Chimney-Related Fire Claims on the Rise?

Sacramento Claims Association News Letter
October 2008, Pgs 6 & 15

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The call comes in…a homeowner recently had their chimney swept and inspected by a local chimney sweep. The chimney sweeping company claims that there is damage to the customer’s chimney and that repairs are ne needed because the chimney is no longer suitable for continued use. Now it’s your job as a professional claims adjuster to determine whether this homeowner’s claim is legitimate, and whether the insurance company your represent has any obligations in covering the cost of repairs.

Fireplaces, wood stoves, and other hearth appliances have often been an area of concern for the insurance industry due to the chance of total loss caused by a sudden occurrence event such as a chimney fires, smoke damage, or structural fires.

Join the SCA in welcoming guest speaker Aaron Zambrana for the next luncheon meeting. Thursday, October 9, 2008. Please make your reservations now.

“In working with claims adjustors in the past, we at A to Z Chimney Sweep and Dryer Vent Cleaning have found that it can often be difficult for a claims adjustor to discern a bogus claim from legitimate damage, “explains Aaron Zambrana.

The class is an opportunity to see the most common defects or safety deficiencies in a variety of types of hearth appliances in the local Sacramento area. Armed with over a decade of experience inspecting, sweeping and repairing chimneys, Mr. Zambrana will take you through a pictorial and descriptive journey into the mysterious world of the hearth industry. An accomplished and entertaining teacher, Aaron has the ability to make a normally dry and technical subject fun and easily understandable to the lay person.

“The next time that a hearth appliance related claim comes across your desk, will you be prepared to act appropriately?” he asks. “Will you know legitimate chimney fire damage from a bogus claim? This class is the first step to achieving that goal.”

Taught with a PowerPoint presentation featuring descriptive and understandable pictures and repetition, you’re sure to walk away feeling more confident in dealing with these claims. The class can range anywhere from 1-6 hours, and be modified to the interest of the particular audience. Dryer vent fires can also be addressed if desired.

Aaron Zambrana has traveled across the country teaching about chimneys to carious trades such as Home Inspectors, Realtors, Fellow Chimney Sweeps, Appliance Repairman and the insurance industry. He has also written numerous articles for carious Hearth industry magazines and has been featured on the cover of Sweeping Magazine, SNEWS Magazine, GSCSG Magazine.

Reservations should be made with SCA Vice President, Chris Yaw, at Calison Plumbing, at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 916-941-1500.

View the actual PDF article here