By Brian Evans
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September 15, 2024
The 2024 Annual Conference brought together professionals from the insurance claims and public adjusting fields for two days of knowledge sharing, certification, and networking. Held on September 12-13, the conference featured a mix of educational sessions, certification opportunities, and industry updates. The conference kicked off at TWA hotel and events center with a certification for appraisers and umpires, a valuable credential for professionals in the claims adjustment field. Robert Norton, CPCU, AIC of General Adjusting Services, and Jonathan Wilkofsky, Esq. of Wilkofsky, Friedman, Karel & Cummins and general counsel for the Insurance Appraisal and Umpire Association , led the "Appraiser & Umpire Certification Course Prep." This session provided attendees with essential preparatory knowledge ahead of the formal certification course. Norton and Wilkofsky shared their expertise, preparing participants for the complex scenarios they may face as certified professionals in their respective fields. The course provided a deep dive into practical and legal issues appraisers and umpires encounter in claims. This training served as a guide for those looking to further their professional qualifications and understanding of the appraisal process. After a brief break, participants had the option to take the certification exam, a significant step toward advancing their careers as insurance appraisers and umpires. The day wrapped up with a reception at the Sunken Lounge , generously sponsored by ALE Pro Insurance Logistics . Attendees enjoyed a lively hour of networking, refreshments, and industry discussions, setting the tone for the next day’s events. The second day of the conference took place at the 1962 Ballroom, starting early with breakfast and a robust lineup of educational presentations and discussions. Johnathan Lerner, Esq. of Lerner, Arnold & Winston, LLP , led a session titled "Insurable Interests: Navigating the Condo/Co-op and Landlord/Tenant Landscape." Lerner’s insights were particularly valuable for adjusters working in urban markets with intricate property arrangements. Katherine Barone and Jodie Papa from National Fire Adjustment Co., Inc. tackled challenging claims issues in "Advanced Claims Issues: Exploring Broad Evidence, Standard Fire Policy, and Moderation Covered Issues," focusing on the nuances of the Standard Fire Policy and broad evidence doctrine. Their session provided practical advice for their uses and addressed how they can affect the property claims process. The event gave way for brief presentations from the events generous sponsors including Archer Inventory , Total Restoration Inc. , Wilkofsky, Friedman, Karel & Cummins , ALE Pro , Lerner, Arnold and Winston, LLP , We Dry USA , Merlin Law Group , American Dry Cleaners , Strongwater Restoration and Kangaroo Packouts . Later in the morning, Matt Grossbard from Contango IT took the stage to demystify cyber insurance. As cyber threats continue to rise, understanding the coverage nuances of these policies is critical for professionals across the industry. Grossbard’s session covered a broad range of issues and provided strategies, tools, information to help educate attendees on the ways they can protect their clients and businesses from cybercrimes. During a working lunch, Jonathan Wilkofsky, Esq., provided an important ethics update for public adjusters in his session "Ethics Update for Public Adjusters," reinforcing best practices and ethical standards that adjusters must adhere to in an increasingly complex claims landscape. It covered changes to the NY Regulation 10, requirements for PA contracts, legal solicitation practices, and more. One of the most anticipated sessions was with Dennis Artese, Esq . and Grant Brown, Esq . from Anderson Kill , P.C., and Ronald Papa, SPPA of National Fire Adjustment Co., Inc ., discussing real-world case studies on claim adjustments and coverage issues following back-to-back hurricanes that affected a large complex of buildings. This provided invaluable lessons for attendees who manage large-scale disaster claims and insight into advance claims handling challenges and procedures. The NYPAA also introduced www.NewYorkBadFaith.com , a dedicated platform aimed at gathering stories from victims of insurance carrier bad faith in New York. The website will also serve as a fundraising tool to support lobbying efforts for establishing a private cause of action for consumers impacted by bad faith practices. The conference concluded with closing remarks, highlighting the significant growth of NYPAA and the organization’s continued efforts to support the professional development of New York public adjusters. The event reaffirmed NYPAA’s commitment to keeping members informed about industry trends and legislative developments. This year’s conference was a success, offering attendees a blend of practical training, critical industry updates, and opportunities for professional growth and networking. There were many new supporters and return attendees making this year’s 2024 NYPAA Annual Conference the most well attended in the association's history. Whether earning certification or gaining new insights into claims management and coverage, participants walked away better equipped to navigate the challenges of the evolving insurance claims landscape. As a leader in the public adjustment claims industry, and premiere provider of claims management services in New York City and beyond, Eastern Public, LLC was proud to have all our public adjusters attend this year's event. Taking advantage of the ongoing education and benefits provided through the New York Public Adjusters Association are just one of the ways that we ensure our adjusters remain the most knowledgeable and reliable in the industry. Contact us today to learn more about the ways that we can help you and your clients.
