Adjusting Today
Sharing what policyholders need to know.
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Making the Policyholder Whole
05/08/2026
Making the Policyholder Whole
In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked complexities of pair or set coverage and what it truly means to make a policyholder whole after a loss. When one item in a matching set is damaged — whether it’s flooring, cabinetry, roofing, or other connected materials — the impact can extend far beyond the single item itself. We break down how pair or set provisions work within insurance policies, the challenges policyholders face when matching materials are discontinued or impossible to replicate, and why these claims can quickly become points of dispute. Through practical examples and industry insight, this episode highlights the importance of proper documentation, policy interpretation, and advocacy throughout the claims process. Whether you’re a property owner, insurance professional, or public adjuster, this conversation offers valuable perspective on one of the more nuanced areas of property insurance claims.
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Risk Assessment: Evaluating Coverage from a Loss Perspective
03/25/2026
Risk Assessment: Evaluating Coverage from a Loss Perspective
This episode emphasizes a critical shift in how risk should be evaluated: moving beyond simply estimating physical damage to fully understanding the real-world consequences that unfold after a loss. At its core, the discussion highlights that the true impact of a disaster—whether a fire, flood, or other event—extends far beyond repairing or replacing property. Businesses often face operational shutdowns, supply chain disruptions, damaged inventory, regulatory complications, and financial strain. By conducting a “what-if” walkthrough of a potential loss scenario, policyholders can uncover hidden vulnerabilities and better understand how their insurance coverage would actually respond in practice. The episode illustrates this through a manufacturing fire scenario, revealing overlooked risks such as: Inability to ship or receive goods due to damaged logistics infrastructure Loss of inventory value and complications around salvage Brand and reputation risks if damaged goods enter the market Increased costs from updated building codes or environmental regulations Difficulty proving asset values, especially for undocumented improvements or in-house labor Employee-related decisions, including payroll coverage during downtime A major takeaway is the importance of aligning insurance valuation with real replacement costs. Many policyholders misunderstand coinsurance requirements, which can result in significant penalties if properties are underinsured relative to their current value at the time of loss—not just when the policy was written. The episode then expands to multinational and catastrophe losses, where complexity increases dramatically. Large-scale events can disrupt transportation, communication, labor availability, and supply chains, while also introducing legal, cultural, and regulatory challenges across different countries. Coordinating global and local insurance policies, managing scarce resources, and navigating unfamiliar jurisdictions often requires specialized expertise beyond standard claims handling. Ultimately, the key message is that effective risk assessment means anticipating disruption—not just destruction. By proactively identifying potential post-loss challenges and aligning coverage accordingly, policyholders can build insurance programs that truly support recovery when it matters most.
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Sometimes It’s What the Policy Doesn’t Say That Counts!
03/25/2026
Sometimes It’s What the Policy Doesn’t Say That Counts!
This episode explores two critical—and often misunderstood—aspects of property insurance: how overly narrow policy language can unintentionally limit coverage, and the surprising flexibility within replacement cost (RC) claims. First, the discussion highlights a key risk: being too specific in defining the “named insured” or covered property can lead to denied claims. Through a real-world example, the episode shows how property owned by a related but separately named entity was excluded from coverage simply because it wasn’t explicitly listed in the policy. The takeaway is that businesses—especially those with evolving structures—should consider broader policy language (e.g., including subsidiaries or affiliated entities) and ensure their coverage reflects how they actually operate. However, broader coverage also requires careful management of total insured values to avoid underinsurance and coinsurance penalties. The second half focuses on replacement cost coverage, revealing that it is far more flexible than many policyholders realize. Common misconceptions are clarified, such as the “180-day rule,” which typically refers to notifying the insurer of intent to rebuild—not completing repairs. Courts often allow a “reasonable time” for replacement based on real-world conditions. The episode also explains how RC claims are paid in two stages: an initial Actual Cash Value (ACV) payment, followed by a “holdback” (recoverable depreciation) once repairs or replacement are completed. Importantly, policyholders often have significant flexibility in how they replace property—they may rebuild at a different location, purchase an existing building, or even apply remaining funds toward upgrades, as long as costs stay within policy limits. For contents, replacement can typically be handled item-by-item, meaning policyholders don’t need to replace everything to recover depreciation on selected items. The concept of “like kind and quality” is also interpreted functionally rather than identically, allowing for practical substitutions that serve the same purpose. Finally, the episode emphasizes the importance of maintaining accurate property values. Replacement cost coverage only works as intended if policy limits keep pace with rising costs—otherwise, coinsurance penalties can reduce payouts, sometimes even below what an ACV settlement would provide. Overall, the key message is that policy wording, proactive planning, and ongoing communication are essential. Understanding these nuances before a loss occurs can make a significant difference in how effectively coverage responds when it matters most.
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Property Insurance 101: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Examinations Under Oath — But Were Afraid to Ask!
03/09/2026
Property Insurance 101: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Examinations Under Oath — But Were Afraid to Ask!
An Examination Under Oath (EUO) is a formal part of the property insurance claims process that many policyholders encounter only after a loss—often when questions arise about coverage or the circumstances surrounding the claim. In this episode, we break down what an EUO is, why insurers request them, and what policyholders should expect if they are asked to participate. Conducted under oath and typically recorded by a court reporter, an EUO allows insurers to gather detailed information about a loss and evaluate their obligations under the policy. The discussion explains common situations that may trigger an EUO, including suspicious loss indicators, inconsistencies in claim details, or questions about coverage, financial motives, or policy conditions. It also clarifies how EUOs differ from depositions in litigation, highlighting key distinctions such as their contractual basis in the insurance policy, their role during the claim investigation stage, and the broader duty of cooperation required from the insured. Listeners will also learn about the rights and responsibilities involved in the process—such as the importance of answering material questions, providing relevant documentation, and complying with policy obligations. The episode outlines potential consequences for failing to cooperate, including the possibility of losing coverage for the claim, while also discussing legal protections and limitations surrounding the process. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes the importance of understanding policy provisions and preparing carefully for an EUO. By demystifying the process, it helps policyholders and professionals better navigate one of the most critical—and often misunderstood—steps in a property insurance claim investigation.
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Expecting the Unexpected Part of the Unexpected: Surviving Disasters - Natural or Otherwise
03/09/2026
Expecting the Unexpected Part of the Unexpected: Surviving Disasters - Natural or Otherwise
Disasters are unpredictable—but many of the challenges businesses face after a loss are not. In this episode, we explore how companies can better prepare for the often-overlooked consequences that arise during disaster recovery, particularly when insurance coverage doesn’t respond the way policyholders expect. Through real-world case studies, we examine situations where businesses encountered unexpected gaps in coverage—from looting following a storm to supply-chain disruptions, hazardous material disposal costs, and delayed revenue recovery after rebuilding. The conversation highlights the importance of proactive planning, including understanding policy language, identifying operational dependencies, and reviewing insurance coverage regularly to account for evolving risks. It also offers guidance on managing the recovery process after a loss—documenting expenses, communicating with stakeholders, mitigating further damage, and preparing a well-supported insurance claim. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes that effective disaster preparedness goes beyond simply purchasing insurance. It requires anticipating how policies actually respond in real-world scenarios and preparing for the “unexpected part of the unexpected” before a crisis occurs.
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Proving Insured Loss: Policyholders Need Experts Too
02/02/2026
Proving Insured Loss: Policyholders Need Experts Too
When a major loss hits, proving the full value of your insurance claim can be just as challenging as recovering from the damage itself. In this episode, we explore why today’s complex property and business interruption claims often require policyholders to hire their own experts—and why that cost can come as an unwelcome second shock. Using real-world case studies, we break down how insurers rely on forensic accountants, engineers, and other specialists, and why policyholders increasingly need comparable expertise to achieve fair settlements. We also examine a critical—and often overlooked—coverage issue: whether your insurance policy actually pays for the professionals needed to prepare and prove your claim. From loss adjustment expense endorsements to key limitations, exclusions, and wording pitfalls, this episode offers practical insight into how businesses can better protect their true recovery. The takeaway is clear: expert help is often essential—and understanding how (or if) it’s covered before a loss occurs can make a significant difference when it matters most.
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Property Loss Professionals: Roles in Your Claim
02/02/2026
Property Loss Professionals: Roles in Your Claim
After a major property loss, filing an insurance claim can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re suddenly responsible for proving the full extent of your damage. In this episode, we break down the complex world of property loss professionals and explain who’s who in the claims process, who they work for, and how they can help you recover. Drawing from a special edition of Adjusting Today and Adjusters International’s Property Loss Professionals guide, we walk through the key roles involved in a claim, including staff adjusters, independent adjusters, public adjusters, insurance agents and brokers, risk management consultants, restoration contractors, appraisers, and specialized experts like engineers and forensic accountants. We also cover how each professional is paid, licensed, and trained—and why understanding their loyalties matters. Whether you’re a homeowner or business owner, this episode helps you make sense of your options, avoid common misconceptions, and build the right team to support a fair and complete recovery. The takeaway: while the burden of proof rests with the policyholder, you don’t have to navigate the claims process alone.
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Property Insurance Claims: Negotiating Unfamiliar Terrain
12/19/2025
Property Insurance Claims: Negotiating Unfamiliar Terrain
When a disaster strikes, the damage is only the beginning - the insurance claim process can feel just as overwhelming. In this episode, we break down what policyholders need to know after a major loss, from the critical first steps to protecting your property, to common mistakes that can derail a claim. We explore why insurance claims are both cooperative and adversarial, how early decisions can impact your final settlement, and why having the right experts on your side matters. Whether you’re dealing with building damage, lost contents, or business interruption, this episode offers practical guidance to help you stay organized, protect your rights, and work toward a fair and timely recovery.
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Disaster Recovery Planning: Preparation is Key
12/19/2025
Disaster Recovery Planning: Preparation is Key
Disasters don’t just happen “somewhere else” - they hit construction sites, office buildings, shopping centers, and even critical tech systems at the worst possible moment. In this episode, we break down why insurance alone often isn’t enough, and how a well-tested disaster recovery plan can be the difference between barely surviving and fully bouncing back. Using insights from Adjusters International’s Disaster Recovery Planning: Preparation is Key to Survival, we walk through real-world disruption scenarios, eye-opening statistics on rising catastrophe losses, and the four foundational steps to building an effective plan: forming a planning team, analyzing hazards and vulnerabilities, creating clear response procedures, and implementing ongoing training and updates. We also cover immediate post-disaster priorities - life safety, property protection, continuity of operations, and recordkeeping - so organizations can recover faster and smarter. Bottom line: preparedness isn’t paperwork - it’s a survival strategy.
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