2020 Fall and Winter Weather Predictions

Like putting on the Christmas album before we’ve sat down to Thanksgiving dinner, it seems early to begin talking about winter while hurricane season extends beyond average expectations. But the recent warming trends that have caused record breaking hurricane activity in the Gulf this summer are expected to affect eastern and northern parts of the United States in the coming winter, with below-normal average temperatures in the western portion of the nation. With cold temperatures and snow in the north, droughts in the south, other parts of the U.S. could experience record breaking rainfall and precipitation. While upcoming fall forecasts are relatively mild, winter looks quite different from last year’s almost snow-free winter across the U.S.

What Average Temperature Changes Mean To Fall Storm Seasons  

Predictions based on the cooling of sea-surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean are a main variable known to influence the weather patterns that follow. This summer, above average warmth was recorded from near the Mississippi River all the way to the West Coast. From the Northeast across the central states to the West Coast, most cities in the U.S. are expected to experience warmer than average temperatures this fall. This makes the chances of an early snowfall season far less probable and the potential for drought much more likely. However, parts of the U.S. that saw cooler-than-normal temperatures are expected to have more difficult weather.

 

A Winter Weather Preview

As the leaves begin to change color and fall from the trees, above normal rainfall is expected to span the Deep South to the Northeast, as well as throughout the Pacific Northwest. Snowier periods will last longer in regions farther north, compared to the drier regions. Policyholders in the North can expect to see cooler-than-average temperatures with heavy snowfall and intense cold snaps.

 

What Insurance Carriers across the U.S. can expect from Fall and Winter 2020

Because of the change in average summer temperatures, it is probable that the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions will experience blizzards and bomb cyclones. According to The Farmers Almanac, the Great Lakes region will also see above-normal snowfall in the western Dakotas, northern Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, eastern Washington and Oregon. Eastern Ohio, Kentucky, and the Southern Plains can expect to receive copious amounts of rain, sleet and snow in early 2021.

Across the Southwest, Arizona, and southern California and Colorado, are expected to experience a mild winter, which is not good news considering drought conditions are literally spawning kindling for increasingly ferocious fire seasons. The Tennessee and lower Ohio River valley regions will be winter’s “wild card.” A rather intense weather system is expected to keep a mix of winter storms active here.

 

Who’s ready to say goodbye to 2020?

We are!! But not without adequate precautions and preparations taken for what 2021 could hold. Afterall, most of us owe 2019 a sincere apology! So, no matter where you are, break out those parkas, rain slickers and puffy winter coats. Currently changing weather patterns and intense winter weather systems are sure to keep the U.S. well acquainted with catastrophe and the need for reliable and effective insurance partnership. It’s only a matter of time before we receive an inundation of frozen pipes, fires,  

At Vector Risk Solutions, we are looking ahead. Our catastrophe services can be implemented at a moment’s notice. If your policyholder is experiencing a loss and you need to provide them with a reliable, trusted, and accurate adjuster, choose Vector. We know that the nature of catastrophic events are complex, and each claim is unique. It is our goal to see that our clients persevere in times of uncompromising natural devastation.

Handling Flood Claims During Hurricane Season

FACT: In September, 1999, Hurricane Floyd made landfall at Cape Fear, North Carolina as a Category 2 hurricane, with 105 mph winds. It produced heavy rainfall, which led to extensive power outages and severe flooding, that damaged thousands of homes. At the time, it was considered the most catastrophic storm in 40 years–not because of the wind, but because of the rain.

It’s a widely held belief, that the higher the storm category number, the greater the destruction the storm will leave in its wake. The strength of a hurricane (categorized by the Saffir-Simpson scale) is based on wind speed. A tropical storm becomes a hurricane once its sustained winds reach up to 74 miles per hour. As wind speed intensifies, the storm category may increase from a level 1 to a level 5.

But, numbers can be deceiving. An exception to this rule was exemplified in Hurricane Sally’s recent hit to our southeastern coast. Making landfall as a Category 2 storm (with 105 mph winds) Sally decreased to a Category 1. As she slowly moved in, communities along the AL/FL gulf coast saw torrential rains and storm surges leaving half a million Americans without power for days.

Though Sally may have lacked the wind speeds of her CAT 5 predecessors– storms like Irma and Katrina with winds that were powerful enough to flatten buildings and turn loose debris into projectile ammunition– Sally’s sluggish speed allowed more time to inundate the coastline with torrential rainfall.

No Water Too Deep 

flood claims and water damage from hurricane season

In anticipation of the vastly fluctuating weather patterns and rising sea levels, Vector Risk flood adjusters are experienced in handling large quantities and varieties of claims associated with catastrophic flooding in the southeastern United States. Our policyholders own residential, manufactured, travel and trailer homes, as well as small commercial and large commercial buildings. Dealing with a flood loss is devastating on any scale, and it is imperative to work with a firm that is equipped to handle the stress and overwhelm that will certainly accompany a calamitous storm season. 

Each year the chances for flooding are predictably high in our territories, and 2020 is distinctly no exception. We keep our process simple, so as to carry out tranquil, solution-oriented protocol amidst what are often dramatically chaotic circumstances. Upon receiving an assignment, an NFIP certified flood adjuster will come out to inspect the property as soon as the flood waters begin to recede. At Vector Risk Solutions, our professionals work efficiently to quickly assess damages and expedite the claims process.

 

We’ll Keep You Afloat

Property owners along and inland of the Gulf Coast are on high alert that they need protection against catastrophic flood damage, and insurers are experiencing an unprecedented influx of more claims to process. With hundreds of experienced, skilled and licensed adjusters on our roster, we are not only equipped to handle a variety of claims, but are able to give special attention to a large quantity of new cases at once. Our clients consistently report significantly lower adjustment expenses and greater customer satisfaction after working with our firm. 

At Vector, we understand that the nature of flood loss is complex, and each flood claim is unique. If your policyholder is experiencing a catastrophic flood loss and you need to provide them with a reliable, trusted, and accurate adjuster, look no further. 

Contact Vector Risk Solutions today and get out ahead of the next storm.

CAT 5 Survival Guide for Claims Adjusters

Fact: the 2020 Atlantic storm season is the first on record where nine tropical storms formed before August, with thirteen forming before September. Between Hurricane Hanna, Isaias, Marco, Laura, and Sally, this hurricane season is poised to be especially destructive – one might even call it a “Category 5 Hurricane Season”.

A true Category 5 is the highest classification that can be given to an accumulating storm. Winds of more than 157 MPH can be expected to destroy structures and cause week-long power outages, leaving affected areas uninhabitable for months or more. As insurance professionals, it’s our job to be available and on call amidst the most catastrophic of situations.

Your Claims Survival Plan 

catastrophe adjusters and claims adjusters for cat5

Taking care of policyholders is your top priority as an insurance professional.

In order to maintain security during a chaotic storm season, it’s imperative to implement claims management solutions that are effective, and hire a reputable and experienced claims firm that can be trusted to provide first-rate solutions. We prioritize the client experience of the insured during a very stressful and chaotic situation, while working closely with the insurance carrier to streamline the claim experience.

 

Good Investments and Best Practices 

One of the best investments to be made in the face of ever changing weather patterns and costly storm seasons, is choosing to work with an effective and thorough independent adjusting firm. Make sure to hire a company with good, long standing relationships, that covers many areas spanning a large territory. Time is a precious commodity amidst a strong surge of catastrophe claims, and it is necessary to get the job done correctly the first time. Make sure to choose a firm that is well respected for the adjusters they employ.

What to Look For in a CAT Adjuster

A license alone doesn’t make a good claims adjuster. At Vector Risk Solutions, our adjusters extend our company ideals, and are selected to represent us based on their proficiency, attention-to-detail, character, and experience. 

A Vector Risk adjuster understands the insured is suffering a loss, sometimes a devastating one. These interactions must be handled carefully, compassionately, and professionally. More importantly, having the ability to meet the needs of the insured in a timely, efficient manner will save resources for both firms and clients. Pushing through as many claims as possible in a day often leads to sloppy, or incomplete work, that needs to be redone. At Vector, it is imperative to us that our adjusters work efficiently, but effectively. The quality of their education and on the job training creates a level of experience in our adjusters that is necessary to meet and uphold the Vector standard.

Your Recovery Plan

At Vector Risk Solutions, our catastrophe services can be implemented at a moment’s notice. No matter the circumstances, it is our goal to see that our clients persist and thrive in times of uncompromising natural devastation. Choose Vector Risk Solutions to make sure you are able to handle claims effectively at the height of the hurricane season. Contact us today to get started with your catastrophic claim management solutions. 

Flood Damage Claims Experts

“Determine the thing that can and shall be done, and then we shall find the way.” – Abraham Lincoln

Everyone, including us here at Vector Risk Solutions, has been watching 2020 unfold in shock, like a movie you can’t take your eyes off.  It’s been absolutely crazy so far and where it’s going next is anyone’s guess.  For our 2020 insurance adjuster world, we have a couple of positive plot developments today, followed by the entrance of our hero, Vector Risk Solutions, of course, to save YOUR day!

Flood CLAIMS 

flood claims from water damageYou’re no doubt aware that recent regulation changes enacted in July 2019 now allow homeowners in certain limited markets to purchase flood insurance from private insurers (not solely the National Flood Insurance Program).  Advanced flood modeling techniques have aided private insurers in creating residential flood policies, and most importantly, lenders are beginning to accept these policies.  From what we know about climate change and rising sea levels, the market for flood insurance isn’t going away any time soon.

Sophisticated flood models now indicate that our present understanding of flood risk is actually already insufficient.  According to Matthew Eby, founder and executive director of the First Street Foundation, a group of academics and experts based in New York City, the number of US properties at risk for flood damage is far higher than existing FEMA estimates.  First Street’s evidence, reported in the June 29, 2020 issue of the New York Times, shows that 14.6 million properties are at risk of experiencing a 100-year flood, nearly double the 8.7 million estimated by FEMA.  The increase is linked to better data on inland flood risk, including increased rainfall due to climate change.  Analysis for Gulf Coast and Mississippi River properties, however, showed a slight decline, according to First Street, since FEMA has historically focused so much flood analysis on those regions those numbers are relatively higher.

Flood Claims Adjusters

With private flood insurance now in the picture and new analysis of inland flood risk putting property owners on notice that they may need protection against devastating flood damage, insurers will have more claims to process than ever.  Vector Risk Solutions to the rescue!  We have over 400 hundred independent adjusters on our roster, all highly skilled and licensed in states which require licenses.  Many of our adjusters have multiple licenses.  All our independent adjusters meet the high standard of our three core values: integrity, ingenuity, and excellence.

Vector can not only provide dedicated and experienced adjusters to handle claims.  We also consult with insurer clients to evaluate their claims processing and maximize productivity through streamlined, improved procedures.  With our inclusive training and implementation process, Vector creates consensus and thorough understanding of new processes.  Our clients consistently report significantly lower adjustment expenses and greater success in meeting and exceeding performance goals after working with Vector Risk Solutions.

If you’re already issuing, or are considering, new residential flood policies, Vector is your go-to for quick, expert flood claims adjusting.  And for whatever other adjusting challenges 2020 throws your way, Vector Risk Solutions are experts in the fields of catastrophe adjusting, commercial agribusiness, commercial claims, liability, TPA & consulting, and appraisal services.  Let us show you what we can do!

How Catastrophe Adjusters Prepare for Storm Season

catastrophe planning for claims adjusters during hurricanes and storm seasonThe NHC has predicted 14 named storms for the 2019 hurricane seasons, with 7 of them being hurricanes and an additional 3 storms being major hurricanes. This prediction is around the yearly average over the past 70 years, and that’s why it’s surprising to learn that most businesses and homeowners  don’t have a risk management plan in place.

In 2018, Hurricane Michael caused major devastation to the Florida panhandle and surrounding areas, and today they are still struggling to recover. After the storm hits, Vector Risk Solutions should be a crucial part of your plan. Let our adjusters do what we do best so that your clients and policyholders can have true peace of mind during the recovery process.

From June 1st to November 30th is the highest likelihood of a hurricane occurrence. That is a six-month timespan! The insurance claims adjusters here at Vector Risk Solutions are ready for all-systems-go at the drop of a hat and during storm season they know they’ll need to grab more than just their umbrella on the way out to the job.

Vector Risk Solutions has a team of catastrophe claims adjusters ready to be on-site the day after a storm so that insurance carriers can help their policyholders expedite the recovery from their loss. We prepare our claims adjusters in advance and with our wide net of credentialed adjusters throughout the midwest and southeastern areas of the United States we are able to get to work quickly and efficiently. We are proud to be expertly serving these regions and are dedicated to providing unsurpassed attention to details and the highest quality of customer service during times of extreme distress to provide a superior claim experience.