Winter Storm Uri

Updates

Feb 25, 2021

As this week progresses, Crawford is receiving a wide variety of claims from Central Texas through the Northeast, from interior water damage to roof collapses. These claims also represent varying levels of complexity, which underscores just how widespread and disparate the effects of Winter Storms Uri and Viola have been for businesses and residents in the storms’ path.

Crawford is working around the clock to respond to claimant needs both virtually and in the field. We continue to deploy adjusters and conduct client-specific training to ensure that the quality and rate of response meet client needs. Ken Tolson, president, Network Solutions commented on Crawford’s CAT response by saying,

“We continue to deploy resources into the affected areas based on geo-location data sourced from reported claims, as well as insight into complexity as it evolves with the storm response. We have established our adjuster help rooms in Dallas and Houston to ensure our teams have the technical support needed to complete our mission."

Crawford’s response extends beyond traditional field adjusting. Contractor Connection’s managed repair network is hard at work performing emergency repairs and restorations as a result of the storms. Carriers rely on Contractor Connection for quality work and service that elevates their brand and increases policyholder retention. In addition, virtual self-service tools can provide critical support to field adjusters, further streamlining and expediting the claims management process. WeGoLook Lookers, including drone operators, are also getting eyes on damage and can be deployed quickly and easily, while Crawford Inspection Services provides a network of qualified roof inspectors that are supplied with sophisticated property assessment tools that can be used for exterior and interior property scans. To support your desk adjusting operation with these and other Crawford resources, visit our Digital Assist website.

Crawford’s purpose to restore and enhance lives, businesses and communities are never more relevant than in the aftermath of devastating storms. Through our network or adjusters, contractors, on-demand and desk resources, Crawford is continuing to restore lives for thousands of property owners. Our hearts are with everyone affected by these storms. For assistance with claims or damage assessments associated with Winter Storms Uri and Viola, contact our 24-hour ClaimsAlert call center at 1-877-346-0300, email us at claimsalert@us.crawco.com or submit a claim online.

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Feb 22, 2021

As the Southern U.S. begins the recovery phase following Winter Storms Uri and Viola, claim volume is rapidly increasing. The trend is expected to continue through next week. Crawford has approximately 1,000 adjusters on the ground responding to claims, and our ClaimsAlert line is fielding over 1,000 calls per day. Currently, the volume of claims being seen are both commercial and residential, and we anticipate commercial claims to increase as businesses are able to survey the damage to unoccupied buildings. In addition, Crawford Forensic Accounting Services is managing business interruption claims associated with these events. Through our network or adjusters, contractors, on-demand and desk resources, Crawford is mobilizing across the U.S. to help restore lives for thousands of property owners.

Technology is playing a vital role in keeping both adjusters and claimants safe from COVID-19. Crawford is leveraging its virtual desk capabilities in order to process claims remotely whenever possible. The latest technology advancements, such as exterior and 3D modeling apps, allow adjusters and policyholders to conduct precise property inspections from their mobile devices. And in more than half of cases, inspections can be carried out by property owners, helping Crawford maximize the efficiency and productivity of its workforce as adjusters can focus primarily on complex adjusting tasks. WeGoLook and Crawford Inspection Services on-demand workforces are also available to survey damage in hard-to-reach areas including roofs and other impassable areas.

For those who must work in the field, we are ensuring that everyone has access to PPE equipment that meets the requirements of health officials in order to adequately protect against COVID-19. Crawford has safely opened business centers in Allen and Houston to provide client-specific training for adjusters.

Crawford is committed to restoring lives, businesses and communities affected by these storms. For assistance with claims or damage assessments associated with Winter Storms Uri and Viola, contact our 24-hour ClaimsAlert call center at 1-877-346-0300, email us at claimsalert@us.crawco.com or submit a claim online.

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Feb 19, 2021

Communities suffering as a result of Winter Storm Uri are ready for the warmer temperatures that are predicted for the weekend. Millions throughout the U.S. are still without power and many are without water. Crawford is seeing significant claim intake levels from top insurers, both personal and commercial lines.

Uri has a much broader impact than hurricanes, such as Hurricane Harvey, as so many highly populated areas are impacted. We are seeing significant claim volume across the Dallas, Houston and San Antonio markets and expect heavy losses through Louisiana up to the Northeast. The prolonged cold temperatures, combined with the power grid and infrastructure issues, are creating other loss components than you would see in a hurricane or typical warm season storm event.

• Frozen pipes, now bursting causing flooding to homes and businesses
• Power surge damages
• Sprinkler systems freezing also causing damage and flooding
• Water main and water infrastructure failure both from freezing and from power outages
• Roof collapse
• Fallen trees impacting homes, businesses and of course power infrastructure
• Food spoilage
• Business Interruption impact/loss

Hundreds of adjusters are on standby and preparing for active deployment. Deployed adjusters are already responding to claims in these areas, and we expect to see volumes increase further as temperatures rise and families and businesses begin the road to recovery. Additionally, general and client-specific training is being arranged to start as early as this weekend. For assistance with claims or damage assessments associated with Winter Storm Uri, contact our 24-hour ClaimsAlert contact center at 1-877-346-0300, email us at claimsalert@us.crawco.com or submit a claim online.

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Feb 16, 2021

Winter Storm Uri leaves millions without power in Texas and other surrounding states. With the coldest temperatures felt in decades, demand on electric grids throughout Texas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and New Mexico has exceeded supply and controlled rolling blackouts have been implemented. Crawford is closely monitoring the situation.

Adjusters in Texas and surrounding areas are on standby and are ready to respond. In addition to our adjusting services, we offer building consulting, contents and inventory, general contractor repair, water mitigation, tree removal and on-demand solutions to assist you and your insured. For assistance with claims or damage assessments associated with Winter Storm Uri, contact our 24-hour ClaimsAlert call center at 1-877-346-0300, email us at claimsalert@us.crawco.com or submit a claim online.