Category Archives: News

New Zealand Property Owners Discover the Value of Independent Public Assessors Like WorldClaim

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New Zealand insurance lawyer Andrew Hooker wrote an article reviewing New Zealand insurance assessors and their benefit to property owners. He noted that before the massive Christchurch earthquake almost all of the insurance assessors actually worked for and were paid by the insurance companies. This arrangement was certainly not putting the interests of the property owners first.

“A world renowned public assessing company – ‘World Claim’ – is one of the market leaders in New Zealand. Its representatives in New Zealand are passionate advocates for the rights of customers…” — article by Andrew Hooker

WorldClaim public adjusters arrived on the scene to represent the interests of the property owners after the Christchurch, New Zealand earthquake. They were there to help with the insurance claim process and make sure that the property owners’ rights were protected. They helped them get the best settlement they were entitled to, which was often much more than what the insurance company had offered to settle for. Public assessors know how to negotiate with the insurance company to get fair value for the losses suffered by the insured.

In the United States, public adjusting has been a common professional practice for a long time. Now that New Zealanders have experienced the help they received from public assessors, who were working on their behalf and not that of the insurance company, Andrew Hooker says that the practice is likely here to stay. Property owners, both private and commercial, discovered that when they were represented by a public assessor they got the claim settlement that they were entitled to, which more accurately reflected their losses.

Contact WorldClaim public assessors to get help with your insurance claim.  Protect the investment you have in your home or commercial property and get a fair settlement.

Christchurch Red Zone insurance case in High Court first of its kind

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“A Christchurch lawyer has confirmed a High Court case brought against an insurance company relating to a red zone property will be the first of its kind.”

Andy Fusco, international insurance adjuster

An insurance company agreed to pay for repairing Matt and Valerie O’Loughlin’s Dallington home, which was damaged in the February 2011 earthquake. But because the home is in the red zone, in the area that must be vacated by April 2013, the homeowners made the argument that they should be paid replacement cost.

This is the first time a court will determine what an insurer must settle. It took 9 approaches in two months to get Tower to the table, and a long time for the company to understand that the house was uninhabitable.

Listen to Radio Interview with Andy Fusco

Radio New Zealand News Article

Connecticut Announces that Hurricane Deductibles Do Not Apply to Property Damage

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The State of Connecticut Insurance Department announced that hurricane deductibles also do not apply to the state, similar to the announcement by Governor Cuomo regarding the status of hurricane deductibles for the state of New York.

The announcement:
www.ct.gov/cid
P.O. Box 816 Hartford, CT
06142-0816

Important Notice Update to October 26th Insurance Department notice Hurricane Deductibles Storm Sandy – October 30th 2012

Please be advised based on information received from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and the National Weather Service (NWS) A “Hurricane Warning” was not issued for the State of Connecticut nor did Connecticut sustain hurricane force winds as a result of Storm Sandy. Therefore, pursuant to Public Act 12-162 Section 1. (b) and the Department’s Filing Review Guidelines Related to Underwriting Coastal Homeowners Insurance Policies re-issued on December 9, 2011 (the “Coastal Guidelines”) as it relates to the use of hurricane deductibles companies may not impose a hurricane deductible on Connecticut claims. With respect to the use of vehicle placards for adjusters assessing damage in Connecticut, we have not confirmed with the Connecticut Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS) that vehicle placards will be needed at this time once we hear anything we will inform you accordingly. Please forward this notice to respective staff accordingly.

Based on NWS data the max gust wind recorded was 86mph in Madison, Ct and the max sustained winds recorder were 59mph in Bridgeport, CT. George B. Bradner, Director Property and Casualty Division (860) 297-3866

Governor Cuomo’s Press Release Regarding Hurricane Sandy Insurance Deductibles

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For Immediate Release: October 31, 2012
GOVERNOR CUOMO ANNOUNCES HOMEOWNERS WILL NOT HAVE TO PAY HURRICANE DEDUCTIBLES
Department of Financial Services Working Closely with Insurers to Speed Response to Homeowners Who Experienced Losses
New Yorkers Can Call DFS Disaster Hotline for Help

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that New York homeowners will not have to pay potentially large hurricane deductibles on insurance claims stemming from damage caused by Monday’s storm.

The New York State Department of Financial Services has informed the insurance industry that hurricane deductibles should not be triggered for this storm. This will prevent coastal homeowners from having to pay deductibles in their insurance policies.

“Homeowners should not have to pay hurricane deductibles for damage caused by the storm and insurers should understand the Department of Financial Services will be monitoring how claims are handled,” Governor Cuomo said.

Many homeowners’ insurance policies for homes located in downstate areas contain hurricane deductibles based on a percentage of a property’s insured value. These deductibles typically range from one percent of a home’s insured value to five percent. So for example, with a five percent deductible on a home insured for $300,000, the homeowner would have to pay for the first $15,000 of damage.

Benjamin M. Lawsky, Superintendent of Financial Services, said, “We have informed the insurance industry that hurricane deductibles are not triggered because Sandy did not have sustained hurricane-force winds when it made land in New York. We will be working with insurers to help them respond as quickly as possible to homeowners who need to file claims. And we will be sending our mobile command center to hard hit areas to help consumers with insurance questions and problems.”

DFS urges homeowners who experienced property losses to file insurance claims with their insurers promptly and as soon as possible after losses occur. It is important to provide policy numbers and all information relevant to the loss. To best document losses, homeowners should to take photos or videos showing the extent of the losses before cleaning up damage.

Homeowners should make only necessary repairs to prevent further damage to property, like covering broken windows. Permanent repairs should not be made until after insurers have inspected losses. Damaged personal property should be kept until after an insurance settlement has been reached.

In addition, homeowners should cooperate fully with their insurer and keep a diary of all conversations with the insurance agent, including the agent’s name, as well as the times and dates of all calls or visits.

Homeowners are also reminded that flood damage is only covered by flood insurance, which is a federal program administered by FEMA. Homeowners who have flood insurance and have flood damage should make claims through that insurance.

DFS will be sending its mobile command center to hard hit areas to help consumers with insurance questions and problems.

DFS has activated a Disaster Hotline to answer consumer questions and help with problems. The Disaster Hotline number is 800-339-1759. It is staffed Monday – Friday from 8 AM – 8 PM and Saturday – Sunday from 9 AM – 4 PM.

Homeowners unable to resolve disputes with insurers can file complaints at http://www.dfs.ny.gov/consumer/fileacomplaint.htm.
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Additional news available at www.governor.ny.gov
New York State | Executive Chamber | press.office@exec.ny.gov | 518.474.8418

WorldClaim Public Adjusters Respond to Costa Rica Earthquake Victims

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Numerous reports are coming in from the 7.6 magnitude earthquake that struck Costa Rica last week including landslides, damaged roads & bridges, and several homes with major damage. Many reports indicate earthquake damage to larger commercial buildings, hotels, and churches with cracks in the walls and foundations. The next few weeks will reveal the actual extent of damage as inspections are made to determine if those cracks are cosmetic in nature or hiding deeper structural damage.

Residents and business owners of Costa Rica can get help filing earthquake insurance claims from a public insurance adjuster who has the knowledge and experience to help determine the extent of damage a structure has suffered and how that damage can be reported quickly, correctly, and efficiently to the insurance company. They know the fair value of furnishings, artwork and other personal articles lost in the quake and how to negotiate with the insurance companies to get you fair compensation for those lost items. Having experienced help looking out for your interests with the insurance claims process is especially important when your insurance company does not seem to be offering a fair settlement.

WorldClaim public adjusters were dispatched and on the ground quickly following the first reports of the Costa Rica earthquake. They are there ready to help those who have suffered property damage from the quake begin the process of inspecting, compiling inventories of lost items, researching fair market values, and getting insurance claims underway quickly and correctly. Having regional offices in many locations worldwide helps WorldClaim public insurance adjusters respond quickly whenever and wherever a disaster happens.

Earthquakes are the natural shifting of the earth’s tectonic plates. Minor earthquakes happen every day all around the world, but major earthquakes appear to be happening on a more frequent basis. If you live in an area such as California, Alaska, Japan or anywhere near the Pacific Ring of Fire where the earth frequently shakes, you never know whether the next earthquake will be just another minor rumble or a major earthquake causing major damage. Just recently Christchurch, New Zealand, which sits alongside the Pacific Ring of Fire, suffered catastrophic damage from 2 major earthquakes happening months apart. WorldClaim public claims adjusters quickly sent out teams to help the earthquake victims of Christchurch. Costa Rica is also located in the Pacific Ring of Fire and is the most recent area needing insurance claims assistance.

Residents and business owners of Costa Rica are receiving the help they need from WorldClaim public adjusters. We are standing with these earthquake victims, defending their rights and helping them receive a fair and timely settlement from their insurance companies.

If you have suffered property damage from an earthquake, hurricane, flood, fire, tsunami, or any kind of disaster your advocate is a public claims adjuster. The public claims adjusters at WorldClaim work for you! We look out for your best interests and make sure you are treated fairly by your insurance company in the claims process and settlement. Contact WorldClaim today and we will quickly get one of our public claims adjusters to help with your insurance claim.

¿El Terremoto en Costa Rica Causa Daños a su Edificio? Llámenos.

Only a Category 1 Storm, Isaac Still Causes Major Wind & Flooding Damage in Louisiana & Mississippi

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Many feared that Isaac would become a dangerous category 3 or 4 hurricane but it only just attained minimal hurricane status. Yet, to the surprise of many Isaac has caused millions of dollars in damage to Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Because Isaac is so slow moving, The Washington Post reports that it will buffet the area with as many as 36 to 48 hours of winds and heavy rains. In addition, the feeder bands radiating out from the main vortex spawned tornadoes which caused additional damage to homes and businesses as far away as 200 to 300 miles out.

The major damage from Isaac in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama will be caused by the flooding rains and storm surge which reached up to 9 feet in some areas of New Orleans. Don’t let the damage to your home or business overwhelm you. Insurance claim help is available to you in the form of a public insurance adjuster who can relieve you of the burden of dealing with your insurance company. Let them take over the claims process, protect you from being taken advantage of during an emotional time, and ensure that you will receive a fair settlement for your property losses.

Our public adjusters are on the ground now actively servicing clients in Louisiana and Mississippi. If you are located in those areas, call us for help with your property damage claims now.

WorldClaim Public Adjusters Help File Insurance Claims

As some residents return to find their homes and/or businesses have sustained major damage they may need help filing insurance claims so that they can be assured nothing is overlooked and their claim is processed correctly. WorldClaim public adjusters can provide that help and can respond quickly to your call for help.

Protect Your Interests with the Help of a Public Insurance Adjuster

WorldClaim public adjusters are well known in the United States and have helped victims of every major disaster since 1979. There are local regional offices located in Alabama and Mississippi so that we can quickly respond to your needs, and our teams are currently deployed in affected areas. Contact WorldClaim for insurance claim help and assistance with other aspects of your disaster needs.

WorldClaim Public Adjuster & CEO Presents at Restaurant Chain’s Atlanta Convention

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Michael Fusco presented at the Shoney’s Believe 2012 Convention in Atlanta celebrating Shoney’s 65-year anniversary as a restaurant. Due to WorldClaim’s successes in handling multiple claims for Shoney’s corporate-owned stores, management felt it was important to share the same information about public adjusting with corporate franchisees, who were in attendance at the convention. Like the corporate-owners, the franchisees may find themselves in need of assistance with handling the property insurance claim process for their business. And most importantly, by hiring a public adjuster who advocates for their interests, clients who hire WorldClaim often increase their claim settlement’s bottom line.

Mr. Fusco, who is a certified professional public adjuster, also explained the differences between types of adjusters. Insurance companies have their own insurance adjusters and also outsource to independent adjusters who play a similar role, but public insurance adjusters are the only ones who advocate for clients, not insurers.

Other presenters included Carlos Herrera, chief economist for Coca-Cola North America; and John Foley, former lead solo pilot of the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels.

Shoney's chairman and CEO, David Davoudpour, with WorldClaim Global Claims Management CEO and professional public adjuster, Michael Fusco, at the convention in Atlanta, Aug. 20-22, 2012.

If you’re a restaurant owner who needs help with a property insurance claim settlement because of damages to your commercial property, call or contact a public adjuster at WorldClaim to discuss what options you might have.

WorldClaim Assists Victims of Decatur Apartment Fire

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WorldClaim is representing Kensington Manor Apartments after they suffered loss due to fire damage the morning of April 17, 2012. The fire heavily damaged eight units and has displaced four families.  WorldClaim is working to assist with the claims process.

Read the news articles here:

4 families displaced by apartment fire

Fire rips through metro Atlanta apartment building, displacing families

Fire that damaged DeKalb apartments caused by Molotov cocktail?

Investigators: DeKalb County apartment fire caused by fire bomb 

Michael Fusco Speaks at University of Alabama about Insurance Claims Process and Role of Public Adjuster

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WorldClaim CEO, Michael Fusco, spoke to the Alabama Insurance Society at the University of Alabama; his presentation covered the insurance claims process from his point of view as a public adjuster.  He highlighted the primary obligation of a public insurance adjuster, which is to represent clients’ interests (the insured) by preparing and presenting accurate and fully documented claims information for their losses.

William Rabel, Teaching Professor of Insurance & Financial Services at UA, was pleased with Mr. Fusco’s presentation, and he comments, “I want to interest more students in our profession and having outstanding speakers makes it easy.  Michael Fusco is a great ambassador!”

Mr. Fusco started his career as a public adjuster in 1979 and holds licenses in over 25 different states, as well as Canada, the Caribbean Islands, and Chile. He has handled multi-million dollar commercial and residential losses throughout the world as a result of fire, windstorm, hurricane, tsunami, and earthquake damage. In addition to expanding his business, Mr. Fusco has successfully lobbied the states of Georgia, Maine, and North Carolina for the standardization of licensing and practices in the field of public adjusting.

As a recognized expert in his field, Mr. Fusco has been invited to join numerous organizations and committees, including the National Apartment Association and the National Suppliers Council, where WorldClaim is the only public adjusting company to be granted membership.

William Rabel (left) and Michael Fusco (right) greet each other in front of the Insurance Hall of Fame at UA’s Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration.

WorldClaim Attends Holiday Mixer with Canterbury New Zealand Chamber of Commerce

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WorldClaim COO, Andrew Fusco, along with Guy Sayers and Troy Campion enjoyed a fun and exciting evening with the members of the Canterbury New Zealand Chamber of Commerce. WorldClaim attended a Holiday business mixer to help spread the news of the services WorldClaim can provide to help the local businesses and homeowners negotiate insurance claims in the local area.


Michael Fusco to Speak at University of Alabama

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WorldClaim CEO, Michael Fusco, will speak to the Alabama Insurance Society at the University of Alabama on January 24, 2012. Headquartered in Atlanta, WorldClaim has ten offices worldwide including New Zealand, Spain, and Chile.

Mr. Fusco started his career as a public adjuster in 1979 and holds licenses in over 25 different states, as well as Canada, the Caribbean Islands, and Chile. He has handled multi-million dollar commercial and residential losses throughout the world as a result of fire, windstorm, hurricane, tsunami, and earthquake damage. In addition to expanding his business, Mr. Fusco has successfully lobbied the states of Georgia, Maine and North Carolina for the standardization of licensing and practices in the field of public adjusting.

As a recognized expert in his field, Mr. Fusco has been invited to join numerous organizations and committees, including the National Apartment Association and the National Suppliers Council, where WorldClaim is the only public adjusting company to be granted membership. He is a sought after speaker on the topic of risk management and insurance, including guest lecturer positions with major universities, such as Georgia Tech, University of Georgia and Georgia State University. He has also served as a guest speaker at the Grady Hospital Georgia Society of Heath Care Risk Manager’s Conference and regular radio guest with 790 The Zone.

Fusco Family Gives Back on Thanksgiving

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Michael Fusco, CEO of WorldClaim, and his family and friends took some time over the holiday season to give back to the community by working to feed the homeless at the 1st Pentecostal Church in downtown Atlanta. The Fusco family believes strongly in the importance of giving back to the community and helping the less fortunate. They enjoy supporting various charity organizations throughout the year and look forward to the Christmas season as an opportunity to share their blessings with others. By their example, we encourage our family, vendors and friends to give back as well. Take some time this holiday season to reflect on your many blessings and find ways to help others in need.