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The Claim Clinic
Restoration Rebel Roundtable 4-16-19
A debrief of the SUMMIT2.019 in Boulder last week. And some thoughts on humanity.
**- T&M vs Line Item billing, and why NOT to mix them
- Our thoughts on Lowes' adjusters/IHs taking their own samples.
- The decline of industry groups.**
The new Alliance of Independent Restorers web site is up! We are now accepting membership applications: www.airestore.org
~ Andy McCabe founded an Xactimate estimating and property claims consultancy called Claims Delegates. They are currently accepting new client applications from contractors needing help with Xactimate: http://www.claimsdelegates.com/ClientIntake
www.ClaimsDelegates.com
One-On-One Restoration/Estimating Advice & Coaching: https://clarity.fm/andrewmccabe
Claims Delegates writes Xactimate estimates for contractors across the country. They also consult on Large Loss and CAT events.
http://www.claimsdelegates.com/xactimateestimates/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ClaimsDelegates
Twitter - https://twitter.com/claimsdelegates
The 24HR TECH mitigation documentation system: www.waterdamageprofit.com This training system and documentation package will help you train techs faster and get paid more for mitigation projects. The 24HR TECH on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2NVpZ9Y
The Claim Clinic Podcast: www.theclaim.clinic
iTunes Link https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-claim-clinic/id982839824?mt=2
#RestorationRebels http://restorationrebels.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RestorationRebel
www.AIRestore.org
What is Restoration 2.0 https://youtu.be/VlocUcn-L6g
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2. A Rebel Call To Arms
02:25||Season 5, Ep. 2Ladies and gentlemen,I am here to deliver an urgent truth: the restoration industry is under attack, and the time to act is now. Unity is not optional. It is the only way forward. For years, I have watched as this industry has been taken from us, piece by piece. Now, the carriers are no longer content with nibbling away at what we’ve built. They are moving aggressively, driving independent restorers out of business, silencing the very voices that make this industry strong. In some parts of the country, this is already a reality. Appraisals are being weaponized. Payments are being delayed for months, even years. Outright denials have become the norm. In these markets, independent restoration businesses have been wiped out. This is not an isolated problem—it is spreading. And it will reach every corner of this country unless we stop it. But hear this: we are the ones who allow it to happen. Their programs and policies depend on our compliance. Their agenda succeeds only because we tolerate it. That ends today. The truth is simple: we win together, or we lose everything. There is no middle ground. Five years from now, if we fail to act, we will have no voice, no control, no choice in how we serve our clients. We will be at the mercy of systems designed to benefit carriers—not us, not our clients, and not the communities we serve. Anyone who thinks they’re above this fight is wrong. Anyone waiting for someone else to step in and fix this is mistaken. The responsibility to protect our industry falls on all of us. Every single one of us must decide, right here and right now, to fight back. Stop going along with their programs. Refuse to comply with systems designed to strip us of our power. Stand up for yourself, your business, and this industry. Together, we have the strength to reclaim what is ours. The time for waiting is over. The time for action is here. Fight for your livelihood. Fight for your clients. Fight for the future of restoration.1. Painted Into A Corner
12:29||Season 5, Ep. 1The adjuster describes how attempting to force an insurer into admitting fault or setting a precedent can backfire, leading to claim denials and litigation. The lesson emphasizes the importance of understanding insurer motivations and strategically shifting negotiation tactics towards compromise.The "Cornering" Effect and Insurer Resistance:The central idea is that insurance companies will resist agreeing to arguments that could implicate them in "bad faith" or set unfavorable precedents for future claims.As the adjuster explains, "sometimes we make arguments and we put them in a position where if they agree with us they implicate themselves in bad faith or they set a precedent for future claims."This happens when adjusters try to force insurers to define ambiguous policy language, admit to past errors, or concede on coverage issues that aren't clearly defined.The "Our Position Stands" Response:When faced with arguments that could lead to precedent-setting or admissions of wrongdoing, insurers often resort to the response, "Our position stands."The adjuster points out, "if you ever hit a brick wall like that you need to understand that you have just put them in a position where they're going to set a precedent or implicate themselves."This response is a strategy to avoid admitting fault and triggering potential ripple effects on other claims.Litigation as a Strategic Ploy:Insurers may intentionally push cases towards litigation to create an opportunity for a "compromised settlement."The reasoning for this is, "once the suit is filed they can make a offer that is a compromised settlement and that compromised settlement gets rid of all the arguments that were made previously."This allows them to avoid admitting wrongdoing or creating precedents, settling the case purely on financial terms rather than principle.Compromise as a More Effective Strategy:Instead of attempting to "prove them wrong," the adjuster advocates for a shift toward a compromise settlement approach, especially after encountering resistance.The key tactic is for the public adjuster to say to the insurance company, "we have discussed it and we are willing to accept a compromised settlement offer in the amount of X and if you'll agree to that we'll sign off on a release."This allows both parties to move forward without a costly and protracted legal battle and avoid setting precedent.Public Adjusters Can Initiate Compromise Settlement:Public adjusters can directly negotiate a compromise settlement on behalf of their clients without the need for an attorney.The adjuster states, "For you Public Adjusters out there you're allowed to do that hey I talk to my client and we have agreed to accept a compromise settlement in the amount of X..."This tactic can help resolve claims faster and avoid a lot of legal expense, as long as the client has agreed to the settlement amount.Focus on Client Needs:Ultimately, the adjuster emphasizes that the primary goal should be to get the client's needs met: "ultimately I just need to help my client be able to make repairs."The focus then shifts from winning an argument to achieving a fair resolution that allows the client to move forward.Conclusion:The most important lesson from this source is that successful negotiation with insurance companies requires understanding their motivations and avoiding confrontational approaches that can lead to resistance. Instead of trying to force admissions of wrongdoing, a focus on compromise settlements and client needs can be more effective for achieving favorable outcomes.1. Don't Negotiate With Terrorists
44:06||Season 23, Ep. 1Negotiating your bill with adjusters is negotiating against yourself.I interviewed a new Restorer and expounded upon the importance of having solid contracts and understanding leverage in the claims environment.#ThickestFileWins #VirtualInspections #RemoteEstimating #Contractors #CustomerCentricClaims #InsuredFirst #TheStructureSpeaks #restoration #largeloss #claimslife #estimating #Xactimate #CoverThatOverhead #dothehardthings #InsuranceClaims #LitigationSupport #appraisal #Matterport #DroneMeBro #3dscanning #drones LARGE LOSS CONSULTING | APPRAISALS | XACTIMATE® | CLAIM SUPPORTGet Matterport: https://amzn.to/3WUZbKsI've included a "sample" CAT pricelist in my online course: FactorThatShit.com - 25% off code: CATTEAM PLX/pricelist files in course documentsclaimsdelegates.com/roofsketch~ In 2012, Andy McCabe founded the property claim estimating and claims consultancy called Claims Delegates. Claims Delegates retains an army of dedicated professionals who write Xactimate® estimates for contractors, attorneys and adjusters across the country. They also consult on Large Loss and CAT events. They are currently accepting new client applications: WriteMySheet.comXactimate Estimates: http://www.claimsdelegates.com/xactimateestimates/Schedule of Fees: https://www.claimsdelegates.com/feescheduleOne-On-One Restoration/Estimating Advice & Coaching: ClaimsDelegates.com/consult https://clarity.fm/andrewmccabeThe 24HR TECH mitigation documentation system: www.waterdamageprofit.com This training system and documentation package will help you train techs faster and get paid more for mitigation projects. The 24HR TECH on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2NVpZ9Y47. e47: RECAST of Andy McCabe on A6F
01:08:07||Season 5, Ep. 47Jeremy Rettig brings on one of the most known names in the restoration business, Andrew McCabe. Andy is a 20-year veteran of the disaster recovery industry and has performed every function of a restoration professional from mold and water technician to marketing and estimating. After working for several contractors in three states, Andy opened the independent Xactimate estimating & restoration consulting company Claims Delegates based in Bend, Oregon. He applies his knowledge and experience helping contractors navigate the strange world of insurance claims specializing in property damage insurance claims resolution and complex building envelope issues.The two dive into entrepreneurial guilt, their different business models, and Jeremy shares a story of how he saved a teenager from being trapped in his car in the most recent storm.What You Will Learn:(*) Navigating the fine line of playing by the rules and compromising your integrity(*) What are the Restoration Rebels?(*) What are restoration companies today doing wrong?(*) Why is restoration recession proof?(*) Don't get taken advantage of Links:youtube: https://youtu.be/08WYL-SiOpIandy@claimsdelegates.comhttps://www.adjuster-university.com/https://www.facebook.com/groups/RestorationRebelhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/andymccabe/https://www.claimsdelegates.com https://twitter.com/claimsdelegates46. e46: Interview with Andrew Sall
01:02:24||Ep. 4645. The Claim Clinic: How Do We Get Paid?
59:16||Ep. 4544. The Intentional Restorer - Jon Isaacson
48:26||Ep. 44John Isaacson of the Intentional Restorer and The DYOJO podcast shared some industry insight and colorful history with us.The DYOJO Podcast features features interviews with our friends and peers within the property restoration, construction and insurance industry.Through these episodes we seek to help professionals connect and collaborate so that we can all shorten the learning curve for conquering our goals.We will touch on ways to optimize your efforts with people, process, production and progress (The 4 P's) so that you can elevate your ability to compete in the market.Hosted weekly by Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, as featured in Restoration and Remediation Magazine (R&R). The DYOJO Podcast is available on Anchor Podcast, Spotify Podcast, Apple Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcast and Youtube Three Questions with a Pro.FROM OUR SPONSOR:~ In 2012, Andy McCabe founded the property claim estimating and claims consultancy called Claims Delegates. Claims Delegates retains an army of dedicated professionals who write Xactimate® estimates for contractors, attorneys and adjusters across the country. They also consult on Large Loss and CAT events. They are currently accepting new client applications: http://www.claimsdelegates.com/ClientIntakehttp://www.claimsdelegates.com/xactimateestimates/http://www.claimsdelegates.com/ScheduleOfFees2020One-On-One Restoration/Estimating Advice & Coaching: https://clarity.fm/andrewmccabewww.ClaimsDelegates.com LARGE LOSS CONSULTING | APPRAISALS | XACTIMATE® | CLAIM SUPPORT#ThickestFileWins #Contractors #CustomerCentric #InsuredFirst #TheStructureSpeaks #restoration #largeloss #claimslife #estimating #Xactimate #CoverThatOverhead #dothehardthings #InsuranceClaims #LitigationSupport #appraisal #Matterport #3dscanning #DroneMeBro #dronesFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/ClaimsDelegatesInstagram - @claimsdelegateTwitter - https://twitter.com/claimsdelegatesThe 24HR TECH mitigation documentation system: www.waterdamageprofit.com This training system and documentation package will help you train techs faster and get paid more for mitigation projects. The 24HR TECH on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2NVpZ9YThe Claim Clinic Podcast: www.theclaim.cliniciTunes Link https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-claim-clinic/id982839824?mt=2http://www.claimsdelegates.com/get-xactimate-estimates-written-claims-delegates/http://www.claimsdelegates.com/scoping-for-xactimate/http://www.claimsdelegates.com/xactimate-is-not-a-sales-tool/http://www.claimsdelegates.com/how-not-to-take-pictures-for-xactimate-scopes/https://youtu.be/H7MwqQYomFY My Podcasting Setup:Logitech C920 Hd Pro Webcam - https://amzn.to/2Lqq6KNSamson Meteor Mic USB Studio Microphone, Limited Edition - Headphones Bundle - https://amzn.to/2xUgxR0Microphone Arm Stand, TONOR Adjustable Suspension Boom Scissor Mic Stand with Pop Filter - https://amzn.to/3fLUop2I AM AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE“As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”(paid link) #ad #CommissionsEarned43. JT Kraai: Restoration Broker
50:07||Ep. 43JT Kraai and Exit StrategiesServing the Restoration Industry Nationwide100% Confidential@ 503.577.5649 or info@exitstrategies360.comExitStrategies360.com linkedin.com/in/jt-kraai-52b40018Restoration Industry Lessons Learned from the 2008 RecessionDue to the strength of the industry, restoration businesses should be front and center as solid acquisition targets.Selling a business can be scary. Terrifying when the economy isn't cooperating. The below will ease your fears.There are three primary factors driving the value of your restoration business:1. Business performance- making any money?2. Seller's personal timing- ready as an individual?3. State of the industry/ economy- still a solid business model?Ideally, all three are in alignment. Rest easy however, even during the best of times this is a challenge.Business PerformanceFrom 2008 - 2011 the industry proved it was recession resistant. Many restoration companies grew during these years.Has emergency response stopped? No. There is money to be made in a difficult economy. Many of you are in opportunistic spots as you continue to service ongoing disasters and discover how to serve new clients during this COVID-19 pandemic.Though your business model may look a bit different, it doesn't necessarily mean you'll struggle or not be able to pursue an exit.Personal TimingAfter 20+ years of transactions I've learned an owner's decision to sell is rarely due to financial reasons alone. Often sales are driven by other factors: age, health, burnout, or an industry that's no longer recognizable.Yes, some of these events can be anticipated, but many occur unexpectedly. Regularly I hear, "I'm on a 3-5 year plan to exit." Within days they'll then say, "I really need out. how quickly can you get it sold?"How does this happen? It's simple ..You're not ready to sell ... until you are. Then it can't happen fast enough.Basic preparation can be an owner's best weapon. To be clear, it does not mean you're for sale, only preparing for one. Obtaining answers is not difficult, plus they'll offer the confidence and peace of mind as you move closer to an exit.Industry & EconomyThough the recent pandemic has resulted in a decline of general acquisition activity, there are still solid buyers looking for viable restoration businesses.Due to the strength of the industry, many restoration businesses should be front and center as solid acquisition targets.There are many variables to consider when contemplating a sale. Receiving solid answers is paramount. Your exit strategy will be stronger for both you and your company.My Podcasting Setup:Logitech C920 Hd Pro Webcam - https://amzn.to/2Lqq6KNSamson Meteor Mic USB Studio Microphone, Limited Edition - Headphones Bundle - https://amzn.to/2xUgxR0Microphone Arm Stand, TONOR Adjustable Suspension Boom Scissor Mic Stand with Pop Filter - https://amzn.to/3fLUop2I AM AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE“As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”(paid link) #ad #CommissionsEarned~ In 2012, Andy McCabe founded the property claim estimating and claims consultancy called Claims Delegates. Claims Delegates retains an army of dedicated professionals who write Xactimate® estimates for contractors, attorneys and adjusters across the country. They also consult on Large Loss and CAT events. They are currently accepting new client applications: http://www.claimsdelegates.com/ClientIntakehttp://www.claimsdelegates.com/xactimateestimates/http://www.claimsdelegates.com/ScheduleOfFees2020One-On-One Restoration/Estimating Advice & Coaching: https://clarity.fm/andrewmccabewww.ClaimsDelegates.com LARGE LOSS CONSULTING | APPRAISALS | XACTIMATE® | CLAIM SUPPORT#ThickestFileWins #Contractors #CustomerCentric #InsuredFirst #TheStructureSpeaks #restoration #largeloss #claimslife #estimating #Xactimate #CoverThatOverhead #dothehardthings #InsuranceClaims #LitigationSupport #appraisal #Matterport #3dscanning #DroneMeBro #dronesFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/ClaimsDelegatesInstagram - @claimsdelegateTwitter - https://twitter.com/claimsdelegatesThe 24HR TECH mitigation documentation system: www.waterdamageprofit.com This training system and documentation package will help you train techs faster and get paid more for mitigation projects. The 24HR TECH on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2NVpZ9YThe Claim Clinic Podcast: www.theclaim.cliniciTunes Link https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-claim-clinic/id982839824?mt=2http://www.claimsdelegates.com/get-xactimate-estimates-written-claims-delegates/http://www.claimsdelegates.com/scoping-for-xactimate/http://www.claimsdelegates.com/xactimate-is-not-a-sales-tool/http://www.claimsdelegates.com/how-not-to-take-pictures-for-xactimate-scopes/https://youtu.be/H7MwqQYomFY42. COVID-19 with CIH John Evans
01:00:24||Ep. 42John Evans, a Certified Industrial Hygienist from New York, talks to us about pivoting your restoration business during a pandemic.John Evans runs the testing company Air Guys (http://airguys.us/about-us/)He spoke to us about how the COVID-19 pandemic snuck up on the U.S., what the state of testing is now, and what restoration contractors should be doing RIGHT NOW to position themselves for success.SPONSOR:~ In 2012, Andy McCabe founded the property claim estimating and claims consultancy called Claims Delegates. Claims Delegates retains an army of dedicated professionals who write Xactimate® estimates for contractors, attorneys and adjusters across the country. They also consult on Large Loss and CAT events. They are currently accepting new client applications: http://www.claimsdelegates.com/ClientIntakehttp://www.claimsdelegates.com/xactimateestimates/http://www.claimsdelegates.com/ScheduleOfFees2020One-On-One Restoration/Estimating Advice & Coaching: https://clarity.fm/andrewmccabewww.ClaimsDelegates.com | APPRAISALS | XACTIMATE® | CLAIM SUPPORT