Location: Texas

EFI Global and Vale Training join forces to provide Roof Certification Program

Advanced certification provides professional roofing expertise associated with construction, damages, and repairs for a variety of residential and commercial roofing systems

EFI Global, a leading provider of forensic engineering, fire investigation, environmental, and laboratory testing services, and Vale Training, an independent division of Cunningham Lindsey specializing in training for adjusters and appraisers, announced today the launch of the EVS Specialist Program with a specialty in roofing certification, known as the EVS/R® Certification.

The vast majority of insurance losses today are building envelope-related, specifically in the area of residential and commercial roofing systems.  With the EVS/R® Certification, property damage appraisers can expedite roofing claims using qualitative evaluation and investigative techniques gained from the EVS/R® course on residential and commercial roofing systems. The certification requires industry related experience and/or education, and completion of a 4-day classroom course with detailed instruction on steep and low slope roofs, including construction, coverings, storm damage assessment, property estimating, product identification and repair methods. Classroom instruction is complemented with hands-on experience with simulated hail mockups to illustrate the impact dynamics on different roofing systems. An individual’s EVS/R® Certification is audited and tracked by Vale Training, while EFI Global Professional Engineers (PEs) and Registered Roof Consultants (RRCs) provide the technical content and course instruction. Once obtained, the EVS/R® Certification comes with a unique certification mark to be used by the certified professional, and is renewed every three years to ensure understanding of modern techniques, building codes, and industry trends.

“The risk and claims world of today continues to evolve daily with property complexities that require advanced and highly specialized credentials of all professionals involved,” says Jeremy Mele, President of EFI Global. “The EVS/R® Certification provides a deeper level of professional distinction for experts involved in building envelope issues, and will inherently enhance the quality and accuracy of roofing assessments. We are proud to be at the forefront of advancing the caliber of roofing expertise expected in our industry.”

Matt McCutcheon, Vice President of Vale Training adds, “The launch of the new EVS/R® Certification continues our commitment to provide innovative training curriculums that advance the skills of professionals to evaluate roofing damage for property estimating accuracy.  This is one more certification to add to our vast array of training options we already offer to the claims industry.”

For more information visit: EFI/Vale Specialist Program – Roof

About EFI Global, Inc.
EFI Global, Inc. is a leading provider of forensic engineering, failure analysis, fire investigation, accident reconstruction, environmental and laboratory testing services.  EFI Global experts identify and analyze the facts and provide clients with detailed results, helping them to make informed decisions regarding a loss or project site.  With more than 40 service centers located in the US and Canada, and multi-disciplined experts ready to respond globally, there is always an office or professional ready to respond to the loss or project site.  EFI Global is part of the Cunningham Lindsey family of companies, a leader in the independent insurance claims industry.  For more information, visit www.efiglobal.com.

About Vale Training
Vale Training (Vale) is a Cunningham Lindsey Company and an independent division specializing in training solutions that turn knowledge into productivity. Vale’s staff of experts is unparalleled in training excellence. With a legacy of more than 65 years and over 600 courses and webinars, Vale trains to succeed using 24/7 access to online modules, state of the art classrooms, technology and laboratories, and practical hands-on applications to equip students to use what they learn faster than other training alternatives. Visit our website at www.valetrainingsolutions.com.

Common Pitfalls of Leakage Audits

According to data from the Insurance Information Institute, average indemnity is on the rise over the last several years.

The greatest causes of indemnity leakage are often not what one would think.  Audits without a root cause analysis of deficiencies are likely to cause a claims leader to look in the wrong direction for the keys to improving outcomes.

Pitfall #1-Typical best practice audits are not likely to improve outcomes and effectively control leakage.

Pitfall #2– Best practice audits can report high scores on claims with poor outcomes. The audit questions in an outcome based audit must generate a score that is reflective of the outcome and not just service level compliance.

Pitfall #3-Evolving external factors are not typically considered in best practice audits, so your current best practices and processes may be insufficient to control leakage in today’s environment.

Vale Consulting Services can assist you in analyzing and controlling leakage on property, casualty, worker’s compensation, and litigation management. Please contact us for further information at  [email protected].

Download the VCS Common Pitfalls of Leakage Audits brochure

Doug Fraley appointed U.S. Director of Flood Services

Cunningham Lindsey is pleased to announce the addition of Doug Fraley as Director of Flood Services in the USA. Doug, a specialized expert, will be instrumental in the evolution of our flood services strategy.

Doug is a proven executive with over 30 years of experience in the insurance services industry. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Montana Western. Fraley has demonstrated strong leadership in his numerous executive roles including CEO, COO and Vice President of Marketing and Sales for large third-party administrators (TPAs) and underwriters. In his new role, Doug will expand the focus on flood services to ensure our service delivery meets the needs of TPAs and Write-Your-Own (WYO) carriers.

“Doug’s vast understanding of the needs and expectations of TPAs and WYOs is a tremendous asset to Cunningham Lindsey,” says David Repinski, President & Chief Client Officer, Cunningham Lindsey Americas. “The addition of Doug strengthens our leadership position and reinforces our ongoing commitment to flood services through proven experts who will optimize our performance in the flood claims market.”

Vale launches Vale Consulting Services

Vale Training, a Cunningham Lindsey Company and an independent division specializing in training for adjusters and appraisers in the insurance claims industry, announced today the launch of Vale Consulting Services to provide seasoned executives as claims consultants to advise insurers, brokers, and third party administrators (TPAs) in best practices and processes to address evolving claims challenges.

Vale Consulting Services (VCS) currently specializes in providing leakage analysis for property, casualty, worker’s compensation and litigation management. The analysis is performed by seasoned claims executives averaging 30 years’ experience in claims management. VCS consultants effectively identify the difference in actual payment on a claim versus what should have been paid if all best practices had been followed. VCS consultants go beyond a simple file audit to deliver a thorough analysis of processes and practices that identifies the root causes of the variance and leakage, and provides a strategic plan with constructive recommendations that will ensure fair indemnification, and minimize variance and leakage.

John Fleming, Vice President and Director of Vale Consulting Services, comments “Over the last several years, we have continued to see data indicating that carriers are experiencing a significant rise in indemnity payments for reasons that we have found ultimately lead back to a need for an evolving best practice philosophy across the claims process.” John adds, “Just as the claims industry is ever-changing, so are we, and providing consulting services isn’t new for us. We’ve just expanded, created a dedicated practice to provide consulting services with a team of seasoned professionals who can navigate these modern day challenges of an evolving claims world.”

New additions to Major & Complex Loss division strengthen team along Western U.S.

Dallas, Texas – Cunningham Lindsey, a leading global loss adjusting and claims management company, announced today the addition of several new team members to the Major and Complex Loss (MCL) division of the organization.

Jim Whipple joins the team as Vice President, Senior Executive General Adjuster and is based in Southern California. Jim brings more than 30 years of claims management experience, including extensive experience handling complex multi-million dollar losses. Jim also develops and teaches continuing education classes to individuals in the insurance industry on a variety of topics on loss adjusting and claims management.

Jerald (Jerry) Griffin joins as Executive General Adjuster based in Northern California. During his 30 years in the industry, Jerry has served in several senior loss adjusting and management roles and handled large losses in all aspects of the insurance business.

Also based in Southern California, Cory Robbins joins the MCL team as a Protégé General Adjuster. Cory has a Business degree from Bethany College and was previously a Senior Property Adjuster where he gained experience handling significant losses.

“We believe our continued success depends on the diverse skills and expertise that adjusters like Jim, Jerry and Cory bring to Cunningham Lindsey,” said David Repinski, President and Chief Client Officer of Cunningham Lindsey, Americas. “Together, these gentlemen bring unique backgrounds and perspectives that strengthen our growing MCL division and enhance our ability to serve our clients with expanded expertise along the West coast. We are proud to have them on board.”

Cunningham Lindsey launches inTrust in the US

inTrust expansion into the US leverages existing global brand and capabilities  

Dallas, Texas (April 6, 2016) – Cunningham Lindsey, a leading global loss adjusting and claims management company, is pleased to announce the expansion of its global Third Party Administration (TPA) service inTrust into the United States.

inTrust provides clients with a single point of entry to a TPA service where claims are centrally reported and managed globally for multiple classes of business. This division offers full program, management information and payment management for multiple currencies with access to live claims data and customized reporting via a self-service portal.  The launch of inTrust in the US builds upon the existing success of this service currently managed by dedicated desktop teams across 10 hubs on 5 continents that deliver tailored TPA services 24/7 for claims spanning property, casualty, marine, motor and accident and health.

“At Cunningham Lindsey, we recognize the bespoke claims management needs of our clients are vast and continually evolving,” said David Repinski, President and Chief Client Officer of Cunningham Lindsey, Americas.  “The expansion of inTrust into the US complements our traditional loss adjusting services by providing access to global TPA solutions and metrics that impact claims and minimize future risks.”

Jim Devall rejoins Cunningham Lindsey’s Global Specialty Market Team

Dallas, Texas – Cunningham Lindsey announces the return of Jim Devall to the organization.  Devall is extremely well known in the London and domestic E&S markets, having personally developed and managed both program and open market claims for two of the largest global claims management organizations.

In his new role, Devall will work alongside Jim Martin to lead the U.S. portion of Cunningham Lindsey’s Global Specialty Market Team focused on the London Market by optimizing service delivery, developing new business, and enhancing the client experience.  Devall and Martin bring a combined 40 years of experience with London claims and program management. Together, this dynamic duo will focus on both domestic coverholders as well as London underwriters and brokers.

“I am thrilled to have talented and resourceful individuals like Jim Devall and Jim Martin joined up and leading our U.S. team,” said David Repinski, President & Chief Client Officer of Cunningham Lindsey, Americas.  “Both of these gentlemen have an extensive network of contacts and deep knowledge of the London Market. Their track record of success is unparalleled, and together, they are well placed to steer Cunningham Lindsey towards continued success.”

Jim Devall has 32 years’ experience in the insurance industry and has served in numerous management roles, including Managing Director of Program Operations, Director – Excess & Specialty Services, and Regional Manager of Field Services.  He attended Southwest Texas State University and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science.

Vale Training Solutions reorganizes into a single center of excellence

Central campus to meet industry’s evolving needs for flexible, on-demand training offerings

Dallas, Texas (January 19, 2016) – Vale Training Solutions (Vale), a Cunningham Lindsey Company and an independent division specializing in training for adjusters and appraisers, insurance and auto restoration for the claims industry, announced today it is reorganizing into a single facility in Dallas, Texas as the “Center of Excellence. ” The Center of Excellence will centralize the resources of Vale in order to enrich the classroom experience with highly qualified faculty on one campus, produce online content for on-demand training offerings, and dispatch top instructors at the client’s request to deliver consistent and updated curriculums.

“Our clients have shared with us their need for changes in the way they want their people to be trained,” said David Repinski, President and Chief Client Officer of Cunningham Lindsey, Americas. “We are proud of the 60-year legacy Vale offers, and the Center of Excellence will allow us to continue providing modern and flexible training offerings that meet the evolving training needs of the insurance and claims industry.”

The Center of Excellence will combine the expertise of the Pennsylvania location with the Dallas operations into a centralized campus effective February 1, 2016.

Jeffrey Cornwell joins as U.S. Head of Forensic Advisory Services

DALLAS, TX – 6 JULY 2015 – Cunningham Lindsey, a leading global loss adjusting and claim management company, announced today the addition of Jeffrey Cornwell as the U.S. Head of Forensic Advisory Services (FAS), an independent division that specializes in the quantification of business interruption and financial losses incident to insurance claims.

Jeffrey will lead the division’s team of professionals as they expand Cunningham Lindsey’s Forensic Advisory Services Team into the U.S. Jeffrey will also work closely with Cunningham Lindsey’s Major and Complex Loss (MCL) team and other adjusters in the industry on catastrophe and major loss quantification.

Jeffrey brings more than 30 years of forensic accounting expertise to Cunningham Lindsey. He specializes in the analysis of insurance claims for business interruption, inventory loss, fixed asset damages, and other complex, multi-million dollar, international insurance claims across Latin America, Europe and Asia. Jeffrey holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration Public Accountancy from California State University and is a member of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants. He is also fluent in Spanish.

“Jeffrey is a very accomplished forensic professional. He brings a unique blend of financial expertise and forensic analytics to assist our clients with identifying and quantifying business interruption and financial losses across a diverse range of industries,” said David Repinski, President and Chief Client Officer of Cunningham Lindsey, Americas. “Launching FAS in the U.S. will leverage our existing capabilities and success from our international forensic advisory services to meet the critical needs of our clients’ increasingly complex and major losses in the U.S.”

FAS U.S. operations will build on our existing offices in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom. In addition, Cornwell’s appointment will assist our London market clients who have an increasing need for on-the-ground forensic advisory services following loss events in the U.S. Our Forensic Advisory specialists across the world regularly partner with insurers, re-insurers and captives to assist in settling insurance claims. We provide forensic expertise to quantify business interruption and other financial impacts of complex losses. Our experts are also engaged by the legal profession to assist in a wide range of contentious matters and disputes.

“I am excited to have a vital role expanding the Forensic Advisory Services Team within the U.S.” said Cornwell. “The financial elements of losses are often the largest and more difficult component of an insurance claim to analyze. Our growing team of U.S. forensic professionals will work closely with our clients, brokers and policy holders and their advisors to uncover the financial evidence to quantify the full financial impact of any loss.”

About Cunningham Lindsey

Cunningham Lindsey is a leading provider of claims management services to the insurance market. The group’s expertise is deployed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year across a wide range of disciplines, from risk management to the handling of subsidence claim portfolios, as well as technical loss adjusting. Cunningham Lindsey serves clients in the insurance industry in more than 60 countries with over 6,000 employees. Forensic Accounting Services (FAS), a division of Cunningham Lindsey, is not a CPA firm and does not offer public accounting services. Further information can be sourced from www.cunninghamlindsey.comwww.forensicadvisoryservices.com

Water and mould threaten new construction

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A water leak in a building in its final phase of construction led to the discovery of mould growth in summer 2014. The discovery threatened to postpone completion of the high rise, which was 90% finished and due to be handed over to its new management company.

 

  • The Challenge

    One suggestion involved the removal of all floors and plasterboard on the floors that had been affected by the water intrusion. Such action would come at a considerable business interruption cost for the developer.

  • The Solution

    EFI Global were contacted by the adjuster running the claim to carry out a detailed inspection and clarify the extent of the problem. The team positively identified mould impacts in three of the units and six building hallways. Within two months of EFI Global’s initial inspection, the mould part of the project was completed. Positive results from the post remedial verification inspection and air sampling meant these areas could be handed back to the developer, allowing him to rebuild and deliver the building on time.