I was contacted this afternoon to be ready to deploy at a moment's notice to Hawaii. With no sizeable earthquakes in Hawaii in recent history, what are the chances that anyone there actually carries earthquake insurance?  Could this be like the El Paso flood a couple of months ago? I went to school in El Paso, Tx. It's in the desert, and NO, I did not carry flood insurance. El Paso was a non-event as far as a catastrophic insurance event goes. Anyone in the know about Hawaii?

Was curious as to who put you on standby. As I would be interested in going to Hawaii.

I think we all would like to go to Hawaii. I wonder how long it will take for assessments to come in to determine if deployment is warranted.

The link below will take you to a article in which it is stated that "Commercial carriers on the Big Island have not offered earthquake insurance since the late 1980s". click for the article  I went to Hawaii earlier this year for a hurricane drill, while it's great to visit it would be a tough place to work.

 

Thanks for the article Roy. Will have to wait and see what tomorrow brings. Maybe the carrier has commercial claims. Maybe it's just the IA being optimistic in these slow times. I'll advise on either deployment or stand down status as soon as I know.

Hawaii would not only be a tough place to work claims, it would be an expensive one as far as expenses are concerned. Keep in mind that it is a tourist location with high hotel rates and food rates, and they are going into their peak season so rates won't be cheaper this time of year. Never worked there, but had friends work a couple of hurricanes that hit there and they verified that the expense factor was up there.

I would still be interested in deployment to Hawaii regardless of the expense.  To me it is a once in a life time chance to not only do what I love to do, but also do it where I would love to go.  Besides, there has to be some kind of adjusted compensation for area that would be too expensive to adjust claim in.

Steve, Roy and any other interested party,

Aside from the expense issue, why do you say it would be tough to settle claims in Hawaii? 

 

Cheers,

Matthew

Last year on 10/31/05 (in the middle of Katrina, Wilma and Rita) a section of Hawaii flooded and we had no adjusters available.  I flew over to Oahu and worked about 30 claims in a week and brought the paperwork back with me.  The insureds were devastated by the rushing flood waters but were very, very kind to me.  Getting around was very easy with a good GPS and rental cars were reasonable.  Only expensive item was the lodging and the airfare to get there and back.  I prefer to stay in a nice place and stayed at a large hotel chain in downtown Honolulu but there are cheaper options available.

If you get a chance to go and GUARANTEED claims, I would highly recommend a visit to the islands.

 

New pictures being shown of some substanial property damage, it may take a few days before the full extent of the earthquake is known, fema deployed 50 inspectors to inspect damage today.

Melanie Labrie

Also put on Standby for large commercial work today.

Coverage is the main concern. Unlike Iniki, where there was coverage, and many adjusters were never paid, perhaps this will be different.

All depends on the fee schedule, time constraints and commitments, will have to see what happens.

Well,
If anybody needs me, I am ready to deploy. I am also Cal Earthquake Authoriy Certified. I have already notified my regular companies that I am availible, but if you know anyone, here I am.

ermackey@gmail.com

Shovel snow or go to Hawaii? For me, even with the high expenses, it's a no-brainer! I just do not think there will be enough claims to put a lot of us to work. I believe only about 10% actually have coverage for earthquake. There will be claims for other perils, such as water damage on the HO or CP, but will there be enough?

Matthew, I did not mean to indicate that the claims would be hard to settle, I just believe the logistics would make it little tough as it relates to lodging and transportation and other items we may need for the job that we could not take with us. On my trip this year I would say the worst part was the 10-12 hour flight there and back.

Robert,

Re-Read posts #1 and #4. That's kind of why this thread was started. Roy already informed us all. I've been informed by my IA that subsequent water damage is covered. Although no EQ policies to speak of, there have been tremendous storms down that could have caused water damage after the quake did its damage. Still waiting to hear. In the meantime, Houston is flooding.....

Was placed on Standby yesterday, and have opportunities here...... Dont know what to do if called to be deployed? supposed to know by Monday latest? If not be here in Fla doing daily....Hawaii Is Ok, been there done that! Could be OK!

What does it take qualification and experience to work an earthquake? I have about two years cat and daily work behind me.
Do you have to have earthquake certification or just be on the right roster?

Greg, Takes Both........ In Hawaii, I dont know of any carrier who actually writes earthquake, except however possibly commercial. thats why I didtnt hold my breath on being on standby.

Official word. Stand down for Hawaii. Not enough covered damages.

Floods in Houston are also pretty much a non-event, although it has generated a few claims. Put off getting cold in Buiffalo for a few more days.