The insured lives in a single-family home in Austin, Texas. While hanging a shelf on the wall in one of the bathrooms, the owner drilled right through the metal stud, directly into a plumbing pipe, causing water damage to the wall and to the carpeting on the floor. (Yes, you heard that correctly, carpeting…in the bathroom!) Should there have been some type of pipe protection near the stud? And, does code even allow carpeting in a bathroom?

Notable Timestamps

[ 00:08 ] - The scenario involves a homeowner drilling into a metal stud and puncturing a plumbing pipe, causing water damage to the wall and bathroom carpet.

[ 01:15 ] - The hosts discuss home "deal breakers" and vintage advertisements.

[ 05:39 ] - PLRB's Building Code Address Report confirms Austin enforces the 2021 IRC and 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC).

[ 06:09 ] - Under the 2021 UPC, pipes within one inch of a metal stud must be protected by at least 18-gauge steel nail plates extending beyond the pipe's diameter to prevent drill punctures.

[ 09:28 ] - The IRC clarifies that permits are not required for finish work such as carpeting.

[ 09:56 ] - Code limits absorbent materials only at the actual tub or shower floor surface. In other words, carpet elsewhere in the bathroom is only prohibited by common sense and not by model building codes.

[ 11:25 ] - While model codes allow bathroom carpeting, local ordinances may impose stricter sanitary rules, so adjusters should always verify municipal amendments before reaching conclusions.

[ 13:52 ] - Ruth summarizes the key points of this episode.

Your PLRB Resources

Address Report
https://members.plrb.org/building-codes

What's New on the Building Codes Address Report?
https://members.plrb.org/documents/whats-new-on-the-building-codes-address-report?query=address%20report

Ask a Code Question
https://members.plrb.org/building-codes/ask-building-code-questions

Employees of member companies also have access to a searchable legal database, hundreds of hours of video trainings, building code materials, weather data, and even the ability to have your coverage questions answered by our team of attorneys (https://www.plrb.org/ask-plrb/) at no additional charge to you or your company.

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Send us your Scenario!

Please reach out to us at 630-509-8704 with your scenario! This could be your "adjuster story" sharing a situation from your claims experience, or a burning question you would like the team to answer. In any case, please omit any personal information as we will anonymize your story before we share. Just reach out to scenario@plrb.org.

Legal Information

The views and opinions expressed in this resource are those of the individual speaker and not necessarily those of the Property & Liability Resource Bureau (PLRB), its membership, or any organization with which the presenter is employed or affiliated. The information, ideas, and opinions are presented as information only and not as legal advice or offers of representation. Individual policy language and state laws vary, and listeners should rely on guidance from their companies and counsel as appropriate.

Music: "Piece of Future" by Keyframe_Audio. Pixabay. Pixabay License.
Font: Metropolis by Chris Simpson. SIL OFL 1.1.
Icons: FontAwesome (SIL OFL 1.1) and Noun Project (royalty-free licenses purchased via subscription).
Sound Effects: Pixabay (Pixabay License) and Freesound.org (CC0).

A supervisor leads a team of very needy CAT adjusters! Over the course of the year, the supervisor fields many questions as it comes up in their claims. Was there hail on X date? Was there lightning in the area? This hurricane is coming soon, where can I get news about it? Winter weather caused a slip and fall!! Where can I find information on wildfire perimeters and California evacuations? For help herding all these cats, we'll head to PLRB.org.

Notable Timestamps

[ 00:00 ] - The episode introduces a scenario where a supervisor fields constant weather-related questions from cat adjusters, highlighting the need for a centralized, reliable source for hail, lightning, hurricanes, wildfires, and more.

[ 02:15 ] - The team previews multiple scenarios—winter storms, hail, lightning, power outages, tornadoes, hurricanes, and wildfires—showing the breadth of searchable weather data available to support claim investigations.

[ 03:16 ] - Using a winter slip-and-fall in Iowa City, Iowa, the report pulls verified storm data from the National Weather Service, including freezing rain reports and hourly observations to validate conditions on the date of loss.

[ 07:42 ] - For hail damage in Illinois, radar-derived data and verified hail reports allow adjusters to map proximity, estimated hail size, and associated severe thunderstorm warnings tied to a specific date and address.

[ 09:53 ] - Lightning reports provide daily probability percentages and satellite detection data, helping assess commercial equipment claims while noting limits in resolution and cloud-to-cloud versus cloud-to-ground distinctions.

[ 12:25 ] - Power outage searches archive data every ten minutes via PowerOutage.us, identifying outage timing, affected customers, and likely storm causes—critical for business interruption investigations.

[ 14:09 ] - A tornado case study of the Mayfield event demonstrates wind reports, damage points, and EF-scale path polygons, enabling precise analysis of storm track and intensity relative to a property.

[ 17:31 ] - Wildfire tools include historical perimeters like the Garnett Fire, evacuation zones, thermal hotspots, smoke analysis from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data, and hurricane spaghetti models—underscoring a single portal for comprehensive weather intelligence.

[ 17:49 ] - Dylan summarized upcoming PLRB Weather/CATs developments.

Your PLRB Resources

Weather/CATS Hub - https://members.plrb.org/weather-cat/

Employees of member companies also have access to a searchable legal database, hundreds of hours of video trainings, building code materials, weather data, and even the ability to have your coverage questions answered by our team of attorneys (https://www.plrb.org/ask-plrb/) at no additional charge to you or your company.

Subscribe to this Podcast

Your Podcast App - Please subscribe and rate us on your favorite podcast app

YouTube - Please like and subscribe at @plrb

LinkedIN - Please follow at "Property and Liability Resource Bureau"

Send us your Scenario!

Please reach out to us at 630-509-8704 with your scenario! This could be your "adjuster story" sharing a situation from your claims experience, or a burning question you would like the team to answer. In any case, please omit any personal information as we will anonymize your story before we share. Just reach out to scenario@plrb.org.

Legal Information

The views and opinions expressed in this resource are those of the individual speaker and not necessarily those of the Property & Liability Resource Bureau (PLRB), its membership, or any organization with which the presenter is employed or affiliated. The information, ideas, and opinions are presented as information only and not as legal advice or offers of representation. Individual policy language and state laws vary, and listeners should rely on guidance from their companies and counsel as appropriate.

Music: "Piece of Future" by Keyframe_Audio. Pixabay. Pixabay License.
Font: Metropolis by Chris Simpson. SIL OFL 1.1.
Icons: FontAwesome (SIL OFL 1.1) and Noun Project (royalty-free licenses purchased via subscription).
Sound Effects: Pixabay (Pixabay License) and Freesound.org (CC0).

A restaurant experienced a power outage lasting over an hour and a half. Because of the outage, they decided to close for the rest of the evening, claiming lost revenue from missed dinner service. PLRB weather tools will help us explore outage duration, date and time, location, and eventual cause. As we investigate, we'll encounter an efficient proximate cause issue, the electrical currents exclusion, and a fried squirrel.

Notable Timestamps

[ 00:00 ] - The episode sets up a real-world insurance scenario: a restaurant closes after a 90-minute power outage and claims lost revenue, raising questions about cause, duration, and coverage.

[ 00:38 ] - Investigating a power outage starts with verifying the exact date, time, duration, location, and cause, all of which are critical inputs for determining whether a claim may be payable.

[ 02:29 ] - Using PLRB's power outage report, investigators can search by address and date range, view outages within a one-mile radius, and see results on an interactive map and data table.

[ 03:14 ] - Outage data comes from utilities nationwide, gets updated every ten minutes, and covers about 87% of U.S. electric customers. This report helps establish whether an insured location likely lost power.

[ 05:04 ] - The report shows outage IDs, UTC timestamps, customer counts, utility names, estimated restoration times, and potentially the confirmed cause, all exportable in a shareable PDF.

[ 06:53 ] - Determining the outage cause is essential because many policies distinguish between natural events and artificial causes, which can directly affect coverage decisions.

[ 08:19 ] - In this case, investigators found the outage was caused by a squirrel contacting electrical equipment, leading to arcing that damaged a transformer and knocked out power.

[ 13:04 ] - The court rejected "but for" causation and made a ruling that did not invalidate the policy exclusion.

[ 17:49 ] - Dylan summarized upcoming PLRB Weather/CATs developments.

Your PLRB Resources

Weather/CATS: Get a Power Outage Report - https://members.plrb.org/weather-cat/power-outage-report

Case Law Review: City of West Liberty v. Employers Mutual Cas. Co., 922 N.W.2d 876 (Iowa 2/01/19) -
https://members.plrb.org/documents/city-of-west-liberty-v-employers-mutual-cas-co-2019

Employees of member companies also have access to a searchable legal database, hundreds of hours of video trainings, building code materials, weather data, and even the ability to have your coverage questions answered by our team of attorneys (https://www.plrb.org/ask-plrb/) at no additional charge to you or your company.

Subscribe to this Podcast

Your Podcast App - Please subscribe and rate us on your favorite podcast app

YouTube - Please like and subscribe at @plrb

LinkedIN - Please follow at "Property and Liability Resource Bureau"

Send us your Scenario!

Please reach out to us at 630-509-8704 with your scenario! This could be your "adjuster story" sharing a situation from your claims experience, or a burning question you would like the team to answer. In any case, please omit any personal information as we will anonymize your story before we share. Just reach out to scenario@plrb.org.

Legal Information

The views and opinions expressed in this resource are those of the individual speaker and not necessarily those of the Property & Liability Resource Bureau (PLRB), its membership, or any organization with which the presenter is employed or affiliated. The information, ideas, and opinions are presented as information only and not as legal advice or offers of representation. Individual policy language and state laws vary, and listeners should rely on guidance from their companies and counsel as appropriate.

Music: "Piece of Future" by Keyframe_Audio. Pixabay. Pixabay License.
Font: Metropolis by Chris Simpson. SIL OFL 1.1.
Icons: FontAwesome (SIL OFL 1.1) and Noun Project (royalty-free licenses purchased via subscription).
Sound Effects: Pixabay (Pixabay License) and Freesound.org (CC0).

You're a new exhibitor, and you're excited and anxious about your first visit to the PLRB Claims Conference. How will you handle the rushes of attendees and the breaks between them? How will you build relationships that will last after you leave the Expo floor? What tone will you strike with members? Gemcor has been attending PLRB since 1984, just three years after our dad founded the company. It's the one conference we commit to every single year, and today we'll share our perspective.

Notable Timestamps

[ 00:58 ] - In this scenario, a new exhibitor is hoping for success at the upcoming PLRB conference.

[ 03:27 ] - The team discusses their favorite conference locations.

[ 07:59 ] - Successful exhibitors emphasize consistency and face-to-face connection as the core driver of lasting client relationships.

[ 10:57 ] - Every conversation counts, even if someone isn't a potential client at that moment.

[ 12:07 ] - Conferences surface real-time industry trends and information, from informal hallway conversations.

[ 13:19 ] - Downtime isn't wasted time if it's used appropriately.

[ 14:55 ] - Follow-up is critical to keep the momentum going after a conference.

[ 16:40 ] - Booth presence matters: engaged, approachable exhibitors attract more meaningful interactions.

[ 17:49 ] - Dana summarizes the key points above.

Your PLRB Resources

PLRB Events: Upcoming Events - https://members.plrb.org/events/

Claims Conference: Event Site - http://www.plrbclaimsconference.org/

Affiliate Membership: Which PLRB Affiliate Membership Is Right for You? - https://www.plrb.org/affiliate/

Employees of member companies also have access to a searchable legal database, hundreds of hours of video trainings, building code materials, weather data, and even the ability to have your coverage questions answered by our team of attorneys (https://www.plrb.org/ask-plrb/) at no additional charge to you or your company.

Subscribe to this Podcast

Your Podcast App - Please subscribe and rate us on your favorite podcast app

YouTube - Please like and subscribe at @plrb

LinkedIN - Please follow at "Property and Liability Resource Bureau"

Send us your Scenario!

Please reach out to us at 630-509-8704 with your scenario! This could be your "adjuster story" sharing a situation from your claims experience, or a burning question you would like the team to answer. In any case, please omit any personal information as we will anonymize your story before we share. Just reach out to scenario@plrb.org.

Legal Information

The views and opinions expressed in this resource are those of the individual speaker and not necessarily those of the Property & Liability Resource Bureau (PLRB), its membership, or any organization with which the presenter is employed or affiliated. The information, ideas, and opinions are presented as information only and not as legal advice or offers of representation. Individual policy language and state laws vary, and listeners should rely on guidance from their companies and counsel as appropriate.

Music: "Piece of Future" by Keyframe_Audio. Pixabay. Pixabay License.
Font: Metropolis by Chris Simpson. SIL OFL 1.1.
Icons: FontAwesome (SIL OFL 1.1) and Noun Project (royalty-free licenses purchased via subscription).
Sound Effects: Pixabay (Pixabay License) and Freesound.org (CC0).

For this holiday week, we'd like to prepare you for the upcoming PLRB Claims Conference, so we're sharing a classic episode featuring some highlights on what to expect. You might notice some details specific to the original date of taping, but we've lightly edited it to keep it relevant. We're looking forward to seeing you at the conference!

A supervisor is leading a small but mighty teams of adjusters, and they're taking their team to Indianapolis this spring for the 2025 PLRB Claims Conference. The only problem? They've never been before and have no idea where to start.

Notable Timestamps

[ 00:15 ] - One more salute to our once and future host, Alissha Watley.

[ 00:40 ] - Our team of claims professionals is headed to Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN for the 2025 PLRB Claims Conference, held on March 31 to April 2.

[ 01:50 ] - The team reminisces about past conferences and tornado alarms.

[ 02:40 ] - Stop by the registration desk to get your badge. If you're in town on Sunday, check out the Orientation for First-Time Attendees, and then the Claims Conference Welcome Reception.

[ 04:17 ] - On Monday morning, kick off with the general session "The Power of Uncertainty" by Renee Bruns of Renee Bruns Coaching & Consulting, LLC.

[ 04:40 ] - The Insurance Services Expo is a great place to connect with new products and service providers.

[ 05:11 ] - PLRB will be hosting a booth at the Claims Conference, featuring lightning talks from PLRB staff and guests.

[ 07:30 ] - Select from over 100 educational sessions to choose from, across 14 educational tracks. Get your CE Credits and the training you need to succeed.

[ 10:30 ] - Lunchtime! The lunch hour is a great chance to check out the Expo hall and build connections. Who said there's no such thing as a free lunch?

[ 11:36 ] - On Tuesday, check out PLRB Presents for short impactful talks; Future of Insurance for a thought leadership panel hosted by PLRB CEO Bryan Falchuk; and the Women's Walk coordinated by Girls Give Back.

[ 13:00 ] - On Wednesday, stick around for a Backyard BBQ Luncheon.

[ 14:16 ] - Register at PLRB.org under the Events tab.

[ 15:05 ] - Mike provides a recap of the scenario and the points above.

Your PLRB Resources

Visit plrbclaimsconference.org or download the PLRB app to register, find a hotel, sign up for your sessions, and more.

Employees of member companies also have access to a searchable legal database, hundreds of hours of video trainings, building code materials, weather data, and even the ability to have your coverage questions answered by our team of attorneys (https://www.plrb.org/ask-plrb/) at no additional charge to you or your company.

Subscribe to this Podcast

Your Podcast App - Please subscribe and rate us on your favorite podcast app

YouTube - Please like and subscribe at @plrb

LinkedIN - Please follow at "Property and Liability Resource Bureau"

Send us your Scenario!

Please reach out to us at 630-509-8704 with your scenario! This could be your "adjuster story" sharing a situation from your claims experience, or a burning question you would like the team to answer. In any case, please omit any personal information as we will anonymize your story before we share. Just reach out to scenario@plrb.org.

Legal Information

The views and opinions expressed in this resource are those of the individual speaker and not necessarily those of the Property & Liability Resource Bureau (PLRB), its membership, or any organization with which the presenter is employed or affiliated. The information, ideas, and opinions are presented as information only and not as legal advice or offers of representation. Individual policy language and state laws vary, and listeners should rely on guidance from their companies and counsel as appropriate.

Music: "Piece of Future" by Keyframe_Audio. Pixabay. Pixabay License.
Font: Metropolis by Chris Simpson. SIL OFL 1.1.
Icons: FontAwesome (SIL OFL 1.1) and Noun Project (royalty-free licenses purchased via subscription).
Sound Effects: Pixabay (Pixabay License) and Freesound.org (CC0).

The insured felt like she did everything right. She insured the ring when she bought it, kept it scheduled on her policy, kept up with maintenance, and filed a claim right away when it was stolen. She even submitted the original appraisal for $22,000 so the insurance company would know how much to write on the check. So she was shocked when the insurance payout was only $14,000. Apparently diamonds are cheaper today, but she thinks: "shouldn't the appraisal lock in the cost?"

Notable Timestamps

[ 00:45 ] - An insured may assume an appraisal amount guarantees payout, but jewelry claims often hinge on policy type and current replacement cost, not the dollar figure listed on the appraisal.

[ 02:00 ] - Jewelry appraisals lack a single governing standard; credentials vary widely, making it critical for carriers to evaluate who prepared the appraisal and whether it meets insurer expectations.

[ 04:20 ] - Premiums may be based on a scheduled value, yet replacement cost policies aim to restore the item itself, which can result in payouts lower or higher than the original appraisal.

[ 06:10 ] - Clear communication from agents and adjusters about agreed value versus replacement cost policies can prevent frustration and disputes when a jewelry claim is settled.

[ 08:10 ] - Replacement cost focuses on replicating the exact item—cut, color, clarity, and materials rather than paying the appraisal number, which can change with market conditions.

[ 09:30 ] - It is the insured's responsibility to keep appraisals updated; insurers do not automatically adjust jewelry values for inflation or market shifts in metals and gemstones.

[ 11:40 ] - Outdated or inflated appraisals can create claim friction, while modern update tools and reminders help carriers reduce underinsurance and improve customer satisfaction.

[ 14:45 ] - Early education about policy limits, valuation methods, and appraisal updates builds trust, supports smoother claims handling, and leads to a more positive claims experience.

[ 17:12 ] - Brennan summarizes the key points above.

Your PLRB Resources

CE Course: Jewelry Valuation & Adjustment - https://members.plrb.org/education/courses/jewelry-valuation-amp-adjustment

Coverage Question: Agreed Value Settlement For Repair Of Jewelry - https://www.plrb.org/documents/wedding-ring-diamond-replaced-w-o-notifying-insurer-acv-for-original-ring-pcq-2009-10-08/?search=diamond%20value
https://members.plrb.org/education/courses/a-deep-dive-into-a-premises-liability-claim-part-1

Employees of member companies also have access to a searchable legal database, hundreds of hours of video trainings, building code materials, weather data, and even the ability to have your coverage questions answered by our team of attorneys (https://www.plrb.org/ask-plrb/) at no additional charge to you or your company.

Subscribe to this Podcast

Your Podcast App - Please subscribe and rate us on your favorite podcast app

YouTube - Please like and subscribe at @plrb

LinkedIN - Please follow at "Property and Liability Resource Bureau"

Send us your Scenario!

Please reach out to us at 630-509-8704 with your scenario! This could be your "adjuster story" sharing a situation from your claims experience, or a burning question you would like the team to answer. In any case, please omit any personal information as we will anonymize your story before we share. Just reach out to scenario@plrb.org.

Legal Information

The views and opinions expressed in this resource are those of the individual speaker and not necessarily those of the Property & Liability Resource Bureau (PLRB), its membership, or any organization with which the presenter is employed or affiliated. The information, ideas, and opinions are presented as information only and not as legal advice or offers of representation. Individual policy language and state laws vary, and listeners should rely on guidance from their companies and counsel as appropriate.

Music: "Piece of Future" by Keyframe_Audio. Pixabay. Pixabay License.
Font: Metropolis by Chris Simpson. SIL OFL 1.1.
Icons: FontAwesome (SIL OFL 1.1) and Noun Project (royalty-free licenses purchased via subscription).
Sound Effects: Pixabay (Pixabay License) and Freesound.org (CC0).

Swine & Dine Farms underwent a devastating loss when a ventilation system shut off, resulting in the deaths of 2,400 hogs. Swine & Dine didn't own the hogs: they were contract growers raising the hogs for an "integrator," the contract owner of the animals who is not suing for the value of the lost hogs. What liability coverage is available for these folks?

Notable Timestamps

[ 00:41 ] - A ventilation failure led to the suffocation of thousands of hogs raised by a Contract Grower.

[ 04:47 ] - This scenario centers on farm commercial liability policies, not property coverage.

[ 05:20 ] - Standard farm liability forms often exclude damage to property in the insured's care, custody, or control, with narrow exceptions that may not fit contract grower operations.

[ 07:45 ] - Adjusters should obtain and closely review the grower–integrator contract, as it may define ownership, responsibilities, and procedures that directly affect liability and coverage.

[ 08:46 ] - Force majeure clauses can limit or eliminate liability when losses arise from events beyond a party's reasonable control, but their applicability depends on precise contract language.

[ 11:08 ] - Coverage and defense issues may diverge, requiring careful coordination when contracts include provisions that could waive recovery even if coverage defenses exist.

[ 12:51 ] - Brennan summarizes the key points above.

Your PLRB Resources

Recorded Webinar: Farm Bureau Town Hall Meeting - https://members.plrb.org/education/courses/farm-bureau-town-hall-meeting

CE Course: Specialized Equipment Losses - https://members.plrb.org/education/courses/specialized-equipment-losses

Listeners can email education@plrb.org for help navigating resources, requesting new content, or getting tailored curriculum support.

Employees of member companies also have access to a searchable legal database, hundreds of hours of video trainings, building code materials, weather data, and even the ability to have your coverage questions answered by our team of attorneys (https://www.plrb.org/ask-plrb/) at no additional charge to you or your company.

Subscribe to this Podcast

Your Podcast App - Please subscribe and rate us on your favorite podcast app

YouTube - Please like and subscribe at @plrb

LinkedIN - Please follow at "Property and Liability Resource Bureau"

Send us your Scenario!

Please reach out to us at 630-509-8704 with your scenario! This could be your "adjuster story" sharing a situation from your claims experience, or a burning question you would like the team to answer. In any case, please omit any personal information as we will anonymize your story before we share. Just reach out to scenario@plrb.org.

Legal Information

The views and opinions expressed in this resource are those of the individual speaker and not necessarily those of the Property & Liability Resource Bureau (PLRB), its membership, or any organization with which the presenter is employed or affiliated. The information, ideas, and opinions are presented as information only and not as legal advice or offers of representation. Individual policy language and state laws vary, and listeners should rely on guidance from their companies and counsel as appropriate.

Music: "Piece of Future" by Keyframe_Audio. Pixabay. Pixabay License.
Font: Metropolis by Chris Simpson. SIL OFL 1.1.
Icons: FontAwesome (SIL OFL 1.1) and Noun Project (royalty-free licenses purchased via subscription).
Sound Effects: Pixabay (Pixabay License) and Freesound.org (CC0).