AILA Conference

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AILA Conference

• Natural Disasters
• Challenges Lessons
• The Adjusters View
• Ian Lavin ANZIIF (Fellow) FCLA CIP

Oct. 2009
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The Loss Adjuster

• Impartial interface between the Insurer and
  Claimant
• Extensive experience in natural disasters
• Usually the first face of the insurance industry
• Brings skills and experience other than purely
  technical
• Local resources limited by business as usual
  restraints

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Managing the EventEvery event presents specific
challenges 1. Geographic

• Location, reptiles, disease
• OH S debriefing, counselling, communication
• Extent of damage quality of risks
• Travel access

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2. Regulatory

• Political climate
• Taskforce
• Asbestos management
• Building Code changes
• Media

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3. Social

• Reticence to relocate
• Accommodation shortages
• Additional benefits alternative settlements
• Tail of repairs
• Fraud exaggeration
• Loyalty to local trades
• Underinsurance and effect of increased costs

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4. Insurance Issues

• Varied and often inconsistent approach by
  Insurers
• Triage issues
• Generous with authorities approach to
  settlements
• Processing issues need to be quickly overcome

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Dealing with Stressed Community

• Rapid response
• Generous approach by Insurers, policy quantum
• Regular clear communication
• Management of settlements building repairs
  (delays)
• Loss Adjusters play key role

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Lessons from recent Cats

• Frequent, clear communication vital
• Meet expectations
• Claims ideally handled locally
• Importance of triage
• Maximise use of technology, field and back office

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Summary

• Catastrophes are all unique
• Learn from experience and refine
• Loss Adjusters well skilled to assist