CIP110 - Essentials of Loss Adjusting

Subject Title
Essentials of Loss Adjusting

Subject Description
Focused knowledge of insurance and professional conduct within the claims domain forms the core of this course. Soft skills and knowledge required to handle claims are blended into the curriculum in order to improve fundamental claims handling techniques. Students will learn about managing relationships in order to gather critical information in the claims handling process. A step-by-step process delivers the key to policy analysis for coverage evaluations. Students will also learn the fundamentals of investigation, evaluation, negotiation and settlement within the claims process.

Credit Status
One credit.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Identify the main participants in the claims process and explain each of their responsibilities.

2. Describe the functions of an insurer's claims department and those of associated independent services3. Discuss the responsibilities and required qualifications of an independent adjuster.

3. Demonstrate an understanding of certain aspects of contract law, the law of insurance as it relates to the policy, and the principles of proximate cause, waiver and estoppels, salvage, and subrogation.

4. Show knowledge of human behavior as it relates to interpersonal communication and suggests ways of counteracting negative behavior.

5. Apply effective people skills to solicit positive behavior.

6. Explain the importance of thoroughly investigating a claim.

7. Discuss methods of developing and preserving the evidence, and the contents and mechanics of taking various types of statements.

8. Outline the adjuster's role in investigating a loss.

9. Explain the basis of first party claims as it relates to fire insurance.

10. Discuss the adjustment of residential property losses.

11. Explain the bases of third party claim, in common law provinces and in Quebec, and demonstrate an understanding of the legal concepts involved.

12. Outline the necessary steps in investigating third party claims and list the information required in the adjuster's report.

13. Show knowledge of industry and other organizations that enhance and expedite the settlement of claims.

14. Demonstrate an understanding of civil procedure and the Canadian court systems.

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Execute mathematical operations accurately.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.