This course provides an overview of effective claims handling practices while outlining an adjuster's obligations during the claims process. We discuss the interplay of post-loss duties in insurer investigations of losses. We also discuss the insurer's obligations and responsibilities in the handling of a first party property claim.

Insurance litigation in Florida is so bad, it's practically a parallel universe or our own version of the "Upside-Down." Recent legislative changes will take time to make a difference and do nothing to address claims besides property. In 2022 there were over 450,000 lawsuits filed against insurance companies (first party only) in Florida. Technologically speaking, Florida's court and many insurance carrier systems are outdated. When carriers get sued, they get a mess of information and have to employ people to extract data manually. How can they address this issue when they're spending resources just putting information into a computer?

This program will provide an overview of what happens in a trial setting. Insurance claims representatives and adjusters often have cases that go to trial and need to better understand the latest rules and procedures of how a trial works.

This course is a comprehensive instruction on the SIU claim. The adjuster will learn how all the components of ethical issues, file content/file entries and the various fraud definition applicability can impact the litigation defense strategies. Discussion as to how to navigate the process with the instruction on how to prepare (both student and the claim file) for deposition and trial testimony (with examples) will benefit/provide confidence to any attendee who is new to the SIU field OR simply has not had to face the litigation process. Finally, the referral to DFS/DIFS per 626.9891 is discussed and how the litigation information can be shared with an example of a comprehensive prosecutorial packet will be reviewed. This will, possibly, provide a strategy, understanding and yield more acceptance of referrals made to DFS/DIFS.

In Florida, biomechanical testimony is regularly challenged on the grounds of qualifications (i.e. not a medical doctor) and methodologies (i.e. "junk science"). This presentation will review the qualifications of biomechanical engineers and the peer-reviewed and generally-accepted methodologies they utilize. A thorough review of applicable case law is included as well as specific examples regarding how biomechanical engineers can effectively overcome the aforementioned challenges.

This course is designed for insurance fraud investigators, licensed adjusters, case managers, and claims professionals whose duties require them to review customer-submitted digital photographs and video as proof of ownership, damage or loss. The techniques presented in this course will enable participants to identify altered digital photos, perform forensic analysis using proven techniques, source digital images via internet searches and ultimately detect and deter potential insurance fraud.

Many homes and businesses have sustained both wind and flood damages, with less than 20% having flood damages which are not covered under a homeowner policy. Even with flood coverage, the residential limit is $250,000, which would not cover the total amount of damages to many homes. By the end of this session, attendees will better understand the basics of wind and flood policies; how the 50% FEMA Rule works and fraud angles regarding coverages, limits, and items not covered on a flood policy

This course will discuss material misrepresentations in the policy application and give examples from automobile, glass, and homeowner policies. You will learn the statutory definition of material misrepresentation, when and how to properly void a policy from its inception, how to litigate these types of cases, potential issues you will face when litigating these cases and when and how to file a Declaratory Action.

Provide guidance and insight into understanding procedures and identifying key issues and potential fraud relating to plumbing losses, use of experts in assessing damages, and claims handling strategies in order to prepare for potential litigation.