims Adjuster: https://bit.ly/3GKoc7YBest Practices for Evidence Management in Subrogation Cases: https://bit.ly/3TDQT9F

Learn how vehicle forensics and other investigation techniques can be included in the auto claims process during this episode of The Savvy Adjuster Podcast. Senior Account Manager Chris Nichols discusses what a vehicle’s Event Data Recorder, infotainment equipment, and 3D scan can tell adjusters with Forensic Engineer Brennan Clark of Alpine Intel’s Component Testing Laboratories. Curtis Whitfill, vice president of SIU Compliance and CE Programs at Alpine Intel’s VRC Investigations, joins to provide insights on other evidence sources. These include video, neighborhood canvassing, and license plate readers. The pair also shares stories of times this evidence confirmed an insured’s reported auto claim details, and when it proved something else.Discussed in This Episode: Sources for reliable evidence that can be used in vehicle claimsWhat an Event Data Recorder can tell about vehicle characteristics at the time of the lossWhat a vehicle’s infotainment equipment can show about cellphone usageThe incorporation of License Plate Readers in investigationsHow to use evidence for the future of vehicle equipment claimsRed flags in auto claimsReal stories that show how evidence gathering impacts vehicle claimsAdditional Resources: Alpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/46mGDdeCase Study: Retrieving Crash Data: https://bit.ly/44eD9s4Article: How a Car “Black Box” Can Aid Insurance Investigations: https://bit.ly/3Ia33ogGuide: Crash Data Retrieval and Litigation: https://bit.ly/4eE8zeYGuide: Auto Fraud Indicators: https://bit.ly/44rVhgR 

On this episode of The Savvy Adjuster Podcast, Alpine Intel’s Chief Revenue Officer, Reza Nikrooz, joins Senior Account Manager Chris Nichols to discuss the risks insurance adjusters face when they seek to settle a claim. Using his background in the insurance industry, he explains the risk of making a settlement decision without having all the facts, as well as steps adjusters can take to help ensure better accuracy for claims involving electrical and HVAC equipment. Additional ResourcesAlpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/3ZMiIzIStrikeCheck: https://bit.ly/4mGiowiHVACi: https://bit.ly/4kQZYYfAdditional HVACi and StrikeCheck Resources:Guide: StrikeCheck 2024 Annual Claims Report: https://bit.ly/3Fnmn0eGuide: HVACi 2024 Annual Claims Report: https://bit.ly/3FuIwtxArticle: 6 Questions to Ask Before Settling Electronics Claims: A Practical Guide to Accurate Settlements: https://bit.ly/43rDo2y

Alpine Intel’s Customer Education Director, Jay Dykstra, is back on The Savvy Adjuster Podcast to discuss measures policyholders can take to protect their electronics from lightning and high voltage surge. He’ll explain to Senior Account Manager Chris Nichols and our listeners some options to prevent power surges—and why they’re not always enough.Additional ResourcesAlpine Intel Resources Page: https://bit.ly/3GPSOEKStrikeCheck: https://bit.ly/43mXlY2Additional Lightning and Surge Resources:Article: How Surge Protection Can Decrease Losses – But Why It Won’t Eliminate Them: https://bit.ly/3RVXiw3 eBook: An Evaluation of Surge and Lightning Damage to Electronics and Specialty Claims: https://bit.ly/439X4qi Adjuster FAQ: High Voltage Surge Impacts to Electronics Guide: https://bit.ly/4daFdnL

Alpine Intel’s Customer Education Director, Jay Dykstra, once again talks with Senior Account Manager Chris Nichols on The Savvy Adjuster Podcast. This time, their conversation revolves around lightning damage to electronics, HVAC equipment, and more. Jay sheds some light on why policyholders often suspect lightning when another peril is at play, how experts deliver an accurate cause of loss, what items are particularly susceptible to lightning and surge damage, and much more. Discussed in This EpisodeWhy lightning is a frequently reported cause of lossHow expert assessments can provide adjusters with an accurate cause of lossElectrical items and other components vulnerable to lightning damageDeciding on the next best steps for items damaged by lightning and power surgeClaim scenarios involving reported lightning damageAdditional ResourcesAlpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/3Rumj12StrikeCheck: https://bit.ly/4iwpAYGAdditional Lightning and Surge Resources:Case Study: Smart Home Lightning Claim: https://bit.ly/4lZCdyDInvestigating Lightning and Surge HVAC Claims Live CE Webinar: https://bit.ly/4jKWu93StrikeCheck 2024 Annual Claims Report: https://bit.ly/42oIKuL

Chris Nichols welcomes a very special guest to this episode of The Savvy Adjuster Podcast: Damon Stafford, Alpine Intel’s CEO. Damon talks about the philosophies he lays out in his book, Believe in Better: The Evolution of Core Principles That Pioneered an Industry, in which he draws upon his decades of experience to share tips about how leaders can succeed, particularly in the evolving insurance industry, by demonstrating core values, embracing innovation, and getting the most out of your team. Discussed in This EpisodeHow establishing and demonstrating core values drives successBecoming an industry leader through innovation and persistenceOffering encouragement and avoiding echo chambers within a leadership teamHow insurance leaders can respond to key challengesAdditional ResourcesAlpine Intel: https://bit.ly/3R9P2bfBelieve in Better: https://bit.ly/3Gd3EEmAdditional Insurance Leadership Resources:Article: Insurance Industry Trends 2025: Bolstering Policyholder Trust: https://bit.ly/3G0NT3wGuide: Claims Managers’ Road Map to Efficiency: https://bit.ly/4jo3dWfArticle: How Managers Can Strengthen Adjuster Support and Boost Retention: https://bit.ly/4jscEnK

This episode of Alpine Intel’s The Savvy Adjuster Podcast features Alpine Intel Technical Education Trainer Kevin Huelsman and Donan licensed Forensic Engineer Josh Hegenderfer sharing intriguing their own stories of inspections of roofs with suspected wind-damage. These examples highlight the unique possibilities in each claim and that the actual cause of loss isn’t always what it was reported to be.Additional ResourcesAlpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/4hytgJ0Donan Engineering: https://bit.ly/4iAcKcYAdditional Wind-Damaged Roofing Resources:Guide: Weather Data in Action: A Guide for Insurance Professionals: https://bit.ly/4kVuReXArticle: Property Losses Mistakenly Claimed as Wind Damage: https://bit.ly/4kOZwudArticle: Why Building Orientation Matters in Window and Roof Losses: https://bit.ly/4bUCE8C

Returning guest and Alpine Intel Technical Education Trainer Kevin Huelsman, and Donan licensed Forensic Engineer Josh Hegenderfer join Senior Account Manager Chris Nichols to talk about how wind can damage asphalt shingle roofs and other perils that might be mistaken for wind. They share their respective insights as a former adjuster and an onsite inspector, so listeners can know when an objective expert assessment is beneficial and what to look for from the engineer’s investigation and report. Discussed in This EpisodeClaim details that may point to the need for an objective assessmentWhat engineers consider before their onsite roof inspection of reported wind damageHow collateral indicators help experts draw their conclusionsHow shingle design, installation, and condition impact wind resistanceOnsite evidence of wind damage vs. other causes of lossAdditional ResourcesAlpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/41mn3tqDonan Engineering: https://bit.ly/43qIw7fAdditional Wind-Damaged Roofing Resources:Article: Wind and Other Damage to Shingle Roofs: https://bit.ly/3FaKwqkInteractive Guide: Adjuster’s Guide to Residential Roof Types: https://bit.ly/3Dhy6fHWebinar Recording: Wind Damage to Asphalt Shingles Webinar Recording: https://bit.ly/4bxWOow

National Fire Experts Certified Fire Investigator Mark Howard once again sits down with The Savvy Adjuster Podcast host Chris Nichols to talk about kitchen fires. This time, they’re exploring what makes commercial kitchen fire investigations different from residential ones, including the equipment and additional parties more likely to be involved in fire claims impacting hotel, restaurant, or cafeteria kitchens.Additional Resources Alpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/3EUvdC1National Fire Experts: https://bit.ly/4hTHkxAAdditional Commercial Kitchen Fire Resources: Case Study: Certified Fire Protection Specialist: Investigating a Restaurant Fire: https://bit.ly/41v7CAsArticle: Commercial Losses: Hotel and Motel Fire Causes and Investigations: https://bit.ly/4bfcAEWArticle: How Proper Maintenance Can Help Prevent a Restaurant Kitchen Fire: https://bit.ly/4gUoN2V

Join host Chris Nichols in this episode of The Savvy Adjuster Podcast as he chats with National Fire Experts (NFE) Certified Fire Investigator Mark Howard about residential kitchen fires, including range top and cooktop fires. You’ll learn how NFE’s systematic approach to fire investigation helps answer questions adjusters ask about each unique claim. Chris and Mark will also discuss common kitchen fire causes, what interviews can contribute to an investigation, and much more.Discussed in This EpisodeConcerns from different types of adjusters handling kitchen fire claimsCommon kitchen fire causesThe NFE approach to fire investigationsWhat fire patterns can tell usEvidence testing and management for fire investigationsReal examples of kitchen fire claim investigationsAdditional ResourcesAlpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/4gwcZDSNational Fire Experts: https://bit.ly/3ELU0ryAdditional Fraud Investigation Resources:Article: 5 Questions To Ask After a Kitchen Fire: https://bit.ly/4aXKCNHGuide: Your Guide To Decoding Range Top Fires: https://bit.ly/3QcC9MWWebinar Recording: Investigating Residential Kitchen Fires: https://bit.ly/3WVRGVe

Host Chris Nichols is once again joined by Curtis Whitfill, VRC Investigations’ vice president of SIU compliance and CE programs. Continuing with the theme of scene investigations, this episode explores why they are so important in claims where vehicle insurance fraud is suspected. Learn what red flags might indicate questionable claims and what information an investigator can obtain to confirm their veracity.Additional Resources Alpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/4aTY6KBVRC Investigations: https://bit.ly/40Sdi7vAdditional Scene Investigation and Vehicle Resources: Guide: How To Be a Human Lie Detector Over the Phone: https://bit.ly/4glj5qGGuide: Who Can Disrupt the Claims Process With False Information: https://bit.ly/3Wy5bKvComponent Testing Laboratories Case Study: Retrieving Crash Data: https://bit.ly/3PZDE0Q

In 2025’s first episode of The Savvy Adjuster Podcast, host Chris Nichols welcomes VRC Investigations’ Vice President of SIU Compliance and CE Programs Curtis Whitfill to delve into the importance of scene investigations. Find out what red flags adjusters notice that may indicate the need for an expert, techniques VRC employs to get the evidence to verify claim facts, parties they interview, and more.Discussed in This EpisodeTypes of claims that benefit most from scene investigationsRed flags that may indicate fraudScene investigations vs. desk reviewsHow investigators identify people to interviewAdditional examples from real scene investigationsAdditional ResourcesAlpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/4jjnxsqVRC Investigations: https://bit.ly/3PyMtPhAdditional Fraud Investigation Resources:Guide: Ethical Red Flags Associated with Property Claims: https://bit.ly/4jvDFaLArticle: Combatting Property Loss Claims Leakage: https://bit.ly/4al69iXSelf-Study Course (1 hour): https://bit.ly/3CcUdmR

We wrap up 2024 on The Savvy Adjuster Podcast with a discussion about how recent and upcoming changes to codes and regulations can impact claims, and a look at the various sources available to adjusters who want to make sure they’re making accurate settlement decisions. Host Chris Nichols is joined by returning guests, Alpine Intel’s Director of Customer Education Jay Dykstra and Donan’s Principal Forensic Engineer Rich Grimshaw, as they touch on HVAC refrigerant legislation, building codes, and more.Discussed in This EpisodeWhy adjusters need to know about codes and regulationsHow experts use of code knowledge in their conclusion and recommendationsImportant organizations and codes that may be referencedThe AIM Act and other refrigerant legislation2024 changes to the International Residential CodeAdditional ResourcesAbout Alpine Intel: https://bit.ly/3DjxJ41Alpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/3P2ZpfOAdditional Code and Regulation Resources:Guide: Adjuster Course in HVAC Refrigerant: https://bit.ly/4izBgv7Article: Changes to the 2024 International Building Code: https://bit.ly/3ZXR8QAArticle: Four Recent Electrical Code Updates Adjusters Should Know: https://bit.ly/4fnuntS

Host Chris Nichols welcomes National Fire Experts General Manager Pat Walsh and Senior National Fire Experts Account Executive Kathleen Riley to talk about NFE’s use of customer feedback and insurance industry pain points to enhance origin and cause investigation offerings. This earned the brand a spot in PropertyCasualty360’s Insurance Luminaries Class of 2024 in the Claims Innovation category. In this short episode, learn how NFE addressed cycle time concerns and updated reports to ensure adjusters had everything they needed to take confident next steps. Listen on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. Additional ResourcesAbout Alpine Intel: https://bit.ly/4eBOJzbAlpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/3Z0NZOgAdditional National Fire Experts Resources:Article: How Listening to Customers Has Shaped Our Innovative Claims Solutions: https://bit.ly/3ZiQ3CUPress Release: National Fire Experts Selected for PropertyCasualty360’s Insurance Luminaries Class of 2024: https://bit.ly/3CuUAJdGuide: Adjuster’s Glossary of Fire Investigation Terms: https://bit.ly/3ZgLQ2c

On this episode of The Savvy Adjuster Podcast, host Chris Nichols is joined by Donan’s Principal Forensic Engineer Rich Grimshaw and Senior Project Engineer Alec Haugdahl to discuss the huge topic of water intrusion, leaks, and other sources of water damage to structural components. Learn from their expertise and experience about internal and external water sources, which structural elements are more vulnerable to moisture damage, and what adjusters should ask when water is a suspected cause of loss.Discussed in This EpisodeCommon sources for damage from waterStructural elements susceptible to water damageHow experts assess reported water damageWhat adjusters should consider before settling structural water claimsReal examples of structural water damage assessmentsAdditional ResourcesAbout Alpine Intel: https://bit.ly/4hzoyMmAlpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/4hzoCf4Additional Structural Water Loss ResourcesCase Study: Basement Water Intrusion Claim: https://bit.ly/3CgZhX0Article: Moisture-Related Drywall Losses: https://bit.ly/4fe84YuGuide: How Building Material Type Makes a Difference in Flood Claims: https://bit.ly/4fbaBCP