• Giving Thanks: Lessons from Life, Insurance, and Collaboration
    Nov 21 2024

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    In this Thanksgiving-themed episode of The Art of Adjusting®, hosts Chantal Roberts and William Auten reflect on gratitude, from personal appreciation to professional growth. They discuss health insurance complexities, health insurance, document management strategies, and evolving practices in the insurance industry, including the power of storytelling in claims.

    With warm anecdotes about Thanksgiving plans, a family graduation, and humorous industry moments, they also explore future topics like Medicare and CMS. This episode blends heartfelt gratitude with practical insights, making it a thoughtful listen for adjusters and insurance professionals alike.

    Tune in as they share lessons on balancing life, work, and growth in the claims industry!

    For more insights, you might consider a career in liability adjusting or if you're searching for reliable adjusting services, visit Auten Claims Management.

    To explore more about Chantal Roberts and her contributions to the industry, visit CMR Consulting.

    Promotions:

    • Once Upon a Claim: Explore the magical world of claims adjusting through fairy tales. Get your copy now.
    • The Art of Adjusting®: Master the art of claims adjusting with practical insights and expert advice. Purchase here.




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    48 mins
  • Episode 54 - From Lost Wages to Life Changes -The Art of Assessing Damages
    Nov 7 2024

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    In this episode of The Art of Adjusting® Podcast, host Bill Auten takes listeners on a detailed journey through the complexities of evaluating damages in liability claims. Perfect for claims adjusters, legal professionals, and anyone interested in the finer points of claims management, this episode unpacks how to determine fair compensation for both property and bodily injury cases.

    Bill explains the distinctions between "special damages" (such as medical costs and lost wages) and "general damages" (including pain and suffering) and provides guidance on balancing objectivity with empathy. Through real-world examples, he covers important principles like the "single recovery principle," ensuring all aspects of a claim are settled comprehensively, and the claimant's responsibility to "mitigate damages" to avoid unnecessary costs.

    Listeners will gain insights into how regional law differences, the challenges of evaluating permanent injuries, and various factors can influence claim values. Bill shares practical guidance for adjusters who must consider not only financial costs but also the personal impact on claimants' lives. From calculating loss of earning capacity to addressing intangible impacts like pain and lifestyle changes, this episode serves as a complete guide to assessing damages with fairness and accuracy.

    Tune in to discover the expertise required to evaluate damages thoughtfully and ethically in liability claims, revealing the art and precision behind every decision.

    For more insights, you might consider a career in liability adjusting or if you're searching for reliable adjusting services, visit Auten Claims Management.

    To explore more about Chantal Roberts and her contributions to the industry, visit CMR Consulting.

    Promotions:

    • Once Upon a Claim: Explore the magical world of claims adjusting through fairy tales. Get your copy now.
    • The Art of Adjusting®: Master the art of claims adjusting with practical insights and expert advice. Purchase here.




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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • Episode 53 - Transparency in Adjustment: Public Adjusters Breaking Down Barriers
    Oct 24 2024

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    In this insightful episode of The Art of Adjusting®, hosts Chantal Roberts and William Auten are joined by David Princeton, principal consultant at Advocate Claim Service, to discuss the complex roles of public adjusters in the insurance industry. They explore the profession’s intricacies, emphasizing the crucial roles of transparency and ethical standards.

    David clarifies the often misunderstood position of public adjusters, addressing the stigma of their perceived opposition to carrier adjusters. He highlights a shared goal among all adjusters: to settle claims fairly and uphold high ethical standards, fostering collaboration across the industry.

    The conversation covers 'direct physical loss' in insurance policies, its impact on actual and consequential damages, and the importance of accurate documentation to avoid estimate inflation. They also examine the concept of indemnity, focusing on depreciating electronic items, and David introduces a historical perspective on replacement cost policies versus Actual Cash Value, setting the stage for future in-depth discussions.

    The trio discusses the challenges of estimating repair and replacement costs, emphasizing the need for clear communication between field and desk adjusters to bridge interpretation gaps and prevent estimation extremes.

    They conclude by discussing strategies to manage resistance and gamesmanship in post-disaster restorations, stressing transparency and ethical practices. David commits to further exploring historical insurance valuation cases, and Chantal plans to feature his insights in her risk management class.

    This episode not only highlights the essential roles and responsibilities within the insurance claims industry but also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and ethical conduct for effective and fair outcomes.

    Our guest's information:

    David R. Princeton, CPCU, AMIM, AIC, CSRP
    Principal Consultant
    Advocate Claim Service, LLC.
    (414)841-6462
    David@AdvocateClaimService.com
    www.AdvocateClaimService.com

    For more insights, you might consider a career in liability adjusting or if you're searching for reliable adjusting services, visit Auten Claims Management.

    To explore more about Chantal Roberts and her contributions to the industry, visit CMR Consulting.

    Promotions:

    • Once Upon a Claim: Explore the magical world of claims adjusting through fairy tales. Get your copy now.
    • The Art of Adjusting®: Master the art of claims adjusting with practical insights and expert advice. Purchase here.




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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Episode #52 - Slip and Fall Investigations: Five Defenses You Need to Know
    Oct 11 2024

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    In this episode of The Art of Adjusting®, William Auten takes a deep dive into one of the most common liability claims: slip and fall cases, particularly those involving snow and ice conditions. William outlines five essential defenses adjusters and attorneys must consider when investigating these claims, such as the storm in progress doctrine, non-delegable duties of property owners, and proving causation with concrete evidence. This episode highlights the importance of regular inspections, proper maintenance protocols, and thorough documentation. William shares valuable insights on how industries like insurance, property management, and snow removal can reduce liability risks through well-documented maintenance efforts and innovative technology solutions. Tune in for a concise yet impactful discussion that will leave you better equipped to handle slip and fall claims.

    For more insights, you might consider a career in liability adjusting or if you're searching for reliable adjusting services, visit Auten Claims Management.

    To explore more about Chantal Roberts and her contributions to the industry, visit CMR Consulting.

    Promotions:

    • Once Upon a Claim: Explore the magical world of claims adjusting through fairy tales. Get your copy now.
    • The Art of Adjusting®: Master the art of claims adjusting with practical insights and expert advice. Purchase here.




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    22 mins
  • Episode #51 - What We Love About Being a Claims Adjuster
    Sep 26 2024

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    In this episode, Chantal and William share their personal journeys into the world of claims adjusting, offering insight into what fuels their passion for the profession. They explore the fulfilling aspects of the job, memorable cases that have left a lasting impact, and the unique challenges that come with navigating difficult situations. From stories of overcoming obstacles to advice for future adjusters, this episode provides a heartfelt look at the rewards of a career in adjusting, along with a glimpse into the future of the industry. Whether you're an experienced adjuster or considering entering the field, this episode will inspire and inform.

    For more insights, you might consider a career in liability adjusting or if you're searching for reliable adjusting services, visit Auten Claims Management.

    To explore more about Chantal Roberts and her contributions to the industry, visit CMR Consulting.

    Promotions:

    • Once Upon a Claim: Explore the magical world of claims adjusting through fairy tales. Get your copy now.
    • The Art of Adjusting®: Master the art of claims adjusting with practical insights and expert advice. Purchase here.




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    53 mins
  • Episode #50 - Multi-Line Adjusting: Tackling Property, Liability, and Everything in Between
    Sep 12 2024

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    Join hosts Chantal Roberts and William Auten as they celebrate the 50th episode of The Art of Adjusting® podcast with an in-depth discussion on the world of multi-line adjusting. They break down the benefits of holding a general adjuster’s license and the flexibility it brings, while also exploring the unique challenges of handling both property and liability claims. Chantal and William share their insights on the investigative nature of liability work, the realities faced by independent adjusters, and the importance of mentorship and continuous learning. Additionally, the episode highlights the unique experiences of female adjusters and dives into the complexities of determining claim values. Whether you're new to the industry or a seasoned professional, this episode is packed with practical advice and expert knowledge.

    Looking for work as an IA? Join our roster!

    For more insights, you might consider a career in liability adjusting or if you're searching for reliable adjusting services, visit Auten Claims Management.

    To explore more about Chantal Roberts and her contributions to the industry, visit CMR Consulting.

    Promotions:

    • Once Upon a Claim: Explore the magical world of claims adjusting through fairy tales. Get your copy now.
    • The Art of Adjusting®: Master the art of claims adjusting with practical insights and expert advice. Purchase here.




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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Episode #49 - From Army Investigator to Insurance Expert: Insights from Barry Zalma
    Aug 29 2024

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    In this episode, Chantal Roberts and William Auten welcome Barry Zalma, a seasoned insurance industry professional with over 56 years of experience. The trio discusses the changing role of insurance adjusters, their relationship with policyholders, and the current challenges faced by the industry.


    Barry shares his journey from a military investigator to a trainee adjuster and recounts significant cases that shaped his career. Barry focuses on the critical importance of effective and fair claims handling for the profitability of insurance companies and the detrimental impact of poor handling practices. The team also grapple insurance fraud, the adversarial nature of the legal system, and the challenges posed by public adjusters.

    Barry Zalma publishes daily blogs and a TON of informative content. Check him out here:

    https://zalma.com/

    https://substack.com/@barryzalma

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-zalma-esq-cfe-a6b5257/

    https://zalma.com/blog/

    https://www.youtube.com/@barryzalma2886

    For more insights, you might consider a career in liability adjusting or if you're searching for reliable adjusting services, visit Auten Claims Management.

    To explore more about Chantal Roberts and her contributions to the industry, visit CMR Consulting.

    Promotions:

    • Once Upon a Claim: Explore the magical world of claims adjusting through fairy tales. Get your copy now.
    • The Art of Adjusting®: Master the art of claims adjusting with practical insights and expert advice. Purchase here.




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    56 mins
  • Episode #48 - Balancing Obligations: The Art of Ethical Claims Handling
    Aug 15 2024

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    In this episode of The Art of Adjusting®, hosts Chantal and William dive deep into the duties and responsibilities that insurance carriers have towards third-party claimants. They explore the fine line between contractual and moral obligations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining goodwill and treating claimants with respect to avoid potential pitfalls like excess verdicts against policyholders.

    The discussion covers the complexities of handling insurance claims, including the critical need for thorough documentation, the risks of claim denials, and the challenges of accurately determining claim values. Chantal and William also tackle the controversial topic of "low balling" in insurance claims, offering insights into how adjusters can properly justify claim values to avoid accusations of bad faith.

    Listeners will gain valuable advice on improving the claims process, such as the importance of early requests for medical records, clear communication with claimants, and the strategic use of partial settlements in severe injury cases. Chantal and William also share personal anecdotes and tease an upcoming episode featuring Barry Zama, a renowned expert in insurance claims, promising a deep dive into fraud prevention and best practices.

    Tune in to learn how to navigate the intricacies of claims handling while upholding professionalism and integrity in the industry.

    For more insights, you might consider a career in liability adjusting or if you're searching for reliable adjusting services, visit Auten Claims Management.

    To explore more about Chantal Roberts and her contributions to the industry, visit CMR Consulting.

    Promotions:

    • Once Upon a Claim: Explore the magical world of claims adjusting through fairy tales. Get your copy now.
    • The Art of Adjusting®: Master the art of claims adjusting with practical insights and expert advice. Purchase here.




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    54 mins