The Savvy Adjuster Podcast

The Savvy Adjuster Podcast returns with a look at various types of residential electrical equipment frequently found in claims. Alpine Intel Sales Operations Manager Chris Nichols is joined by Alpine Intel Executive Vice President of Specialty Assessments Paul Whitmore and Alpine Intel’s Strategic Sales Development Manager Chris Tomlinson, who each have an extensive history in the insurance industry. Listen as they discuss electronics that may fail during the cooler months and what perils, including water damage, might be affecting them.

Discussed in This Episode 

In this episode, Alpine Intel Senior Account Manager Chris Nichols is joined by National Fire Experts Certified Fire Protection Specialists (CFPS) Ted Forbes and Ryan Bain to discuss why it’s important to evaluate fire suppression systems following a fire incident. You’ll understand the difference between the certified fire investigators who determine origin and cause and the fire protection specialists who analyze whether fire suppression systems prevented or failed to prevent the spread of a fire. This can help adjusters determine what may have caused additional losses and if there may be other concerns at a property.

Di...

In this short episode, Senior Account Manager Chris Nichols returns with Forensic Engineer Brennan Clark of Alpine Intel’s Component Testing Laboratories and Curtis Whitfill, Vice President of SIU Compliance and CE Programs at Alpine Intel’s VRC Investigations. They discuss the role potential litigation plays in the evidence-gathering and preserving process for vehicle crash investigations and auto claims.

Discussed in This Episode:

Learn how vehicle forensics and other investigation techniques can be included in the auto claims process during this episode of The Savvy Adjuster Podcast. Senior Account Manager Chris Nichols discusses what a vehicle’s Event Data Recorder, infotainment equipment, and 3D scan can tell adjusters with Forensic Engineer Brennan Clark of Alpine Intel’s Component Testing Laboratories. Curtis Whitfill, vice president of SIU Compliance and CE Programs at Alpine Intel’s VRC Investigations, joins to provide insights on other evidence sources. These include video, neighborhood canvassing, and license plate readers. The pair also shares stories of times this evidence confir...

On this episode of The Savvy Adjuster Podcast, Senior Account Manager Chris Nichols explores the 100% structural assessment process with Jarrod C. Burns, MS, PE, Founder and Principal Engineer of BSC Forensics, part of Alpine Intel’s suite of services. Joining them is Pre-Loss* Co-Founder and Executive Large Loss Specialist Steven Romero, CPCU, AIC, ARM, who offers insurance-industry insight into how this method helps during disputes by reducing exposure and providing easy-to-understand documentation of an entire property. Learn how a team approach, spatial modeling (SAM), and other strategies can lead to more accurate complex claim resolutions.  

*Note: Pre-Loss is...

On this episode of The Savvy Adjuster Podcast, Alpine Intel’s Chief Revenue Officer, Reza Nikrooz, joins Senior Account Manager Chris Nichols to discuss the risks insurance adjusters face when they seek to settle a claim. Using his background in the insurance industry, he explains the risk of making a settlement decision without having all the facts, as well as steps adjusters can take to help ensure better accuracy for claims involving electrical and HVAC equipment. 

Additional Resources

Additional HVA...

Alpine Intel’s Customer Education Director, Jay Dykstra, is back on The Savvy Adjuster Podcast to discuss measures policyholders can take to protect their electronics from lightning and high voltage surge. He’ll explain to Senior Account Manager Chris Nichols and our listeners some options to prevent power surges—and why they’re not always enough.

Additional Resources

Additional Lightning and Surge Resources:

Alpine Intel’s Customer Education Director, Jay Dykstra, once again talks with Senior Account Manager Chris Nichols on The Savvy Adjuster Podcast. This time, their conversation revolves around lightning damage to electronics, HVAC equipment, and more. Jay sheds some light on why policyholders often suspect lightning when another peril is at play, how experts deliver an accurate cause of loss, what items are particularly susceptible to lightning and surge damage, and much more. 

Discussed in This Episode

Chris Nichols welcomes a very special guest to this episode of The Savvy Adjuster Podcast: Damon Stafford, Alpine Intel’s CEO. Damon talks about the philosophies he lays out in his book, Believe in Better: The Evolution of Core Principles That Pioneered an Industry, in which he draws upon his decades of experience to share tips about how leaders can succeed, particularly in the evolving insurance industry, by demonstrating core values, embracing innovation, and getting the most out of your team. 

Discussed in This Episode

This episode of Alpine Intel’s The Savvy Adjuster Podcast features Alpine Intel Technical Education Trainer Kevin Huelsman and Donan licensed Forensic Engineer Josh Hegenderfer sharing intriguing their own stories of inspections of roofs with suspected wind-damage. These examples highlight the unique possibilities in each claim and that the actual cause of loss isn’t always what it was reported to be.

Additional Resources

Additional Wind-Damaged Roofing Resources:

Returning guest and Alpine Intel Technical Education Trainer Kevin Huelsman, and Donan licensed Forensic Engineer Josh Hegenderfer join Senior Account Manager Chris Nichols to talk about how wind can damage asphalt shingle roofs and other perils that might be mistaken for wind. They share their respective insights as a former adjuster and an onsite inspector, so listeners can know when an objective expert assessment is beneficial and what to look for from the engineer’s investigation and report. 

Discussed in This Episode

National Fire Experts Certified Fire Investigator Mark Howard once again sits down with The Savvy Adjuster Podcast host Chris Nichols to talk about kitchen fires. This time, they’re exploring what makes commercial kitchen fire investigations different from residential ones, including the equipment and additional parties more likely to be involved in fire claims impacting hotel, restaurant, or cafeteria kitchens.

Additional Resources 

Additional Commercial Kitchen Fire Resources: 

Join host Chris Nichols in this episode of The Savvy Adjuster Podcast as he chats with National Fire Experts (NFE) Certified Fire Investigator Mark Howard about residential kitchen fires, including range top and cooktop fires. You’ll learn how NFE’s systematic approach to fire investigation helps answer questions adjusters ask about each unique claim. Chris and Mark will also discuss common kitchen fire causes, what interviews can contribute to an investigation, and much more.

Discussed in This Episode

Host Chris Nichols is once again joined by Curtis Whitfill, VRC Investigations’ vice president of SIU compliance and CE programs. Continuing with the theme of scene investigations, this episode explores why they are so important in claims where vehicle insurance fraud is suspected. Learn what red flags might indicate questionable claims and what information an investigator can obtain to confirm their veracity.

Additional Resources 

Additional Scene Investigation and Vehicle Resources: 

In 2025’s first episode of The Savvy Adjuster Podcast, host Chris Nichols welcomes VRC Investigations’ Vice President of SIU Compliance and CE Programs Curtis Whitfill to delve into the importance of scene investigations. Find out what red flags adjusters notice that may indicate the need for an expert, techniques VRC employs to get the evidence to verify claim facts, parties they interview, and more.

Discussed in This Episode

Ad...

We wrap up 2024 on The Savvy Adjuster Podcast with a discussion about how recent and upcoming changes to codes and regulations can impact claims, and a look at the various sources available to adjusters who want to make sure they’re making accurate settlement decisions. Host Chris Nichols is joined by returning guests, Alpine Intel’s Director of Customer Education Jay Dykstra and Donan’s Principal Forensic Engineer Rich Grimshaw, as they touch on HVAC refrigerant legislation, building codes, and more.

Discussed in This Episode

Host Chris Nichols welcomes National Fire Experts General Manager Pat Walsh and Senior National Fire Experts Account Executive Kathleen Riley to talk about NFE’s use of customer feedback and insurance industry pain points to enhance origin and cause investigation offerings. This earned the brand a spot in PropertyCasualty360’s Insurance Luminaries Class of 2024 in the Claims Innovation category. In this short episode, learn how NFE addressed cycle time concerns and updated reports to ensure adjusters had everything they needed to take confident next steps. Listen on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. 

Additional Resources

On this episode of The Savvy Adjuster Podcast, host Chris Nichols is joined by Donan’s Principal Forensic Engineer Rich Grimshaw and Senior Project Engineer Alec Haugdahl to discuss the huge topic of water intrusion, leaks, and other sources of water damage to structural components. Learn from their expertise and experience about internal and external water sources, which structural elements are more vulnerable to moisture damage, and what adjusters should ask when water is a suspected cause of loss.

Discussed in This Episode

Host Chris Nichols is once again joined by Alpine Intel Customer Education Director Jay Dykstra. This time, Jay’s delving into “the dreaded puffback.” Learn what puffbacks are, what can cause them, and what these challenging (and messy) claims can look like for both the adjuster and assessing expert. Listen on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.

Additional Resources

Additional Puffback Resources:

Host Chris Nichols talks about the causes and effects of smoke and fire to HVAC systems with Alpine Intel’s Customer Education Director Jay Dykstra in this episode of The Savvy Adjuster Podcast. Find out why even distant fires may lead to a claim, which different types of smoke can impact equipment, how changing codes and regulations affect adjusters’ processes, and more. 

Discussed in This Episode

Senior National Fire Experts Account Executive Kathleen Riley and NFE Fire Operations Manager John Hill join host Chris Nichols again to talk fire investigations. Specifically, they delve into how both adjusters and certified fire investigators can collect and analyze witness statements – even when stories change or don’t support the facts of the claim. Listen on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.

Additional Resources

Additional Fire Investigation Resources:

Host Chris Nichols is joined in this episode of Alpine Intel’s The Savvy Adjuster Podcast by Senior National Fire Experts (NFE) Account Executive Kathleen Riley and NFE Fire Operations Manager John Hill to talk about how insurance adjusters and certified fire investigators conduct their respective investigations. Find out what each party should look for as well as how information the investigator collects onsite helps with the origin and cause claim. Listen on Apple (https://bit.ly/4fXsUw4), Spotify (https://bit.ly/4dRPNiz), or your favorite podcast platform.

Discussed in This Episode

In this special edition of The Savvy Adjuster Podcast, host Chris Nichols is joined by Ema Roloff, cofounder of Roloff Consulting. Using her years of experience influencing the digital transformation of the insurance industry, Ema answers pressing questions about the future of AI for claims processing as technology grows and changes. Find out how carriers can combine these developments with a human touch to streamline processes and deliver exemplary customer service.

Disclaimer: The views expressed by third-party guests of The Savvy Adjuster Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts and opinions of Alpine I...

Alpine Intel Technical Education Manager Jay Dykstra once again joins host Whitney Boles to discuss some of the more technical aspects of solar equipment. They talk more in-depth about why the often-claimed phrase “solar panels” doesn’t begin to cover the different parts of the equipment you might see in claims – as well the experience that kickstarted Jay’s solar interest.

Additional Resources

Additional Solar Equipment Resources:

Host Whitney Boles is joined in this episode of Alpine Intel’s The Savvy Adjuster Podcast by Alpine Intel Technical Education Manager Jay Dykstra and Donan Senior Forensic Engineer Gary Woodall to talk about solar equipment that appears in property insurance claims. Find out the difference between solar panels and solar arrays, what questions to ask when you’re handling a solar equipment claim, and what you can expect from your expert assessment. 

Discussed in This Episode

CAT claims put a lot of strain on policyholders, insurance professionals, and property assessors, but there are ways to make life a little easier in stressful times. Alpine Intel Technical Education Trainer Kevin Huelsman and Donan Principal Engineer John Miller are back with The Savvy Adjuster Podcast host Chris Nichols to share five things adjusters can do to reduce stress and keep things moving efficiently when dealing with high claim volume.

Additional Resources

Additional CAT Resources:

In this episode of Alpine Intel’s The Savvy Adjuster Podcast, host Chris Nichols discusses CAT property claims and assessments with Alpine Intel Technical Education Trainer Kevin Huelsman and Donan Principal Engineer John Miller. What qualifies as a catastrophe, and who defines it? How can carriers make sure they’re ready to handle the claim volume that comes with these events – and that their assessment partners are, too? Get these answers and more to help adjusters handle a heavy influx of claims due to catastrophic events like tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods in this episode.

Discussed in this Episod...

In this episode of Alpine Intel’s The Savvy Adjuster Podcast, host Whitney Boles is joined by National Fire Experts Fire Operations Manager John Hill and Senior Auto Account Executive Joe Cosgrove to talk about vehicle fires. They cover technology adjusters may see their experts use in these claims, which questions are important to ask, what fire investigators look for onsite, special considerations for electric vehicles, how evidence should be preserved for vehicle fire investigations and potential subrogation, and more.

Discussed in this Episode

A lot of the work to effectively handle large loss fire claims comes before the fire has even occurred by putting a process in place. Lead Fire Investigators Shawn Williams and Jim Sielehr from National Fire Experts once again join host Chris Nichols to share some tips insurance professionals can use to make a plan of action that helps these complex claims proceed efficiently, including lining up partners, being aware of pitfalls, and knowing budgetary constraints.

Additional Resources

Additional Fire I...

In this episode of Alpine Intel’s The Savvy Adjuster Podcast, host Chris Nichols speaks with Lead Fire Investigators Shawn Williams and Jim Sielehr from National Fire Experts. They discuss the unique considerations of a large loss fire, how other parties factor into the process, and how adjusters can ensure they’re picking an assessment partner who’s prepared to handle the complexities of these claims.

Discussed in this Episode

In this episode of Alpine Intel’s The Savvy Adjuster Podcast, Donan Principal Forensic Engineer Marvin Aikens and HVACi Field Operations Manager Joe Brinlee bring their expertise to a follow-up conversation about collateral indicators with host Whitney Boles. After a quick recap of hail, they discuss how other weather phenomena like wind and flooding can impact collaterals. Listen to learn why accurate cause of loss determinations require comprehensive assessments.

Additional Resources

Additional Resources for Hail, Wind, and Flooding:

In this episode of Alpine Intel’s The Savvy Adjuster Podcast, host Whitney Boles is joined by Donan Principal Forensic Engineer Marvin Aikens and HVACi Field Operations Manager Joe Brinlee. They explain why inspecting collateral indicators is important to hail assessments of roofs, structures, and HVAC equipment; the difference between cosmetic impacts and functional hail damage; and when adjusters should consider claim support from both a forensic engineer and an HVAC expert.

Discussed in this Episode

So you need an inspection to determine if your claim’s product loss has subrogation potential. Following up on their rundown of how carriers can benefit from identifying subro. David Riggs, Chief Operations Officer for Engineering, Fire Investigations, and CTL; and Professional Engineer Adrian France once again chat with host Chris Nichols – this time to outline the process for adjusters from first notice of loss to storage after an inspection.

Additional Resources

Additional Plumbing and Subro Resources:

In this episode of Alpine Intel’s The Savvy Adjuster Podcast, host Chris Nichols speaks with David Riggs, Chief Operations Officer for Engineering, Fire Investigations, and CTL; and Professional Engineer Adrian France. They delve into the importance of identifying subrogation potential, common plumbing losses seen in the Component Testing Lab (CTL), what the experts look for to determine if the failure was caused by a manufacturer’s defect, and exploding toilets! Listen and learn what steps you can take to protect your plumbing evidence and more to ensure you don’t let subro opportunities pass you by.

Discus...

Many indicators of damages to HVAC systems can be found via visual inspection. Following up on their discussion about various weather-related perils in episode 3, Alpine Intel’s Technical Director Curt VanNess and Technical Field Manager Chris Molnar join host Whitney Boles once again for a brief look at other causes of loss that evidence surrounding these systems may indicate.

Additional Resources

Additional HVAC Fundamentals:

The Savvy Adjuster Podcast host Whitney Boles speaks with Alpine Intel’s Technical Director Curt VanNess and Technical Field Manager Chris Molnar about HVAC equipment and their experiences with HVACi and beyond. They discuss the fundamentals of common HVAC systems and how adjusters can address claims that include them in the face of changes in climate, codes, and technology.

Discussed in this Episode

Evidence of winds strong enough to damage shingles goes beyond the roof. In this mini episode, Chris follows up with Kevin Huelsman and Gary Ellis about collateral indicators, weather data, and other evidence the experts look at to verify claimed wind damage.

Additional Resources

Additional Wind and Roofing Resources:

The Savvy Adjuster Podcast Host Chris Nichols speaks with Alpine Intel’s Technical Education Trainer Kevin Huelsman and Donan Engineering Professional Engineer Gary Ellis about the big questions surrounding wind damage to asphalt shingle roofs, including evidence of wind damage, variables influencing shingle lifespan, other common causes of loss, and why an assessment by an expert can help adjusters make accurate and fair decisions about these claims.

Discussed in this Episode