The Savvy Adjuster Podcast

Alpine Intel
  • 4.6 (13)
  • Management
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to Alpine Intel’s The Savvy Adjuster Podcast, where insurance professionals can hear discussions by experts on a variety of topics related to what you may see in claims. We’ll discuss roof damages, electrical and HVAC system losses, product failures, fire origin and cause, workers’ compensation, complex commercial properties and equipment, and so much more. Each episode features guests from Alpine Intel’s operating brands—HVACi, StrikeCheck, National Fire Experts, Donan Engineering, Component Testing Laboratories, VRC Investigations, The Robison Group, TechLoss Consulting & Restoration, BSC Forensics, and Mecanica Scientific Services—who share their knowledge and experience through conversation and examples from in the field. Get an inside look at what the experts consider during assessments and how their insights can help you reach an accurate settlement, right here on The Savvy Adjuster Podcast.

  1. Aug 5

    Storm Damage Tree Removal: Emergency Response and Costs

    When hurricanes, tornadoes, ice storms, and other catastrophic (CAT) events strike, tree removal becomes more complex than clearing a single fallen tree. In this episode of The Savvy Adjuster Podcast, host Chris Nichols is joined by HMI Senior Vice President Doug Cowles and HMI Director of Program Services Gretchen Piechottka to discuss how CAT events affect emergency tree removal operations, response timelines, accessibility, equipment needs, and pricing. Discussed in This Episode How CAT events could impact emergency tree removal and create dangerous tree removal scenarios Considerations for tree damage cleanup and removal affected by flooding, damaged infrastructure, and claim volume Why tree species, terrain, and regional differences influence crew and equipment requirements, such as needing cranes and aerial lifts Why emergency tree removal costs often rise following catastrophic events and how to distinguish legitimate increases from potentially inflated pricing How invoice reviews help evaluate tree removal pricing after services have been completed Real-world stories from major CAT events, including hurricanes and ice storms HMI’s invoice-review services are technical and informational only. HMI does not determine coverage, establish the amount payable under a policy, or negotiate settlements on behalf of the carrier, insured, or contractor. Additional Resources Alpine Intel Resource Library: https://bit.ly/4gldQuK HMI: https://bit.ly/44dJDqj More Tree Removal Resources Guide: HMI’s 2026 Tree Removal Cost Guide: https://bit.ly/4wwIzK9 Article: Understanding Tree and Debris Removal Costs https://alpineintel.com/resource/understanding-tree-and-debris-removal-costs/ Article: 4 Qualities Insurance Carriers Need in a Tree Service Partner https://alpineintel.com/resource/4-qualities-insurance-carriers-need-in-a-tree-service-partner/ Article: Handling Tree Claims: What Adjusters Can Expect https://alpineintel.com/resource/handling-tree-claims-what-adjusters-can-expect/ Guide: How Weather-Related Perils Contribute to Tree Damage https://alpineintel.com/resource/how-weather-related-perils-contribute-to-tree-damage-guide/ Disclaimer: Engineering services are provided by or subcontracted to Alpine Intel Commercial Solutions, LLC, Alpine Intel Commercial Solutions, PLLC, Donan Engineering, LLC, Donan Engineering NC, PLLC, Donan Forensic, LP, BSC Forensic Services, LLC, or BSC Experts, PLLC.

  2. Jul 8

    Emergency Tree Removal Claims: Fair Pricing and Best Practices

    When trees fall on property, the damage is often just the beginning. In this episode of The Savvy Adjuster Podcast, host Alpine Intel Senior Account Manager Chris Nichols is joined by HMI Vice President of Operations Doug Malawsky to discuss how adjusters can navigate emergency tree removal claims with confidence.  Emergency tree removal can impact claim timelines, policyholder satisfaction, and overall claim costs, especially if tree removal pricing is inflated. Whether you’re handling a single tree loss or managing claims after a major CAT event, you’ll gain practical insights into fair pricing, common challenges, and best practices that help keep claims moving while protecting carriers and policyholders. Discussed in This Episode  What qualifies as an emergency tree removal Why rapid response matters How certified arborists help ensure safe and efficient removals How to identify inflated tree removal costs through invoice reviews Understanding price gouging in the tree care industry  Additional Resources  Alpine Intel Resources Page: https://bit.ly/4gldQuK HMI: https://bit.ly/44dJDqj Additional Tree Removal Resources:  Guide: HMI’s 2026 Tree Removal Cost Guide: https://bit.ly/4wwIzK9 Article: How Invoice Reviews Provide Clarity for Tree-Related Claims: https://bit.ly/4eYWiSH Guide: Adjuster’s Guide To Identifying Fair Tree Removal Costs: https://bit.ly/4aHH978 Webinar Recording: Fallen Trees, Rising Claims: The Adjuster’s Guide to Impact and Removal: https://bit.ly/4vK0Jbg Disclaimer: Engineering services are provided by or subcontracted to Alpine Intel Commercial Solutions, LLC, Alpine Intel Commercial Solutions, PLLC, Donan Engineering, LLC, Donan Engineering NC, PLLC, Donan Forensic, LP, BSC Forensic Services, LLC, or BSC Experts, PLLC.

  3. Apr 29

    How Adjusters Can Speed Up Hail and Wind Roof Claims with Donan On Demand

    With spring storm season in full swing, adjusters handling hail and wind damage claims involving asphalt shingle roofs need ways to make the process easier. In this episode of The Savvy Adjuster Podcast, Alpine Intel Executive Vice President of Innovation Chris Scallion joins Sales Operations Manager Chris Nichols to discuss Donan On Demand, a new solution designed to streamline roof damage claims through faster assessments and engineer-backed reporting. Discussed in This Episode  Challenges adjusters face with hail and wind roof damage claims The inspiration behind Donan On Demand and how it addresses these concerns How desk reviews provide actionable, engineer-stamped reports Examples of integrating Donan On Demand into the claims process The role of technology in supporting, and not replacing, licensed engineering expertise Learn More About Donan On Demand: https://bit.ly/4egSBcp Additional Resources Alpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/4ec1x2R Donan Engineering: https://bit.ly/4eMyCCz Additional Shingle Roofing Resources: Article: Wind and Other Damage to Shingle Roofs: https://bit.ly/3OzKFJ0 Article: Identifying Hail Damage to Asphalt Shingle Roofs: https://bit.ly/4vXbaZp eBook: Residential Roofing Fundamentals for Adjusters: https://bit.ly/4mUyBP0 Video: Donan On Demand Teaser: https://bit.ly/4cEdDAv Disclaimer: Engineering services are provided by or subcontracted to Alpine Intel Commercial Solutions, LLC, Alpine Intel Commercial Solutions, PLLC, Donan Engineering, LLC, Donan Engineering NC, PLLC, Donan Forensic, LP, BSC Forensic Services, LLC, or BSC Experts, PLLC.

  4. 12/17/2025

    Smoke and Fire Impacts to Business-Critical Equipment

    In this episode of The Savvy Adjuster Podcast, we’re talking about the effects of smoke and fire damage on business-critical equipment. Host Chris Nichols welcomes back TechLoss Consulting and Restoration Corporate Vice President Bob Karbin and Vice President of Engineering Mikey Minor to discuss concerns about smoke and fire damage claims and the fire damage restoration process. These include corrosive elements in smoke, how extreme heat impacts functionality, and the importance of quickly stabilizing equipment. Listeners will gain insights into how degreed engineers can differentiate between repairable equipment and a total loss, factoring in everything from fire suppression system damage to business interruption. Discussed in This Episode How smoke and fire contamination damages business-critical equipmentThe scientific process of wipe sampling to identify contamination levelsHow damage can also be caused by fire suppression systems and firefighting efforts, introducing water, chemicals, and debrisKey actions adjusters and insureds should take to evaluate lossesThe importance of timeliness to prevent further equipment deterioration and control costsStories from the field detailing unique and challenging smoke and fire claims, including explosions and widespread corrosion eventsAdditional Resources Alpine Intel Resources Page: https://bit.ly/4pKAXRgTechLoss Consulting & Restoration: https://bit.ly/45eWIjNAdditional Resources About Smoke and Fire Damage Claims: Article: Equipment Restoration Following Fire and Water Losses: https://bit.ly/4s00MOHArticle: From FNOL to Resolved: Steps for Business-Critical Equipment Claims: https://bit.ly/3MGrdZJGuide: The Impact of Heat on Equipment: https://bit.ly/3My1Kld Disclaimer: Engineering services are provided by or subcontracted to Alpine Intel Commercial Solutions, LLC, Alpine Intel Commercial Solutions, PLLC, Donan Engineering, LLC, Donan Engineering NC, PLLC, Donan Forensic, LP, BSC Forensic Services, LLC, or BSC Experts, PLLC.

    Smoke and Fire Impacts to Business-Critical Equipment

  5. 12/03/2025

    Drilling Into What To Do With Dental Equipment Claims

    It’s time to drill down into the nuances of dental equipment claims with The Savvy Adjuster Podcast. When a peril impacts a dental office, the damage can extend beyond the patient chair. Host Chris Nichols is joined by TechLoss Consulting and Restoration Corporate Vice President Bob Karbin and Vice President of Engineering Mikey Minor to discuss the wide array of specialized equipment that can be compromised. They explore the common causes of loss, from water and smoke damage to power surges, and outline the critical first steps adjusters should take to mitigate further damage.  Discussed in This Episode The full range of equipment found in a dental office, including specialized lab and operatory toolsCommon perils that impact sensitive equipment, such as water, smoke, power surges, and physical impactCritical first steps and best practices for adjusters to follow when receiving a dental equipment claim to prevent further damageThe role of wear and tear and how degreed engineers can differentiate it from other causes of lossThe restoration and cleaning process for contaminated equipment to return it to pre-loss conditionOptions for securing equipment to minimize business interruption for the insuredReal-world examples and stories from the field of complex dental equipment claimsAdditional Resources Alpine Intel Resources Page: https://bit.ly/44LMUNZTechLoss Consulting & Restoration: https://bit.ly/4pIjjNBAdditional Dental Equipment Claims Resources: Article: Drilling into Dental Equipment Claims: Perils and the Assessment Process: https://bit.ly/3MAr9udGuide: Dental Equipment Assessment and Restoration: https://bit.ly/48LZM9cCase Study: Dental Equipment Claim: https://bit.ly/44KGOxj Disclaimer: Engineering services are provided by or subcontracted to Alpine Intel Commercial Solutions, LLC, Alpine Intel Commercial Solutions, PLLC, Donan Engineering, LLC, Donan Engineering NC, PLLC, Donan Forensic, LP, BSC Forensic Services, LLC, or BSC Experts, PLLC.

  6. 11/12/2025

    More Than Lightning: Other Perils Found in Electrical Equipment Claims

    Lightning and surge are often linked with electronics failures, but other perils might be playing a role. Alpine Intel Executive Vice President of Specialty Assessments Paul Whitmore and Alpine Intel’s Strategic Sales Development Manager Chris Tomlinson rejoin Alpine Intel Sales Operations Manager Chris Nichols on The Savvy Adjuster Podcast to discuss other causes of loss that lead to electrical equipment failures. Discussed in This Episode  Water damage to electronicsWeather-related perilsWhat to do when policyholders report the cause of loss as “unknown”Additional Resources  Alpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/4qOGNlDStrikeCheck: https://bit.ly/47RiryKAdditional Electronics Resources: Guide: Water Damage to Electronics: https://bit.ly/3XnCf88Article: StrikeCheck Electrical System Assessment Tools of the Trade: https://bit.ly/3WPFEMMGuide: Weather Impacts to Electronics Claims: https://bit.ly/47M9OWb Disclaimer: Engineering services are provided by or subcontracted to Alpine Intel Commercial Solutions, LLC, Alpine Intel Commercial Solutions, PLLC, Donan Engineering, LLC, Donan Engineering NC, PLLC, Donan Forensic, LP, BSC Forensic Services, LLC, or BSC Experts, PLLC.

  7. 10/29/2025

    Claimed Residential Electrical Equipment You Shouldn’t Ignore

    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  Outdoor residential electrical equipment often included in claims (including outdoor entertainment systems!)Perils that impact electrically powered equipment in the summer months, such as lightning, and how causes of loss might shift with cooler temperatures to include fire, freezing conditions, and othersWhen repairs may be most appropriate versus a replacementWhy pools and hot tubs might still be included in winter claimsWater damage to electronics, its causes, and its impactsInteresting electronics claims storiesAdditional Resources  Alpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/42UM00YStrikeCheck: https://bit.ly/49liPb8Additional Electronics Resources: Guide: Outdoor Electronics: Your Guide to Perils, Damages, and Assessments: https://bit.ly/4oIh2S8Article: Even Hot Tubs Don’t Like Cold Weather: https://bit.ly/4ofuDQYGuide: Preparing for Winter Electrical Fire Claims Guide: https://bit.ly/4obu2zV Disclaimer: Engineering services are provided by or subcontracted to Alpine Intel Commercial Solutions, LLC, Alpine Intel Commercial Solutions, PLLC, Donan Engineering, LLC, Donan Engineering NC, PLLC, Donan Forensic, LP, BSC Forensic Services, LLC, or BSC Experts, PLLC.

  8. 08/08/2025

    Certified Fire Protection Specialists: How To Tell if Fire Suppression Systems Impacted Fire Losses

    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. Discussed in This Episode: The roles of Certified Fire Protection Specialists and certified fire investigators When during the claims process an adjuster should call for a CFPS How CFPS investigations can be done virtually Different types of Automatic Extinguishing Systems How location and codes impact findingsStories from the field about CFPS investigationsAdditional Resources: Alpine Intel Resource Page: https://bit.ly/476JtDRNational Fire Experts: https://bit.ly/3J7i4YcInvestigating Fire Suppression Systems After Commercial Fires: https://bit.ly/3H1uJvmCertified Fire Protection Specialist Case Study: Investigating a Restaurant Fire: https://bit.ly/4oypsMK5 Questions to Ask After a Kitchen Fire: https://bit.ly/4lk1QskAdjuster’s Glossary of Fire Investigation Terms Guide: https://bit.ly/4ftTnS0 Disclaimer: Engineering services are provided by or subcontracted to Alpine Intel Commercial Solutions, LLC, Alpine Intel Commercial Solutions, PLLC, Donan Engineering, LLC, Donan Engineering NC, PLLC, Donan Forensic, LP, BSC Forensic Services, LLC, or BSC Experts, PLLC.

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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Welcome to Alpine Intel’s The Savvy Adjuster Podcast, where insurance professionals can hear discussions by experts on a variety of topics related to what you may see in claims. We’ll discuss roof damages, electrical and HVAC system losses, product failures, fire origin and cause, workers’ compensation, complex commercial properties and equipment, and so much more. Each episode features guests from Alpine Intel’s operating brands—HVACi, StrikeCheck, National Fire Experts, Donan Engineering, Component Testing Laboratories, VRC Investigations, The Robison Group, TechLoss Consulting & Restoration, BSC Forensics, and Mecanica Scientific Services—who share their knowledge and experience through conversation and examples from in the field. Get an inside look at what the experts consider during assessments and how their insights can help you reach an accurate settlement, right here on The Savvy Adjuster Podcast.

Information

  • Creator
    Alpine Intel
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023 - 2024 The Savvy Adjuster Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Savvy Adjuster Podcast