Washer and Dryer Overview
When you deal with homeowners insurance claims, you’re pretty likely to handle claims that include washer and dryer damage. In fact, washers and dryers made up 36% of the large appliances we evaluated at StrikeCheck in 2018 (StrikeCheck 2019 Annual Claims Report). When you’re addressing these claims, you want to make sure your decisions are informed, accurate, and timely, but if you’re not an expert on these machines, that can be a little...
TV LKQ Checklist
More than half of all entertainment electronics claims that StrikeCheck evaluated in 2018 were for televisions (StrikeCheck 2019 Annual Claims Report). When coverage is found for a claimed television, you’ll want to make sure that you’re replacing a customer’s television with Like Kind and Quality. With the ever-evolving nature of television technology, that’s not always easy to do. At StrikeCheck we know where you’re coming from, and we want to give insurance...
Tankless Water Heater Guide
Tankless water heaters are slowly becoming more common (Consumer Reports) thanks to their energy-saving properties that lower utility bills, and with their rising popularity can come more related claims. You want to be ready for these claims, so you need to equip yourself with the basics of tankless water heaters. That’s why our StrikeCheck experts have put together a guide to tankless water heater claims as an easy reference for insurance adjusters...
Sump Pump Overview
Many houses, particularly those built within the last 30 years, have sump pumps to prevent moisture from building up beneath the home. When these sump pumps fail, massive water damage can be the result, meaning that insurance adjusters like you will have to handle those claims. It’s critical that you have the knowledge you need to handle these claims quickly and effectively, and that means being able to understand estimates, know what parts make up a sump pump,...
Solar Panel Overview
How They Work: Residential Solar Electricity Systems The cost of residential solar panel systems has dropped 50% since 2014 (according to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy), and as a result, solar panels are becoming more and more popular as they become competitive with more conventional means of energy production. Of course, that also means that more insurance claims will be filed for these systems, and that increases the chances that a...
Refrigerator Claim Guide
Essential for modern food storage, refrigerators are the most commonly owned appliance in U.S. homes. As such, you’re likely to see them in claims at some point -- in fact, 29% of the large appliance claims we saw at StrikeCheck in 2018 were for refrigerators (StrikeCheck 2019 Annual Claims Report). As an insurance adjuster, you’re not expected to be a fridge expert -- and you don’t have to be -- but you do...
Pool Equipment Overview
There are more than 8 million residential swimming pools in the U.S. (Association of Pool and Spa Professionals), and the systems used to clean and maintain a pool are quite complex. There are multiple electrical and mechanical machines that contribute to the maintenance of a clean and comfortable pool. As such, you’re likely to see a couple of claims for pool systems as an insurance adjuster. If you aren’t well-versed in pool...
Leaking and Burst Water Heaters
Nearly 70% of water heater failures come from a slow leak or sudden burst, and while the level of damage that results varies, these failures are all potential claims that can end up on your desk. As an insurance adjuster, you need to know enough about water heaters to handle these claims accurately and quickly, and speed is key here -- after all, insured with water heaters that have burst or are leaking are without hot water and...
Hot Tub Freeze Damage
With millions of residential hot tubs and spas in the U.S. -- and more than half of them in the northern states -- there’s a good chance you’ll end up handling a hot tub claim. Many people living up north, who face temperatures well below freezing for most of the winter, tend to use their hot tubs and spas during the colder months. Since they don’t winterize their systems, it increases the likelihood that there will be damage...
Adjuster FAQ: High Voltage Surge Impacts to Electronics
A high voltage surge can cause failures to almost any electrical device or system that’s plugged into the affected area, from the appliances to the consumer electronics to the wiring itself. You may receive a surge claim that could include one item or multiple electronics that you’ll need to address. One way to ensure more accurate results is by understanding high voltage surge and what it can impact. Our StrikeCheck team has put together a convenient guide to answer adjusters’ frequently...
Standby Generator Guide
Standby generators are alternative power sources that policyholders rely on if they experience extended power outages. Adjusters should know how this equipment works and why it may fail. Like any permanent fixture of a home or business, generators require maintenance that may be overlooked, and they’re particularly susceptible to certain perils. When a standby generator fails, the policyholder may mistake the actual cause of loss for another. They may also receive estimates to replace their equipment when repairs may be all...
Electrical Wiring Claim Overview
Understanding Claims for Wiring Damage There are a number of causes for damaged wiring, including improper installation, wear and tear, and lightning strikes, but regardless of the cause, it can potentially cause a fire if left unchecked. If a customer is claiming damaged wiring, the inspection must be done carefully and thoroughly, as the goal is to restore their wiring not only for the sake of efficiency but also for safety. As an insurance adjuster, you want to...
Electrical Service Panels
A key component of any electrical system in a home or business is the electrical service panel. These panels redirect electricity from the grid (through the meter) into the various appliances, outlets, and devices on the property that need electrical power. Damage to an electrical panel can result in total loss of power, and that can mean that a complex or urgent (or both!) claim lands on your desk. As an insurance adjuster, it’s important that you know...
Dishwasher Claim Guide
Dishwashers are an incredible time-saving device (saving each household perhaps hundreds of hours a year according to EnergyStar). So when an insured comes to you saying their dishwasher is broken and should be covered, they want it back up and running fast. As an insurance adjuster, you need to get that claim evaluated and processed as quickly as possible to keep the customer happy. Even if you’re not an...
Computer LKQ Checklist
Over three-quarters of all households in the U.S. have computers (Census.gov), so they can be a recurring hassle for property claims adjusters. Computers are complicated machines that come in many forms, so when you have a claim that involves a computer, there are several issues that can arise. And, when you need to restore Like Kind and Quality (LKQ) to the insured, there are a lot of factors that need to be taken...
Well Pump Schematic
Submersible Well Pump Diagram Of all the plumbing-related claims we saw here at StrikeCheck in 2018, 41% were well pump claims (StrikeCheck 2019 Annual Claims Report). As an insurance adjuster, these claims can hit your to-do list at any point, and when they do, you’ll need to have the basics of well pump design. This way, if a contractor sends you an estimate, you know what they’re talking about and what parts are in...
Water Heater Schematic
More than three-fourths of the water heaters that the StrikeCheck team evaluates have tanks, even with the rise in use of tankless water heaters. If you get a contractor estimate and find yourself unsure of the water heater equipment mentioned, we can help. We’ve created an easy-to-read schematic with labeled components for both gas-fired water heaters and electric water heaters for your reference. It’s simple, straightforward, and designed specifically for insurance professionals like you. Fill out the form to get yours...
Tankless Water Heater Diagram
Tankless water heaters are slowly becoming more common (Consumer Reports), and for good reason -- those who go tankless can save money on their utility bills since these water heaters don’t have the standby energy losses of their storage tank counterparts. Of course, with their rising popularity can come more claims, and you want to be ready for them. If you’re not a water heater expert or if you haven’t come across...
Generator Schematic
When a generator breaks, your customers may come to you with a claim to see if the repairs (or replacement) fall within their coverage. If you aren’t a generator expert, that estimate may be a bit confusing once it lands on your desk. You want to make sure it’s thorough and accurate, and you may need an easily referenced diagram to help. Our StrikeCheck generator experts understand where you’re coming from and have put together a clear...
4 Things to Know About Power Surge Damage From Hurricane Force Winds
The following article on “4 things to know about power surge damage from hurricane-force winds”, written by Reza Nikrooz of StrikeCheck, was originally published on Property Casualty 360.
What Causes a Water Heater to Leak or Rupture?
The following article on “What causes a water heater to leak or rupture?”, written by Reza Nikrooz of StrikeCheck, originally appeared in the Technical Notebook Column of Claims Magazine and was also published on Property Casualty 360. As many adjusters know, water heater failure often leads to significant property damage. Water heaters have an average lifespan of 10–20 years, but that can be significantly reduced without proper routine maintenance—substantially increasing the risk of failure. According...
What Causes Water Heater Failure?
Water heaters are an integral part of any residential or commercial property. The US Department of Energy estimates that there are 103 million residential water heaters in service. With the average lifespan of a residential water heater between 10 and 20 years, more than 25% of the water heaters in service are nearing the end of their useful life at any given point in time. Water heater failure can cause significant damage to the home, particularly if...
Washer and Dryer Claims 101
Washer and dryer damage claims are often difficult due to their complexity of operation and the myriad of components that they contain. According to the US Census Bureau, over 85% of homes in the United States have a washing machine. The sheer prevalence of the equipment combined with their complexity can add up to a headache for property adjusters nationwide. Because many components in both washers and dryers require regular maintenance, there are many opportunities for these appliances to fail. It...
Handling Tankless Water Heater Claims
Tankless water heaters are becoming a progressively more popular alternative to traditional tank-style water heaters. According to Research and Markets, the global tankless water heater market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of around 7% between 2018 and 2022. This is no surprise, as this style of water heater is increasingly attractive to homeowners. Not only are they more energy efficient than their tank-style counterparts, but they also have a longer lifespan, some...
Surge and Lightning Damage to Electronics
Surge and lightning are among the top claimed causes of loss to electronics and electrically powered specialty items. The Insurance Information Institute cited almost 61,000 homeowners insurance claims included lightning damage in 2021 alone, with an average settlement of more than $21,000 per claim. With so much at stake, it’s important to verify the cause of loss to equipment before settling a claim, but it may be difficult to determine whether lightning, high voltage surge, or something else...
Solar Energy Systems
Solar energy is a booming industry in the United States. According to Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the solar energy industry has grown more than 60% annually since 2006, in part because of both the decrease in the cost to install solar equipment and the Solar Investment Tax Credit. 2016 was the largest growth year of the solar energy market on record. Currently, more than 42 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity is installed in the United States,...
Leading Causes of Refrigerator Damage
Hardworking refrigerators are often taken for granted. They run constantly and are arguably the home’s most important appliance. Often, we don’t think about what causes refrigerator damage until it’s too late. As many adjusters know, a damaged refrigerator can quickly become a headache, since damage to this common appliance can require a lot of complex research. You need to know whether or not the refrigerator can be repaired, and you need to establish food-spoilage coverage and estimate total claim costs. Frequency...
Handling Standby Generator Claims
The number of power outages in the United States have increased significantly over the past decade due to severe weather, heightened demand on the electrical grid, and outdated electrical infrastructure. This has led many home-and business owners to purchase backup generators to provide power in the case of an outage. In fact, over 18% of single-family homes now own a standby generator, according to the US Census Bureau. The addition of a standby generator can be beneficial to...
Electrical Panel Claim Information
Electrical panels are an essential part of any property, whether residential or commercial, and claim expenses for electrical panel damage can compound quickly. If a loss occurs and the panel is damaged, insurance carriers may incur additional living expenses or loss of business expenses. Moreover, damages to the electrical service panel or wiring can potentially lead to a fire. Between 2009 and 2011, an estimated 25,900 electrical fires occurred in residential properties and resulted in over $1 billion in property...
Handling Dishwasher Claims Accurately
While we haven’t made it to the high-tech dishwasher age of The Jetsons, dishwashers are still a common appliance likely to show up in a property claim. Dishwashers are considered more of a luxury appliance than the essential refrigerator and range. Nevertheless, nearly 60% of American homes have a dishwasher (CNN Money), making it important for adjusters to know what to look for when a claim includes a damaged dishwasher. Type of Dishwasher There are four types of dishwashers...
Smart Home Devices and Insurance – How Loss Prevention and Risk Analysis Come Together
From Amazon’s Echo to Samsung’s smart refrigerators, smart home components are everywhere, and these technological marvels are allowing consumers to gain more control than ever over their home environment. Considering this anticipated increase in adoption, insurers need to take a closer look at how this technology affects their business and claims processes. Why Smart Technology Matters to Insurers Smart home components and Internet of Things (IoT) tools affect the insurance industry in two basic ways. The first is by helping to make...
Hurricane Claims Kit – CJ – Web – D
As we've all noticed, the frequency and intensity of hurricanes has been steadily rising in recent years (Popular Science). This combined with the increased population along the U.S. coastline has lead to an increased risk of hurricane damage. In fact, according to CoreLogic’s Storm Surge Report, there are currently over 800,000 US residential properties at extreme risk (would be affected by a Category 1-5 hurricane) for storm surge damage. The report also...
Hurricane Claims Kit – CJ – Web – C
As we've all noticed, the frequency and intensity of hurricanes has been steadily rising in recent years (Popular Science). This combined with the increased population along the U.S. coastline has lead to an increased risk of hurricane damage. In fact, according to CoreLogic’s Storm Surge Report, there are currently over 800,000 US residential properties at extreme risk (would be affected by a Category 1-5 hurricane) for storm surge damage. The report also...
Hurricane Claims Kit – CJ – Email
As we've all noticed, the frequency and intensity of hurricanes has been steadily rising in recent years (Popular Science). This combined with the increased population along the U.S. coastline has lead to an increased risk of hurricane damage. In fact, according to CoreLogic’s Storm Surge Report, there are currently over 800,000 US residential properties at extreme risk (would be affected by a Category 1-5 hurricane) for storm surge damage. The report also...
Power Surge Claims – What All Adjusters Should Know
Power surges – as consumers we all know that it is crucial to protect your computer and entertainment systems from power surges, but how much do you know about what causes them and how to protect your equipment? With the increasing number of electronics that are used in a home or business, knowing what causes this damage and how to prevent becomes more prevalent by the day. High voltage surge damage occurs frequently, and the subsequent claims can keep any adjuster...
Solar Power System Components Guide
Solar power systems are becoming more and more popular as their cost becomes more competitive with conventional energy production systems. As a result, more insured homes have these systems, increasing the chance that solar power system claims will end up in the queues of insurance adjusters like you. If you aren’t a solar power system expert, the estimate for such a claim may be a bit confusing once it lands on your desk. You want to make sure...
Water Heater and Well Pump Claim Kit
Claims involving water heaters and well pumps can be difficult to settle and time sensitive, as the insured is likely without water. While both essential pieces of equipment can be costly to replace, there is often a repair option available to return the insured to pre-loss condition. Additionally, these systems are frequently found to have been damaged by a typically non-covered peril. It is therefore critical that you have all of the information and resources necessary to handle these claims...