The Restoration Pillar Newsletter
It’s not uncommon to hear "all the rave" about social networking sites and how new technology with mobile devices can keep us connected and informed. FaceBook, Twitter and the iPhone have gained users at exponential rates in 2009—marketing to our desire to stay in the know. For a personal use, you may be able to see the benefits of using these products, but perhaps, from a professional aspect, you may have thought there would be no worthwhile benefits. Well, Twitter alone, can be very helpful in finding people locally in need of your services, and a FaceBook Fan Page is an excellent way to give an inside view of your company with the ability to communicate on a more informal basis with your clients. Many insurance agents and property managers use Twitter and FaceBook to share industry knowledge and to provide quick answers to their subscribers. The apps, or applications, for the iPhone number over 50,000 according to Brainstormtech.com—and that was back in June! In regards to the Insurance industry and the iPhone, last month, Farmers Insurance released an app which allows clients to submit their claims via their iPhones. You’ll notice our first article is in regards to Farmers Insurance’s new product because we found it to be particularly exciting. Our second article pertains to a very common property claim issue—problematic moisture in an attic. The article provides common factors homeowners can look out for to avoid costly claims.
Warmest Wishes, |
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Farmers Insurance Releases the
iClaims App for the iPhones
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Meeting the needs of its customer's mobility, Farmers Insurance Group® unveiled its new iClaims application for customers who use an iPhone® or iTouch®. The new iClaims app allows Farmers customers to immediately file an insurance claim, no matter where they may be—even at the scene of a traffic accident. The secure application is free to Farmers customers.
"The new iClaims application allows Farmers Insurance to enhance its already excellent customer service 24-hours a day, seven days a week," said Bryan Murphy, Farmers Insurance Chief Claims Officer. "With more and more people using their iPhone to meet the demands of everyday life, the Farmers Insurance application provides instant service when our customers need it the most."
Farmers customers' agent information can be permanently stored so that they are just a click away from contacting their agent for immediate service. With the use of the iClaims app, a customer is in instant contact with a Farmers HelpPoint representative. Pictures can be taken at the scene of an accident and then emailed. This allows for faster claims processing.
In addition, the application also allows Farmers to alert customers when severe weather is threatening; find Farmers vendors and services; and lets customers take a photo inventory of their home and store or email the pictures from their iPhone or iTouch.
Checklist for Attic Moisture Problems
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| Figure 1. Frost forming on the underside of the roof sheathing |
High moisture in the attic of a house can cause significant problems. Water vapor in the attic air can condense on wood surfaces, causing deterioration, mold, and rot on the framing and sheathing.
When problems occur, the following are some common contributors to elevated moisture in an attic:
Roof leaks – Common causes of water intrusion through the roof include improperly installed flashings, deteriorated rubber boot flashings around roof penetrations, missing shingles or tabs, and ice damming.
Bathroom and kitchen ventilation fans – Bathroom ceiling fans and kitchen range fans ventilate warm, moist air from the bathroom or kitchen. Codes require that these fans be ducted and exhausted to the outside. However, many older houses and even some newer houses improperly exhaust bathroom and kitchen fans directly into the attic.
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