IIABA Los Angeles

Fostering Connections, Networking, and Growth

Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers Association

Join today and take an active role in protecting the agency framework and furthering your industry and political knowledge. Come see for yourself what the Los Angeles chapter of IIABA has to offer! Still not sure? Come to our next event and find out for yourself! We can’t wait to meet you.

Click here to apply for Agency Membership

Click here to apply for Associate Membership

Email the completed forms to: Jennifer@iiaba-la.com

Mark your calendar!

I-Day BGP-LA-SFV 2025

The coming together of insurance executives, brokers and agents representing the Los Angeles area insurance community. Exhibitors represent all insurance related businesses, helping you gain the competitive advantage in today’s marketplace.

Tuesday, March 11, 2025, 1 – 5pm

Pasadena Convention Center
300 E. Green St.
Pasadena, CA 91101

I-Day Website: iday.us

Contact:
Jennifer Schreter
Email: Idaycoordinator2025@gmail.com
(310) 562-5254

Dos

1. Contact Your Insurer Promptly

Notify your insurance company as soon as possible after the loss.
Provide all requested details accurately, including the date, time, and nature of the loss.

2. Review Your Policy

Understand your coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions.
Many policies will have separate sublimit for Loss of Use or Additional Living Expenses (ALE) that can help cover costs while you are displaced.
Check if your policy includes replacement cost or actual cash value (ACV) coverage.

3. Document the Loss

Create an inventory of all lost or damaged items, including their approximate values.
If and when it is safe to do so, take clear photos or videos of the damage before cleanup or repairs.

4. Keep Records

Save all receipts, invoices, and estimates related to the loss and recovery efforts.
Maintain a log of all communications with your insurer, including dates, names, and details of conversations.

5. Be Honest and Transparent

Provide accurate information when filing your claim to avoid disputes or delays.
Disclose all pertinent details related to the loss.

6. Request an Advance, if Necessary

If immediate funds are needed for temporary living expenses or other urgent needs, ask your insurer about a claim advance.

Don’ts

1. Don’t Delay Filing Your Claim

Waiting too long to report the loss may jeopardize your claim or violate policy conditions.

2. Don’t Remove Evidence Prematurely

Avoid cleaning up or discarding damaged items until an adjuster has inspected the property unless safety concerns require it.

3. Don’t Make Permanent Repairs Without Approval

Do not proceed with major repairs until the insurer has assessed the damage and authorized work.

4. Don’t Exaggerate or Misrepresent the Claim

Providing false or inflated information can lead to claim denial or even legal consequences.

5. Don’t Sign Anything Without Understanding

Avoid signing settlement offers, waivers, or any legal documents without fully understanding them or consulting with an expert if necessary.

6. Don’t Use Unverified Contractors

Be cautious of unlicensed contractors or those who ask for full payment upfront, as they may be fraudulent.

7. Don’t Assume the First Offer Is Final

Insurers’ initial settlement offers may be negotiable. Provide supporting documentation if you believe the offer is inadequate.

8. Don’t Ignore Deadlines

Adhere to all timelines provided by your insurer to ensure a smooth claims process.

Kevin Fukuyama, Anthony J. DiBuduo Award

Working with Adjusters After the Fires

IIABA-LA Board Member, Sydney Greenspan, gives some expert advice in the aftermath of the devastating fires in LA. Read the article here:

https://laist.com/news/climate-environment/tips-for-navigating-eaton-palisades-fire-insurance-claims

Member Spotlight

Anthony J. DiBuduo Award

Kevin Fukuyama
The J. Morey Company

The Anthony J. DiBuduo Award is given to the most outstanding young broker or agent based on their record of exemplary service to community or association and participation in IIABCal or IIABA political action programs, and includes a $2,500 stipend that the deserving recipient may utilize as they see fit to continue the good works acknowledged by the award criteria.

Bobby Acquistapace Memorial Award

Dalton DeFendis
DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Brokers

The IIABCal Board of Directors established the Bobby Acquistapace Memorial Award Fund from contributions made by several local associations. Local Associations are eligible to nominate one local association member based on the individual’s Local Association service and desire to further their insurance career. The award is $1,000 and it is designed for the award winner to use to strengthen their membership engagement with IIABCal.