Claims with electronics and electrically powered specialty items may include outdoor equipment like solar power systems, landscape lighting, lawnmowers, and more. Accurately settling these claims requires an assessment by an expert familiar with the claimed items and the electrical components most likely to be damaged in each of them. Fill out this form to access your copy of the illustrated one-page guide, Outdoor Electronics: Your Guide to Perils, Damages, and Assessments. Learn what outdoor equipment the StrikeCheck team can inspect, commonly...

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Know the Basics: Generator Claims webinar has already occurred. You can watch the recording here Gain more information about generator claims and the basics of portable and automatic standby generators. Alpine Intel Technical Education Trainer Kevin Huelsman presents Know the Basics: Generator Claims Webinar as part of the Alpine Intel educational program. He provided a general overview about this equipment’s operation as well as the failures that may result from a variety of frequently reported perils to make...

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Know the Basics: Generator Claims webinar has already occurred. You can watch the recording here Gain more information about generator claims and the basics of portable and automatic standby generators. Alpine Intel Technical Education Trainer Kevin Huelsman presents Know the Basics: Generator Claims Webinar as part of the Alpine Intel educational program. He provided a general overview about this equipment’s operation as well as the failures that may result from a variety of frequently reported perils to make...

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StrikeCheck’s team of experts frequently recategorize lightning claims after reviewing the onsite evidence. Check out this photo series to find out the real sources of...

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Important: Pre-recorded webinars do not qualify for CE credit. Go beyond split systems and package units to learn more about evaporative coolers, geothermal systems, make-up air units, economizers, and refrigeration systems, which are used by commercial and residential policyholders. Fill out the form to watch Alpine Intel’s Technical Education Manager Jay Dykstra as he presents: • An overview of more advanced HVAC systems, such as geothermal systems, economizers, and evaporative coolers, and how they work • Descriptions of how perils and damages affect this...

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Important: Pre-recorded webinars do not qualify for CE credit. Electronics claims often follow on the heels of a storm, as policyholders attribute damages to surge and lightning, wind, hail, ice, or water. Join Alpine Intel’s Technical Education Manager, Jay Dykstra, in the After the Storm: Investigating Electrical Claims Webinar to strengthen your knowledge of how storms can impact electronics and other specialty items to ensure you’re only settling for a covered peril. This webinar will cover:

• The significance of storm claims for...

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Ovens, ranges, and cooktops come with a variety of features that may make knowing the best way to settle claims with this equipment more difficult, particularly if the policyholder assumes replacements are necessary. As an insurance adjuster handling these claims, it’s important for you to settle them accurately and confirm cause of loss and scope of damage first. If replacements are warranted, it’s also critical to verify that equipment is Like Kind and Quality (LKQ). We’ve created a one-page adjuster overview...

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Home automation systems are supposed to make their users’ lives easier, controlling equipment like water heaters and lighting, HVAC, home entertainment, and security systems to respond automatically to certain pre-determined conditions. However, if one component of a home automation system fails, the equipment it controls may appear to be affected, too. The policyholder may believe that the loss is more extensive than it is and include undamaged equipment in the claim.

Home automation systems can remotely control many features...

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Home automation systems are a growing trend. They promise energy efficiency, convenience, and greater security. Adjusters should expect more claims to include home automation equipment in the future. Understanding these systems and the perils that may impact them will help adjusters settle these claims more confidently and accurately. Fill out the form to receive our Home Automation Systems Guide, which will tell you:

• What home automation systems can control
• Why this equipment may be included in claims
• Price ranges for products...

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Many homeowners rely on water softeners not only because hard water makes cleaning clothes and dishes more difficult but also because mineral buildup can damage plumbing and other appliances. That’s why when a water softener fails to operate as designed, the negative effects can spread to other systems and equipment. Your Guide to Water Softeners explores consequences and evidence of hard water in a home, how water softeners remove hard minerals like calcium and magnesium, common causes of failure for water...

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Wind and Water: A Double Threat in Hurricane Damages webinar has already occurred. You can watch the recording here. After hurricane events, adjusters often have to distinguish between wind damage and surge damage to make accurate claim decisions. Join Alpine Intel’s Technical Education Trainer, Kevin Huelsman, in the Wind and Water: A Double Threat in Hurricane Damages Webinar as hurricane season approaches, and gain a better understanding of how forces related to these perils affect structures. This webinar will...

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More than 85% of the United States has hard water, according to a United States Geological Survey (USGS) study. Over time, the minerals in hard water can build up in plumbing and appliances, limiting their functionality. Water softeners are often the best option for property owners to combat the effects of hard water, but when they fail to operate as designed, the consequences may spread to other equipment. Find out more about how water softeners work and...

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Electrical service panels, wiring, switches, and outlets keep electricity flowing to where your policyholders need it. When those components fail, it could spell damages for any electronic on the circuit. Get a better understanding of when specific types of wires and outlets should be used by checking out our Electrical System and Wires Guide. By filling out the form, you’ll learn more about:

• Electrical system components to know
• Types of wires and their characteristics
• Outdated wiring types
• Fire-related risks
• Stats about...

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The following article on “The demand for solar water heaters is rising - are claims next?”, written by Jay Dykstra of HVACi and StrikeCheck, was originally published on Property Casualty 360. Policyholders already have several water heater characteristics to decide between – tank vs. tankless or gas vs. electric. Now an increased number of insureds are looking to solar as another fuel option for their water heating needs, and adjusters should know...

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Which is worse: a week without a refrigerator or without a computer? Regardless of your answer, it probably isn’t a surprise that appliances and consumer electronics are the electrically powered items most frequently included in claim assessments, according to the StrikeCheck 2022 Annual Claims Report. These equipment types are also among those that put carriers at risk for claims leakage. Last year, insurance professionals assigned nearly 300 different types of electronics to StrikeCheck. Read on to learn which...

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Policyholders report lightning as a cause of loss more often than other perils. Before deciding on claims with reported lightning damages, adjusters should know the truth behind seven myths related to lightning claims. Fill out the form to learn the truth from the myths, including:

• How often lightning verification reports typically show lightning was present at the loss time and location
• The most common distance from most lightning strokes to a loss location with reported lightning damage
• Whether visible lightning goes...

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Learn more about the assessment results for the nearly 300 different types of electronics and specialty items that your policyholders included in claims nationwide. Fill out the form to receive your copy of the StrikeCheck 2022 Annual Claims Report. The StrikeCheck claims report illustrates trends about:

• Reported vs. actual causes of loss
• Average repair and replacement costs for dozens of different types of electronics and specialty equipment
• Equipment that is most vulnerable to specific perils, including high voltage surge, lightning, water,...

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Learn more about the assessment results for the nearly 300 different types of electronics and specialty items that your policyholders included in claims nationwide. Fill out the form to receive your copy of the StrikeCheck 2022 Annual Claims Report. The StrikeCheck claims report illustrates trends about:

• Reported vs. actual causes of loss
• Average repair and replacement costs for dozens of different types of electronics and specialty equipment
• Equipment that is most vulnerable to specific perils, including high voltage surge, lightning, water,...

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Learn more about the assessment results for the nearly 300 different types of electronics and specialty items that your policyholders included in claims nationwide. Fill out the form to receive your copy of the StrikeCheck 2022 Annual Claims Report. The StrikeCheck claims report illustrates trends about:

• Reported vs. actual causes of loss
• Average repair and replacement costs for dozens of different types of electronics and specialty equipment
• Equipment that is most vulnerable to specific perils, including high voltage surge, lightning, water,...

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Learn more about the assessment results for the nearly 300 different types of electronics and specialty items that your policyholders included in claims nationwide. Fill out the form to receive your copy of the StrikeCheck 2022 Annual Claims Report. The StrikeCheck claims report illustrates trends about:

• Reported vs. actual causes of loss
• Average repair and replacement costs for dozens of different types of electronics and specialty equipment
• Equipment that is most vulnerable to specific perils, including high voltage surge, lightning, water,...

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Property claims following a storm may include several different types of electronics and electrically powered specialty equipment. Policyholders often blame weather-related perils when electronic items no longer seem to function as designed after a storm event. However, some claimed items’ functionality may not be compromised at all, while others exhibit varying degrees of damage. An assessment by a subject matter expert familiar with each type of claimed equipment can provide vital information for claim settlement decisions. In the Storm Damage to Electronics...

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The HVAC Systems 101 for Adjusters Webinar has already occurred. You can watch the recording here. Important: Pre-recorded webinars do not qualify for CE credit. Understanding commonly claimed residential HVAC system types and components and why it’s so important to obtain an accurate cause of loss every time can help prevent claims leakage. Jay Dykstra, Alpine Intel Technical Education Manager, presents this and more in the webinar HVAC Systems 101 for Adjusters. From this webinar,...

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Important: Pre-recorded webinars do not qualify for CE credit. Many of the well pumps StrikeCheck investigates are found to be nondamaged or can be repaired rather than replaced. Learning the basics of how well pumps work and the components most often reported in claims can help you find the best solution when they come across your desk. Jay Dykstra, StrikeCheck and HVACi Technical Education Manager, presents this and more in the webinar Well Pump Claim Fundamentals. From this webinar, you’ll learn:

• Significance...

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Policyholders most often report lightning, wind, or hail as the cause of loss for solar panels included in claims. Of the three, only one remained as a top cause of loss after a comprehensive damage assessment – wind. Better understand the impacts wind can have on solar panels, and why other weather-related elements are less likely to damage the functionality of this complex equipment. Solar Panels Are Built To Withstand Many Hurricane Winds The components used to convert light into...

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We’re all taught early in our lives that electronics and liquid don’t mix. In addition to the many safety concerns, water can render electronics inoperable and lead to claims. Before you settle for an unnecessary replacement, there are six questions you or your equipment expert should be able to answer to ensure your resolution is accurate. Question 1: Did the electronic get fully submerged, or partially wet? The amount of water on or in an electronic can affect the scope of damage....

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Refrigerators are frequently included in claims. Factors like the broad range of market prices and the complexity of refrigerator components can make it difficult to determine the best next steps when settling claims. We’ve put together an overview of what adjusters should know when handling refrigerator claims, including the most common failures adjusters should look for; details about different types of refrigerators policyholders may own; and a comparison of average repair and replacement costs. Fill out a short form to receive a...

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When your policyholders need water for their homes and businesses, they may rely on well pumps. Jet well pumps have several functions and can be used in shallow and deep well applications. The Adjuster Guide to Jet Well Pumps includes key information about this equipment and labeled diagrams for your reference. You’ll also learn more about:

• The key characteristics of jet well pumps
• Types of jet pumps
• Their top causes of loss

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Wind Damage to Asphalt Shingles Webinar webinar has already occurred. You can watch the recording here. Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material in the United States, covering four out of five homes. Understanding what makes these shingles so prevalent and their vulnerabilities to wind damage can help you address wind and roofing claims from policyholders. Technical Education Manager Jay Dykstra explains this and more and presents wind case studies in the Wind Damage to Asphalt Shingles Webinar. From this...

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Not determining cause of loss and scope of damage on failed equipment may lead to settling for unnecessary replacements. In the claim discussed in this case study, a policyholder reported that their failed well pump was damaged by lightning. The adjuster needed verification before settling the claim and engaged the StrikeCheck team for a quick, accurate response. Fill out the form to find out how a StrikeCheck assessment met the carrier's challenges and provided the adjuster with the information needed to determine...

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StrikeCheck is monitoring the trends we can expect in the consumer electronics industry in 2023. In general, adjusters should be prepared to see next-generation technology included in claims, as well as a likelihood of higher replacement cost in claim settlements. 1. Consumer electronics will cost more in 2023. This is probably the least surprising trend on this list. Inflation is rising in all sectors, but consumer electronics have a more specific reason for price increases. There’s a global shortage of semiconductor chips...

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Donan's Investigating Residential Kitchen Fires webinar has already occurred. You can watch the recording here. Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires in the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Association. You’ll learn about fire investigation practices, technical forensics used to determine the cause of residential cooking fires, and ways to minimize risk during Donan’s Investigating Residential Kitchen Fires webinar. You’ll gain more in-depth knowledge about:

• The significance of kitchen fires
• Onsite investigations and laboratory testing
...

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Smoke and fire claims are likely to include many items that could be damaged. However, not all items present during the fire will need to be replaced. Some items may be repairable, while others may be non-damaged. Expert knowledge and specialized testing may be required to know the difference. The adjuster who assigned StrikeCheck the claim depicted in the following case study sought clarification about the scope of damage when 13 electrically powered items were included in a smoke and fire...

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Important: Pre-recorded webinars do not qualify for CE credit. Some fires occur more often in winter than in any other season, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Learn more about winter electrical fire losses that may appear in claims during StrikeCheck’s What to Look for in Winter Electrical Fires webinar. Technical Education Manager Jay Dykstra will discuss a variety of potential reasons for electrical fires, from holiday decorations to overloaded outlets. You’ll gain more in-depth knowledge about:

• Leading causes of winter electrical...

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Important: Pre-recorded webinars do not qualify for CE credit. HVAC systems have complicated components that are susceptible to damages from many perils. A policyholder who isn’t familiar with this equipment may mistake the actual cause of a loss for another when filing a claim. The policyholder may confuse damage resulting from typically non-covered perils like wear and tear for something else, like smoke and fire or wind damage. Adjusters risk unnecessary settlements by not confirming cause of loss for each item...

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A resident plugged in a space heater and returned to find an electrical fire inside the bedroom wall. Three contractor estimates ranged from $10,000 to $27,000, reflecting the costs for limited repairs to full replacements. The adjuster handling this claim sought StrikeCheck’s expert evaluation to determine if the whole house needed re-wiring or just the affected area. Fill out the form to read the Evaluating Winter Fire Claims Case Study. Learn more about: • The challenges the adjuster faced when handling this claim •...

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Changing weather patterns are leading to record cold winters in many parts of the country, according to the extended forecast of the Farmers’ Almanac. Freezing temperatures can affect outdoor components that most people don’t think about in the winter: pool equipment. Pool pumps, heaters, and filters are vulnerable to freeze damage, particularly when they haven’t been properly prepared and maintained. Neglecting pool maintenance in winter months can lead to equipment failure from freeze damage. Adjusters should know how pool...

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The overall number of fire losses for homeowners, commercial multiple peril and fire insurance fluctuates based on wildfire-related incidents, according to the Insurance Information Institute. However, one thing that doesn’t change is the increased risk for residential fires during the winter months. Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day are peak holidays for cooking fires, which the U.S. Fire Administration said caused $444 million in property losses between 2017-19. Winter fires also affect other electrical equipment, including wiring...

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The What to Look for in Winter Electrical Fires webinar has already occurred. You can watch the recording here. Home fires occur more often in winter than in any other season, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Learn more about winter electrical fire losses that may appear in claims during StrikeCheck’s What to Look for in Winter Electrical Fires webinar. Technical Education Manager Jay Dykstra will discuss a variety of potential...

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The What to Look for in Winter Electrical Fires webinar has already occurred. You can watch the recording here. Home fires occur more often in winter than in any other season, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Learn more about winter electrical fire losses that may appear in claims during StrikeCheck’s What to Look for in Winter Electrical Fires webinar. Technical Education Manager Jay Dykstra will discuss a variety of potential...

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Adjusters, do you think you can decipher between fact and fiction? Click the link to take a short quiz to see if you can tell the difference between a hurricane claims myths and facts. You can also read the truth behind 10 common myths. Don’t be fooled on your next hurricane-related claim. ...

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Dishwashers are a modern convenience found in many homes. Like all electrical appliances, dishwashers may malfunction after a high voltage surge. However, other perils could be to blame, particularly wear and tear. Learn more about which components may be at fault and how a unit can be repaired. This guide shows some important components of a built-in, under-counter residential dishwasher and what damage adjusters should look for when they wind up in claims. Fill out your form to get your adjuster’s guide...

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It’s time to air your policyholders’ dirty laundry. Nearly 30 percent of all washers and dryers included in claims last year were non-damaged at the time of StrikeCheck’s assessment and could have led to unnecessary settlements had adjusters not verified cause of loss. As for the other 70 percent, read on to better understand which laundry equipment may be more susceptible to certain perils and why. Failures to Top Load and Front Load Washers

Front load washers and dryers have...

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Appliances represented nearly half of all equipment that adjusters assigned StrikeCheck to evaluate last year, beating out consumer electronics as the items most frequently included in claims. Damages to each category were often caused by high voltage surge, and adjusters should know how surge losses to high and low voltage equipment may impact potential settlements. Why Does Surge Damage Occur? To better understand which components are at risk for high voltage surge losses, it’s critical to know what...

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As the weather heats up, customers are using their pools to cool down. Malfunctioning pool and hot tub components could lead to costly claims, particularly if you aren’t as familiar with the types policyholders may have or what repairs could return them to pre-loss condition. You can learn more about these claims in StrikeCheck’s webinar, What Makes Pool and Hot Tub Claims Different? Technical Education Manager Jay Dykstra will cover:

• Pool and hot tub equipment claims significance
• Types...

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Power outages are a common occurrence during hurricane season and after other storms throughout the year, and many homeowners turn to generators while trying to get back to normal. Though generators can be helpful during times of trouble, their failures can lead to insurance claims. Here are the four common generator perils that adjusters should watch out for. 1. High Voltage Surge A standby generator is connected to the home’s or business’ electrical system through an automatic transfer switch,...

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Pool equipment has many repairable components, and adjusters should know that full replacement may not be necessary when settling a claim. In this case study, a pool’s heat pump failed, and a contractor recommended full replacement. The adjuster contacted StrikeCheck to perform a quick and accurate assessment to reveal the source of the problem and prevent claim leakage. Fill out the form to find out what StrikeCheck learned when assessing the heat pump, and how we arrived at a more accurate...

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Many homes in the United States feature outdoor hot tubs, which are a popular resource for recreation, hydrotherapy, and relaxation. Unfortunately, hot tubs are susceptible to perils, including high voltage surge to their electronics, freeze damage during cold winter months, and other weather-related causes of loss. When a hot tub malfunctions, the policyholder may file a claim for an expensive full replacement. Adjusters should know a little about hot tubs, their components, and their losses, before settling these types of...

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Not all electronics are safe from wind impacts, which are covered by most standard homeowners insurance policies. These eight electrically powered specialty items are known to sustain wind losses and are often included in claims.

1. Electrical Systems

Electrical systems could have wires or electrical power poles disturbed by wind.

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Adjusters must solve the 5 W’s – Who, What, When, Where, and Why – before settling any property claim, and lightning claims are no exception. Fill out the form to receive your copy of the 5 W’s of Lightning Claims for Adjusters guide to get the answers to:

• Who can be impacted by lightning claims?
• What property does lightning frequently affect?
• When do most lightning strikes occur?
• Where are lightning claims likely to occur?
• Why do lightning claims matter?

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