News Tidbit of the Day

How I wish we have this law here in the Philippines. The TelCos are really taking advantage of the "tie-up" in their plans. Then after your tie-up, and you decide to downgrade, you are not still eligible to other offerings. I have been a Globe subscriber for more than 7yrs now and I don't get much from their loyalty promos.

California judge rules early cell phone termination fees illegal

Allergic to Tattoo Ink

Allergic reactions to tattoo pigments are fairly uncommon except for certain brands of red and green (with which some many people have a slight problem with itching, swelling, redness of the skin, oozing). People who are sensitive or allergic to certain metals may react to pigments in the skin by becoming swollen and/or itchy, oozing of clear sebum is also common. People with allergies should think carefully about getting a tattoo because of the risk of anaphylactic shock (hypersensitive reaction), which can be life threatening. Some tattoo artists give small tests, by marking a small amount of ink behind the ear to determine if that person has an allergic reaction.

News Tidbit of the Day

For the Kikays (like me) out there.

Fishy Pedicure

I'm sure this will tickle. But it looks like fun.
But like my regular mani-pedi, if this arrives here, I have to find time to have one.

What I learned today

I haven't blogged about this yet... but i transferred work (again). My work is now related to the airlines business. I love to travel, but I am definitely learning a lot from this new work. Among them:

Define: Direct Flight
Definitions of Direct Flight on the Web:

A flight on which passengers do not have to change planes, but may involve one more stops enroute.
www.flyfromcanada.com/travel-terms.html

This is a tricky one. The term "direct flight" can actually be applied to any routing that maintains the same flight number throughout the entire course of the routing, even if the routing contains enroute stops or requires a change of airplane. Strange but true.
www.flyertalk.com/glossary/

Definition: A flight that stops at another airport, but passengers do not change planes. An example of a direct flight is a passenger taking a direct flight from Boston to Dublin . ...
mayfee1.tripod.com/safejurnee/id28.html

A flight which requires no change of plane from departure to destination, though the plane may make intermediate stops.
gointochina.org/355d626e1e556979206a66836f5f5d6e5f2262785071667a726d2968585c3f7b6366657f432b2c3c2c663d432c70607f6b372c/-1895091801/

a flight with one or more intermediate stops but no change of aircraft
wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn

A direct flight in the aviation industry is any flight between two points by an airline with no change in flight numbers or aircraft. Some sources consider a change in aircraft at the stop to also be a direct flight. A direct flight does not mean you can stay on the aircraft at any stops. ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct flight

A flight in which the passenger makes intermediate stops but does not change aircraft; A flight where the bird's altitude does not change significantly with each wing beat
en.wiktionary.org/wiki/direct flight

I never know that you could make "stops" on a direct flight. Strange but true.

Insurance Claims Secrets - The INSIDE STORY

Insurance claims can be a first class PITA!

With that in mind, this little bit of INSIDE INFORMATION is offered.

EVERY CLAIM HAS:

1. An Adjuster (human type)
   
2. A File (either electronic or paper or both)
3. A Supervisor (also the human type)

The claim process looks like this (considering the three above items)

1. The Adjuster mediates and calculates the value of the claim. (Why? Because that's what he's paid to do)
   
2. The Adjuster documents The File. (Why? Because The Supervisor is going to check that file)
3. The Supervisor reviews the file. (Why? Because once a year, the state insurance commission will audit the insurance company and randomly review claim files to be sure that the money paid out was justified, documented and in accordance with state insurance law. When there's an issue, the insurance company is fined -- HEAVILY! )

Here is the extremely valuable information ! When you're negotiating with the insurance company to settle your claim, remember while making you happy is important to them, passing the eventual audit is more important. A badly documented or poorly calculated claim can cost the insurance company -- MANY MORE DOLLARS than giving you a couple hundred extra for your bent fender.

Generally, the adjuster does not personally care how much they pay to settle the claim. Let me say that again.

Generally, the adjuster does not personally care how much they pay to settle the claim.

I say generally because you will occasionally run into that young buck, fresh out of 'ADJUSTER SCHOOL" who wants to save the world and treats the insurance company money like his own. THAT'S a discussion for another day. They're paid employees with families, bills, problems, vacation plans, and a host of other issues just like you and I face everyday.

The claim adjuster doesn't really care what he pays to settle the claim.
The claim adjuster wants to get the file closed as much as you do.

As long as he can document the amount paid, he'll write the check now and be done with it.

THEREFORE......

Whatever assistance you can offer to document a better value for your claim, the faster you'll get paid.

1. When you think your car is worth more than they're offering, get some documentation that supports that additional value.
2. When your repair job exceeds the insurance company estimate, get a letter or itemized estimate explaining the difference.
3. When the replacement cost of your kitchen exceeds what the insurance company is willing to pay, get pictures of your old kitchen and an itemized bid from the contractor that clearly indicates that you're putting yourself back as you were -- No better, no worse.
4. When the 'facts of the accident' are not clear, get witness statements or police report clarification.

The more you're willing to work WITH the claim adjuster to properly document their file to justify higher payments, the more you'll get paid for your claim.

Contact me if I can help you in any way.

After all..... it's what I do.

It's a Good Life !

Dennis Volz Insurance Agency
10783 Jamacha Bl, Suite 1, Spring Valley, CA 91978
OFFICE: (619) 670-1000 - FAX: (619) 670-1121

eMail:mailto:Dennis@DennisVolz.com

Websites: Company Site: DennisVolzInsurance.com

Client Convenience Site: 6701000.com

My 'Other Blogs'
Working by Referral
Musings from California