Property Insurance Issues are Primary Focus of 12th Annual Windstorm Insurance Conference
HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The concerns of property insurance and the perils facing the industry and consumers are some of the key issues to be addressed at the Twelfth Annual Windstorm Insurance Conference, set for January 24-27, 2011, at the Hilton Americas, Houston, Texas.
The opening general session (Jan. 25, 9:30-10:15 am) kicks off with keynote speaker Jim Morris, “The Oldest Rookie.” Morris’ life story of following your dreams was the inspiration behind the Walt Disney blockbuster film, “The Rookie,” starring Dennis Quaid. It is also the model for the Oscar-nominated movie, “The Blindside.”
The closing general session (Jan. 27, 9–11:30 am) will feature a diverse group of speakers. 9 am: Warren Faidley, “The Original Storm Chaser” – Faidley is not the first person to pursue storms, but he is the first person to do so as a journalist, cinematographer, and photographer – as a full-time occupation. He has received international acclaim and awards for his photography, videography, and cinematography, in addition to his contributions to severe-weather awareness, safety, and education.
9:45 am: Shifting Tides; Growing (Pool) Pains; The Expanding Role of Quasi-Public Insurance Entities – Amy Bach, Esquire, Executive Director of United Policyholders and a consumer representative to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, will present a snapshot of associations, pools, authorities and plans throughout the country and the pricing, political and consumer dynamics related to them.
10 am: ABA/TIPS PANEL: Evaluating Coverage for Property Insurance Claims Arising From Multiple Causes of Loss – The panel will discuss the myriad issues that arise in the adjustment of property-insurance claims involving multiple causes of loss. The discussion will focus on identifying and resolving causation problems, in particular, those involving concurrent or sequential causes of loss.
Nearly 1,000 property insurance professionals are expected at the three-day event, which is hosted by the Windstorm Insurance Network, Inc. (WIND) (association website: www.windnetwork.com and 2011 conference website, www.windconference.com).
The conference, which is co-sponsored by the American Bar Association/Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section (TIPS), is designed to provide a variety of general sessions and workshops for all segments of the windstorm insurance industry, including insurance agents, insurance company claim managers, adjusters, risk managers, attorneys, accountants, contractors, engineers, and other experts and consultants.
By bringing together all segments of the occupations that deal with the aftermath of a windstorm, the 2011 WIND Conference seeks to develop and promote a greater understanding of windstorm issues among property insurance professionals. Approximately 1,400 people attended the 2010 WIND Conference in Jacksonville, Florida.
In addition to keynote presentations, more than 40 professional workshops will focus on important issues and developments arising out of past hurricane seasons. Topics include building code updates, commercial losses, examinations under oath, appraisals, insurance fraud, green building claims, estimating and scoping damage, and property insurance law updates, among others.
The 2011 WIND Conference will offer an expanded continuing education (CE) program with general sessions and workshops that provide credits to insurance agents, adjusters, attorneys, contractors, engineers, and for several professional disciplines in multiple states. Certifications will also be offered by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), the Windstorm Insurance Network Umpire Certification Program, and the newly created WIND Professional Appraiser Designation.
Log on to www.windconference.com for a complete schedule and for instant downloading of the 2011 WIND Conference brochure.
The Windstorm Insurance Network is the first educational member organization for windstorm claims industry professionals. It was formed in 1999 with the goal of bringing a diverse industry group together to review and discuss windstorm related insurance issues and concerns.