Outdoor Electronics: Your Guide to Perils, Damages, and Assessments
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...
Adjusters Guide to Residential Ovens & Ranges
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...
Home Automation Systems Guide
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...
Your Guide to Water Softeners
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...
Electrical System and Wires Guide
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...
7 Myths About Lightning in Claims Guide
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...
Get Your Copy of the StrikeCheck 2022 Annual Claims Report
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,...
Refrigerator Claims Guide
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...
Adjuster Guide to Jet Well Pumps
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
Preparing for Winter Electrical Fire Claims Guide
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...
Hurricane-Related Electronics Claims Myths Quiz and Fact Sheet
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. ...
Dishwasher Components Guide
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...
The 5 W’s of Lightning Claims for Adjusters Guide
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?
Lightning and Surge Impacts in Property Claims Guide
Lightning and surge are the most frequently reported or determined cause of loss for commercial and residential policyholders. Better understand these two perils, what causes them and which types of equipment are most susceptible to surge and lightning impacts with the Lightning and Surge Impacts in Property Claims Guide. Fill out the form to get your copy...
Guide to High Voltage Surge Claims with Electronics
Lights are flickering, electronics aren’t powering on, or appliances aren’t working as designed. Policyholders facing these situations may report these as lightning, unknown, or another peril and hope carriers will help them resolve the issue. Often, they lead back to damage caused by high voltage surge. Adjusters should understand why high voltage surge losses are so prevalent and what all could be impacted. Fill out the form to receive your Guide to High Voltage Surge Claims with Electronics. This overview gives adjusters information...
CCG IQ 2021 Annual Report
Extreme weather took its toll on property claims in 2021, and more than half of all policyholder-reported perils were recategorized following an independent assessment. The data behind these trends – and others – is available in the CCG IQ 2021 Annual Report. Experts at HVACi and StrikeCheck, CCG IQ’s damage assessment companies, evaluated hundreds of thousands of items included in claims involving HVAC and Refrigeration systems and electrically powered items. The CCG IQ team analyzed the results of assessments that adjusters assigned...
3 Ways to Receive Superior Customer Service From Your Claims Vendor
Adjusters often need equipment assessment support before settling claims. Ensure your claims vendor has these 3 characteristics, and see how StrikeCheck delivers them. ...
Causes of Loss in Solar Power Equipment Claims Guide
Solar power systems, including inverters, panels, controllers, and chargers, are frequently included in insurance claims for damages – particularly after a reported lightning strike. However, direct lightning is one of the least likely causes of loss for this equipment. Fill out the form to receive your copy of the Causes of Loss in Solar Power Equipment Claims Guide to find out more about 5 other perils that more frequently damage this equipment. You’ll read brief overviews of how each peril, including high...
Smoke and Fire Claims: Consumer Electronics
What percentage of consumer electronics that were included in smoke and fire claims were actually damaged by that peril? Fill out the form to find out the answer in the Smoke and Fire Claims: Consumer Electronics Guide. The data doesn’t lie. Discover the importance of evaluating equipment even when the peril seems like it should be obvious. You may be surprised how many claims adjusters could have settled unnecessarily based on an incorrect cause of loss. Receive your guide that also covers...
What To Look For In Water Heater Claims eBook
Water heaters can be difficult to evaluate, particularly because there are multiple types, such as tankless or tank water heaters and different heating sources, including gas or electric. StrikeCheck’s What to Look for in Water Heater Claims eBook provides information adjusters need to know to settle claims with water heaters more accurately. In this eBook adjusters will find overviews about:
- Water heater claims trends
- Types of water heaters, including conventional tanked water heaters and tankless water heaters
- Water heater losses, such...
Are You Accurately Settling Commercial Claims?
Commercial claims often risk thousands of dollars of claims leakage if not settled accurately. Consider the following data before you settle your next...
Residential Refrigerator Schematic
Residential policyholders often assume their refrigerator needs to be removed from the wall to be inspected. Fill out the form to receive your schematic that shows why that often isn’t true and where components that may need to be inspected are located. The guide also includes the:
- Percentage of claimed residential refrigerators that don’t need replacement
- Percentage of assessment results with perils not typically covered by a policy
- Top three reported causes of loss
- Most evaluated...
Pool and Hot Tub Claim Damage Guide
Regardless of their location, many of your policyholders use their swimming pools and hot tubs for several months of the year. However, damage can occur year-round and be included in one of your claims. Eliminate the guesswork and ensure more accurate settlements by knowing what to expect from these claims. Fill out the form to receive your copy of the pool and hot tub claim damage guide, which reviews equipment that is most likely to be damaged and the leading causes...
7 Critical Qualities of an Assessment Vendor
Adjusters need an assessment vendor that will strengthen the claim settlement process and not be the weak...
What to Ask About Interior Electrical System Claims – And Why the Answers Matter to Adjusters
It may be difficult to know where to begin when handling claims related to interior electrical systems because the complex equipment encompasses so much that can affect a policyholder's property. This guide will help by providing 6 questions adjusters should ask when settling interior electrical system claims and briefly explaining why each are critical. We’ve considered multiple aspects of the claims process – from specific system details that should be requested to knowing which local codes and permits could affect...
The Effects of New Pool Pump Regulations on Claims Guide
Ignore the misinformation and clear up confusion surrounding the U.S. Department of Energy’s Dedicated-Purpose Pool Pumps efficiency standards that went into effect July 19, 2021, with this one-page guide. Fill out the form to receive your copy that summarizes what the standards impact – as well as what they don’t. Most importantly, adjusters can refer to the guide to know why they don’t have to rush to settle for compatible replacement...
Benefits of Lightning Verification Reports Guide
Without knowing for sure, policyholders frequently claim lightning or surges have caused property damage. Lightning verification reports can confirm or exclude lightning’s presence at the location during the time of loss – before anyone ever inspects the equipment. This is just one of the benefits of using these reports, regardless of what item is claimed. Fill out the form to receive your one-page guide of the Benefits of Lightning Verification Reports. Already have a claim with reported lightning or surge damage that...
Lightning and Surge eBook
Carriers paid out more than $900 million for lightning claims in 2019, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Electronics are among the equipment susceptible to damages from lightning and surges and often wind up in property claims. Be able to better differentiate between the two perils with StrikeCheck’s eBook, “An Evaluation of Surge and Lightning Damage to Electronics and Specialty Claims.” By filling out the form, adjusters will gain insight on how often lightning or surge is the cause of loss...
What to Know About Water Damage to Electronics Guide
Electronics mixed with water go about as well as oil and water – they rarely work together. It’s important to assess the scope of the damage to figure out the most appropriate next steps to return a policyholder to pre-loss condition. Our new guide can help you navigate how to do that. Fill out the form to obtain your copy of the water damage to electronics guide that illustrates:
- Which types of water are most harmful to electrically powered items
- What...
Weather Impacts to Electronics Claims Guide
Storms occur throughout the year and can lead to claims with many of your policyholders’ electrically powered items. Fill out the form to receive your guide to:
- Types of storm-related perils that have the greatest potential to impact electronics
- Which electronically powered items are most likely to be affected by weather and how
- Key tips on how to handle weather-related claims
5 Questions to Ask Before Settling Electronics Claims
Consider the answers to the following critical questions before settling electronics claims. They could impact if the claimed damage is for a covered loss and the accuracy of the...
CCG IQ 2020 Annual Report
For years CCG IQ’s damage assessment brands, HVACi and StrikeCheck, have been publishing separate annual claims reports to equip carriers with data-driven facts and trends to help them control claim leakage and keep a superior policyholder experience. This year, all of CCG IQ’s suite of services, including claims assessments, underwriting inspections, and lightning verification, are highlighted in the CCG IQ 2020 Annual Report. This offers an enhanced overview of a broader spectrum of risks and perils that impact a carrier’s...
Guide to 5 Common Types of Lighting Seen in Residential Claims
Last year, electrical and lighting components made up nearly 20 percent of the items StrikeCheck assessed for carriers. That percentage is understandable when you think about all the different types of lighting seen just in residential claims. We created the 5 Common Types of Lighting Seen in Residential Claims Guide to give a very brief overview of a few. Fill out the form to learn about different categories of residential lighting – from accent to landscape lighting, examples of each, perils...
Commercial Phone Systems Guide for Adjusters
While landlines may be all but obsolete in homes, the same can’t be said for commercial phone systems in businesses – and for good reason. The Commercial Phone Systems Guide for Adjusters helps to better explain which system is best for various sized businesses and what sets each apart. By filling out the form, you can learn about the different system types, see what features should be considered for Like Kind Quality, and find out which perils are more likely...
Settling for Energy-Efficient Equipment Guide
Certain appliances, lighting, technology, and other electronics are being built, and purchased, to make less of an impact on the environment and to save consumers money on their utility bills. But that doesn’t mean adjusters can simply settle for more energy-efficient equipment just because their policyholder wants them to. Fill out the form to download our guide about why policyholders are making the switch – and when an adjuster may settle for the alternative even if it’s not Like Kind and...
Residential Kitchen Appliances Claims Guide
Coffee makers, microwaves, stovetops, refrigerators – each of these items your policyholders use to cook a meal at home could wind up in your claims. Settle them more quickly by knowing what to look for with our residential kitchen appliances guide. Fill out the form to have access to a summary of frequently claimed large appliances, their leading perils, and features affecting Like Kind and Quality replacements. Plus, compare the average replacement costs based on StrikeCheck’s market value pricing for small...
Home Entertainment Equipment Guide
Adjusters should tune in to this guide to see what home theater equipment appears in claims and common causes of loss. We explain what each component does, how often it’s likely to be in claims without showing damage at the time of assessment, and the average cost to replace it. Fill out the form to get your copy of the Home Entertainment Equipment...
Commercial Generators Guide
It’s easy to forget that commercial generators are a necessary piece of equipment to keep businesses up and running, but they still wind up in property claims. Commercial adjusters can be better prepared for handling claims that include commercial generators by knowing about the different types, when they are used, and how they work with the help of our Commercial Generators guide. Fill out the form to get a copy, and you’ll also find out which brands are frequently claimed and...
Customer Service Guide
Why is great customer service so important for policyholders during the claims process? Compare positive service and negative service to make sure your carrier – and your claims support – is creating a helpful connection with...
Networking Equipment Basics
The internet is a must-have item at home or at work, but it requires a host of networking equipment to keep your policyholders connected. Our guide breaks down various types of networking equipment, including routers, modems, wireless access points, and switches, that frequently appear in claims adjusters assign StrikeCheck to assess for scope of damage and fair settlement solutions. Fill out the form to receive your networking equipment guide so you, too, know more about these items when they show up...
StrikeCheck’s 2020 Annual Claims Report
StrikeCheck’s 2020 Annual Claims Report provides carriers with powerful insights and a thorough analysis into how Property & Casualty claim professionals can make data-driven decisions regarding electrically powered equipment. The figures in this report are derived from many thousands of claims in all 50 states that the nation’s top carriers assigned to StrikeCheck in 2019. The results underscore the significance of implementing a standardized process for handling electronics claims to reduce the risk of claim leakage while maintaining a positive...
Winter Electrical Fires
Did you know that December and January are the leading months for residential fires? While the risk is prevalent year-round, it’s even greater in the winter months, particularly for electrical fires. But what are the most common culprits of these fires, and how can such losses be prevented? Our infographic on this topic contains critical information for insurance professionals to read and share throughout the winter months. To request your free copy, fill out the provided...
Generator Maintenance Guide
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, each year, the average American property experiences at least one power outage lasting more than 5 minutes. It’s not surprising, then, that standby generators are becoming more popular as a backup energy source, as they engage automatically whenever a property loses power. Of course, the rising prevalence of generators also means an increased chance of damaged ones, and we want insurance adjusters like you to have the knowledge you need to handle these...
Preventing Excessive Damage from Water Heater Losses
When an insured comes to you with a water heater claim, the damage isn’t always limited to the water heater itself. Floors, ceilings, walls, and personal property are all at risk of being damaged by a leaking or burst water heater. However, there are things that an insured can and should be doing to avoid these additional losses. We know that not all insurance adjusters are water heater experts, so we have compiled a useful guide to Preventing Excessive Damage from...
Smart Home Components Overview
Our Connected World: An Overview of Smart Home Components and Claims Our world is becoming more and more connected. Smart devices are becoming more common in the home, and we’re not just talking about smartphones. Refrigerators, ranges, washers, dryers, garage door openers, and even locks are becoming interconnected with the Internet of Things. With the growth of this ever-evolving technology, claims involving smart devices in the home are also becoming more common. If your customers come to you...
Whole Home Surge and Lightning Claims Guide
Surge and lightning are the most commonly claimed perils for residential electronics and electrically powered specialty items. When these claims come across your desk, an objective assessment is crucial to determining the actual cause of loss – and whether the equipment is damaged at all. In 2022, 17% of the claimed items the StrikeCheck team evaluated were found to be non-damaged (StrikeCheck 2022 Annual Claims Report). The Whole Home Surge & Lightning Claims Guide provides more information for...
Well Pump Testing Guide
How to Efficiently Handle Well Pump Claims When your customers have well pumps that get damaged, those claims need to be handled fast -- after all, you don’t want to leave a home without water for too long. While it may be necessary to pull the pump to figure out what’s wrong, that’s not always the case. Before you decide on claim settlements for well pumps, you should be ready to ask the right questions and find the right...
Well Pump Overview
Submersible Well Pumps As an insurance adjuster, you’re may see claims for damaged well pumps, particularly submersible well pumps. These well pumps push water from below the ground into a home using several complex components, and there are plenty of ways that these can fail. When they do, you’ll need to be prepared for the claims that will come to your desk. At StrikeCheck, we see well pump claims pretty frequently (they make up a whopping 41% of...
Water Heater Overview
Storage Hot Water Heaters: An Overview The most common hot water heaters in homes and businesses tend to be storage or “tank-type” units that heat anywhere from 25 to 100 gallons of water at a time. At StrikeCheck in 2018, 47% of our plumbing equipment claims were water heater related (StrikeCheck 2019 Annual Claims Report). At that rate, an insurance adjuster like yourself is likely to see a water heater claim cross your desk,...
Water Damage to Electronics
14,000 homeowners face losses from water damage every day. At that rate, an insurance adjuster is likely to find themselves handling a water damage claim. If you’re one such adjuster, you’ll want to know:
- How often water damage is correctly (or incorrectly!) claimed as the cause of loss;
- What to look for when assessing water damage to electronics;
- Percentages of electronic types that are damaged by...