Our Philadelphia public adjuster firm, Clarke & Cohen, has seen firsthand the increasing flood risks affecting residential and commercial properties in our area. Climate change has amplified this threat, bringing more intense storms, rising sea levels, and frequent flooding. Understanding these risks and taking proactive steps to protect your property is crucial to Protect your Property from Philadelphia Area Flood Risks. Understanding Flood Risks in Philadelphia Philadelphia’s flood risks are multifaceted, involving coastal storm surges, flash floods from heavy rains, and unexpected flooding from blocked storm drains. The Schuylkill and Delaware rivers and the city’s extensive urban infrastructure make certain … Continue reading Protect your Property from Philadelphia Area Flood Risks

Restoring History: Clarke & Cohen’s Role in Reviving Jim’s South St. Cheesesteak Institution In the heart of Philadelphia’s bustling South Street lies an iconic symbol of the city’s culinary culture: Jim’s South St. Since its inception in 1939 in West Philadelphia and subsequent expansion to South Street in 1976, Jim’s has been a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike, serving up mouthwatering cheesesteaks that have become synonymous with Philadelphia’s gastronomic identity. However, tragedy struck on July 29, 2022, when a devastating fire tore through Jim’s South St. location. The blaze, ignited by electrical wiring, ripped through the building, reaching … Continue reading Reviving Jim’s South St. Cheesesteak Institution

Protecting Your Business in the Digital Age: Commercial Cybersecurity Tips In today’s digital age, safeguarding your business against cyber threats is essential. We’re here to help you understand the critical steps your business should take to protect against cybersecurity risks.  1. Invest in Cyber Insurance: First and foremost, any business that stores or processes sensitive information should consider cyber insurance. This coverage can help protect you financially during a data breach or cyberattack. It can cover expenses like data recovery, legal fees, and notification costs, reducing the financial burden on your business. 2. Conduct a Risk Assessment: Begin by identifying … Continue reading Commercial Cybersecurity Tips

Winterizing Your Home: A Public Adjuster’s Guide to Preventing Frozen Pipes and Costly Damages As the winter chill sets in, homeowners and business property owners must focus on safeguarding their properties against the potential havoc caused by frozen pipes. As experienced public adjusters, we have witnessed firsthand the aftermath of burst pipes during the winter months – a disaster that can lead to extensive property damage and insurance complications. The Insurance Implications Before delving into preventative measures, it’s crucial to address a critical point that often catches property owners off guard. If you decide to turn off the heat and … Continue reading Winterizing Your Home

Shining Bright and Safe: A Public Adjuster’s Guide to Holiday Light Safety As the festive season approaches, our homes and businesses come alive with the warm glow of holiday lights. While these twinkling decorations bring joy and merriment, they also bring about potential risks, particularly regarding fire hazards. Our property loss consulting firm, Clarke & Cohen, has seen the aftermath of holiday-related incidents that could have been prevented with extra caution and awareness. Understanding the Risks The allure of beautifully adorned homes and businesses is undeniable, but it’s crucial to acknowledge the potential risks associated with holiday lights. If proper precautions … Continue reading A Public Adjuster’s Guide to Holiday Light Safety

The Hidden Guardian of Your Insurance Policy: Protective Safeguard Endorsements At Clarke & Cohen, we have seen firsthand the value of thorough policy examination and understanding the intricacies that often escape the average policyholder’s attention. The Protective Safeguard endorsement is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of many insurance policies. This seemingly innocuous addition to your insurance contract can play a vital role in ensuring that the safeguards you’ve put in place, such as sprinkler systems, smoke detectors, and fire alarms, remain operational. Failure to maintain these safeguards could jeopardize your claim in the event of a covered loss, making this … Continue reading Protective Safeguard Endorsements

Navigating Business Interruption Insurance Ensuring Stability for Your Business with Clarke & Cohen Public Adjusters Picture this: your business is thriving, operations are running smoothly, and suddenly, disaster strikes. A severe property damage incident occurs, leaving your business paralyzed. How can you continue paying your employees and covering expenses during this challenging time? That’s where business interruption insurance steps in, and Clarke & Cohen Public Adjusters is here to guide you through this process. Understanding Business Interruption Insurance Business interruption insurance is a vital component of any comprehensive risk management plan. It is designed to protect businesses from the financial … Continue reading Navigating Business Interruption Insurance

Protecting Your Assets: Taking Inventory for Insurance Purposes  In the face of severe property damage or catastrophic loss, ensuring that your assets are adequately protected becomes crucial. One of the most vital steps you can take as a homeowner or business property owner is to create a comprehensive inventory of your possessions. This inventory is a valuable tool for insurance claims, providing detailed documentation to support your case. Why Take Inventory? When disaster strikes, such as a fire, flood, or severe storm, it can be overwhelming to deal with the aftermath. Taking inventory in advance allows you to be prepared … Continue reading Protecting Your Assets

It’s time to leave your vacation home! What should you do for shore and mountain house preparation for the winter? Your shore or mountain home has been a flurry of activity all summer, but now it’s time to close for the season and get it ready for the elements ahead. With the onset of hurricane season wind and rain, followed by the brutal winter freeze, there are many steps to take to protect your summer home from the elements. Here is what you need to do to prepare your shore or mountain home for the winter: Check your home’s heating … Continue reading Shore and Mountain house preparation for Winter

Condominium insurance can be complex, with different coverage responsibilities and regulations depending on the state in which you reside. In general, a condominium owner’s insurance policy will provide coverage for the interior of their unit, while the condo association’s insurance policy will cover the building’s exterior and common areas. However, the specific details of insurance coverage can vary significantly from state to state. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations in your state, as well as your specific condominium association’s insurance policies, to understand what types of damages are covered and by whom. Coverage In general, condominium … Continue reading Condominium Insurance Claims

Co-insurance is a common concept in commercial property insurance policies. It’s an important aspect of insurance policies that can have a significant impact on the amount of a claim that a policyholder is able to recover. In this blog, we’ll discuss what co-insurance is and how it applies to commercial property claims. What is Co-insurance? Co-insurance is a term that refers to the percentage of an insured property’s value that the policyholder must insure in order to be fully covered in the event of a loss. It’s essentially a requirement that policyholders insure their property for a certain percentage of … Continue reading Co-Insurance in a Commercial Property Claim

As a commercial building owner, you have a lot on your plate. Not only do you have to manage the day-to-day operations of your business, but you also have to make sure that your property is well-maintained and protected. Unfortunately, no matter how well you take care of your building, there’s always a chance that something could go wrong. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a fire, or some other type of property damage, the costs associated with repairs and rebuilding can be staggering. That’s why Philadelphia Area Commercial Property Owners Need This. It’s important to have a professional licensed public adjuster like … Continue reading Philadelphia Area Commercial Property Owners Need This

**Updated June, 2023: ~In April and May, our dedicated team joined forces with the American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania to bring safety and peace of mind to our community. Together, we made a significant impact by installing smoke detectors, creating personalized escape plans, and sharing vital fire safety information in underserved neighborhoods. Many homeowners do not replace smoke alarm batteries frequently enough, allowing existing batteries to die. We see residential fires every day and these new 10 year batteries will save lives! We’re deeply committed to making a lasting difference and ensuring that everyone has access to the necessary … Continue reading Sound the Alarm

Why should a business hire a public adjuster after severe property damage? There are several reasons why a business might want to hire a public adjuster after suffering severe commercial property damage. First, a public adjuster can help the business accurately assess the extent of the damage and determine the full amount of the claim. This can be especially helpful if the damage is extensive or if the business owner is not familiar with the insurance claims process. Gets your claim paid in a timely manner Second, a public adjuster negotiates with the insurance company on the business’s behalf. They … Continue reading Why hire a public adjuster after severe property damage?

Home type is critical to determine the structural viability of homes after a fire. Fire damage is the No. 1 insurance loss category nationwide and 80% were in residential structures. Kitchens are the prime location of origin. Commercial fire loss evaluation involves structural inspection and testing of wood, steel, concrete and masonry materials. Insurance carriers are seldom inclined to pay for post-loss structural testing and will attempt to settle claims based on visual observations. In extreme loss situations (i.e., “total loss”), this may be acceptable, but, in many cases, there is partial fire damage linked to the structural system. This … Continue reading Forensic Engineer Fire Evaluation

Follow these tips to make sure you get your due “Once you’re out of harm’s way following a big storm, the hard work of restoring your home—and your life—begins. And the sooner you reach out to those who can offer assistance, the sooner relief will come your way.” View the full Consumer Reports article written by Tobie Stanger HERE.    Reprinted with permission from Napia.com  

These factors mean insurance coverage may not provide the safety net that many assume. What makes a coverage factor hidden? Every professional that handles first party property claims is taught this simple and indispensable fact: an insurance policy is a contract. Contracts should clearly set forth the terms of the agreement in writing, so that duties and performance for each party are (reasonably) known and can be dutifully taken into consideration. In a policyholder’s mind, their insuring agreement is a shield or a safety net that hedges against fortuitous risk. Simply reading their policy should give the policyholder an opportunity to … Continue reading Hidden Property Insurance Coverage Factors

Clarke & Cohen is a 4th generation family-run, licensed Public Adjuster and Property Loss Consultant. We are here to help our clients navigate the tough challenges of property loss brought on by a hurricane. The trauma and shock after a storm is difficult as it is, so we are here to lend our gentle care, expertise, and guidance to get you through the aftermath. Hurricane experience We have extensive hurricane damage experience with Hurricane claims beginning with Hurricane Gloria in 1971, through Hugo in 1989, Andrew in 1992, Katrina 2005 and most recently Irma and Maria in 2017. We have … Continue reading Public Adjuster for Hurricane Damage

Pop Up On Margate Beach To Raise Funds To Protect Neighbors From Fires WHO: Clarke and Cohen Public Adjusters + Property Loss Consultants WHAT: Invites the public to participate in Clarke and Cohen’s Annual Labor Day Beach Yoga Donation Class. Clarke and Cohen Hosts Second Annual Beach Yoga Donation Class Liza Jayne Cohen will lead a 50-minute All Levels yoga flow on Douglas Avenue Beach in Margate. There is no fee for the class. Donations will provide smoke detectors to distressed communities. WHEN: Saturday, September 3 at 9:30 a.m. WHERE: Douglas Avenue Beach, Margate DETAILS: Please bring a towel or … Continue reading Second Annual Beach Yoga Donation Class

The entire insurance industry has for years past been talking “public relations,” but it is obvious that this term has no significance to the average person. There is no mystery to public relations. It is the art of good behavior and reaping its benefits; the disposition of a pleased customer to return to the place where he has been well treated; it is simply the building of good will so necessary to the expansion of any business.  So what is a public adjuster? Insurance companies have placed too much emphasis on the selling of insurance and not enough on the … Continue reading What is a Public Adjuster?

The housing market has been insane. Median existing home sale prices rose 14.6% in 2021, and 20% from March 2021 through March, 2022. Prices are expected to continue to rise in 2022 at a slower rate as mortgage rates go up. Is your home underinsured? What does this all mean for you? Now is the time to contact your agent or broker. Many insurers have increased their rates based upon the growing housing market.  However, this doesn’t mean your home is completely covered. If your house is underinsured and you experience severe property damage or devastation due to a fire, … Continue reading Is your home underinsured?

Find out more about State Farm’s Class Action Lawsuit. “A proposed class action alleges State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, in an attempt to save money, has wrongfully used “new construction” numbers when generating through industry-standard software cost estimates for projects more properly considered “reconstruction,” resulting in the underpayment of policyholders’ claims.” (classaction.org) Blake Zucker, Licensed Public Adjuster with Clarke & Cohen, states that “State Farm is improperly using the new construction feature in Xactimate instead of the reconstruction feature.  This causes them to purposefully underpay claims to their insureds.” Xactimate is a widely used insurance claims estimating software in … Continue reading State Farm’s Class Action Lawsuit

Acts of Kindness Doing Well By Doing Good Campaign Update This year has been another one for the record books.  With crazy, severe weather events happening nationwide and regionally, in the midst of a global pandemic, and during a very divisive political time in our country, our community continues to rally and help one another. The essence of Clarke & Cohen’s business is to help others in a time of need. Typically, we see you, our clients, at your lowest point, after a property loss from wind, fire, flood, trees, hail, theft, and other destructive events. For our 100th Anniversary, … Continue reading Doing Well By Doing Good Update

In honor of their 100th Anniversary Acts of Kindness Campaign,Clarke & Cohen is hosting a Beach Yoga Donation ClassSaturday, September 4 at 9:00 a.m. Liza Cohen will lead a 50-minute all levels yoga flow on Douglas Ave. beach in Margate, NJ. There is no fee for the class but participants are being asked to please make a contribution to the Glioblastoma Foundation at, www.glioblastomafoundation.org Clarke & Cohen will match all donations made through the donation class. To donate by Venmo, please send to @lizacohenn #whatsyournextmove #dogood #doingwellbydoinggood  Learn more about instructor Liza Cohen: @lizajayne__ @emeraldsunyoga on Instagramwww.emeraldsunyoga.weebly.com/liza-jayne.html For more information … Continue reading Beach Yoga Donation Class

Listen to this podcast with Rich Cohen, talking all about our family business. “Pennsylvania-based public insurance adjusters firm Clarke & Cohen is a 100-year family business that has already reached the fourth generation.  In this episode, John and Michael Parise sit down with public adjuster and the firm’s CEO, Richard Cohen, SPPA. Today, Richard reviews his family and the business journey that’s closely related to the building and continuous success of Clarke & Cohen. In this episode, you will learn: The role of the four generations in positively contributing to Clarke & Cohen’s growth  Helping people out: Richard’s motivation to … Continue reading Family Business Podcast with Rich Cohen

Clarke & Cohen participated in the Philadelphia Horticultural Society (PHS) Flower Show preview event, Bloom Philly!, as a prize sponsor and judge. PHILADELPHIA (June 2, 2021) — The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) announced the winners for its annual Bloom Philly! Contest, its regional competition that invites businesses in the Greater Philadelphia area to join the excitement of the upcoming PHS Philadelphia Flower Show. More than 60 businesses throughout the city and suburbs created festive, flower-filled displays and menu items inspired by the 2021 Philadelphia Flower Show theme, “Habitat: Nature’s Masterpiece.” The Bloom Philly! contest ran April 26 through May 28 … Continue reading Bloom Philly! Prize Sponsor and Judge

Clarke & Cohen is a 100 year old, fourth generation public adjusting company helping people manage their insurance claim when they have a property loss due to fires, floods, bad weather or other disasters. We are honoring our centennial with acts of kindness in a yearlong philanthropic campaign called #DoingWellbyDoingGood. Philadelphia Public Adjuster Doing Good For our 100th Anniversary, in the midst of a pandemic and social justice crisis, Clarke & Cohen celebrates the spirit of hope that guides people in trying times. The company is investing in acts of hope that bring health, happiness and joy to fellow Philadelphians. … Continue reading Philadelphia Public Adjuster Doing Good

  Disasters Happen.  What’s your next move? Author Allan Rufus said “Life is like a game of chess. To win you have to make a move. Knowing which move to make comes with insight and knowledge, and by learning the lessons that are accumulated along the way.” That is why at Clarke & Cohen, we use the hashtag #whatsyournextmove. When disaster strikes and your business or home is severely damaged, there are a variety of steps to take for clean up, remediation, and when dealing with your insurance company. However, if you make the wrong move at the wrong time, … Continue reading Disasters Happen. What’s your next move?

How to find the right Public Adjuster When severe damage occurs in your home or business property, it can become a full-time job. Paperwork, forms, calculating your loss, understanding insurance rules and language, and negotiating a settlement can be an overwhelming. When you hire a public adjuster, or property loss consultant, they will help you navigate the process of getting your claim settled. It is important to recognize that there is a difference in the types of adjusters. Your Insurance company will send out their adjuster to evaluate the claim and damage assessment.  This individual works on behalf of the … Continue reading How to Find the Right Public Adjuster

Stucco.  Water Intrusion.  Remediation.  The buzzword of the late 1990’s, early 2000’s building boom was Stucco.  Everyone wanted a 4 bedroom, 2+ bath stucco home.  The style was more contemporary and the trend continued on. However, what we’ve found out about over the years is that stucco buildings have issues. Stucco failure occurs because it is improperly installed, not sealed properly, is poorly made, or there is no drainage. This could cause water intrusion, and worse, mold. Call a Public Adjuster for Water Intrusion Claims That’s where a public insurance adjuster comes in.  For Stucco & Water Intrusion Insurance Claims, … Continue reading Stucco & Water Intrusion Insurance Claims

Rely on Our Best Strategy for Maximum Recovery Clarke & Cohen, Public Adjusters in Philadelphia,  uses a proven claims process.  This will help expedite our clients’ insurance claims and get the maximum policy payment possible. The Process to Expedite Insurance Claims includes: Contacting the insurance company adjuster and other experts hired by the insurance company. Set up meetings to discuss procedures, advances, loss reserves and policy interpretations. Review and analysis of your insurance policy from the perspective of maximizing dollars recovered. On-site assessment of building damage and preparation of a detailed unit cost reconstruction estimate, which is necessary in order … Continue reading Process to Expedite Insurance Claims

Have you experienced smoke damage at your home or business?   Smoke from adjacent fires or a fire in your property can be devastating.   What was once a pristine environment is now ruined.  It’s overwhelming to deal with the fallout from commercial or residential property smoke damage. There’s soot and ash cleanup to deal with. Soot and ash can be very hazardous to your health. Additionally, it can go everywhere and ruin more than you realize. Soot leaves an oily residue and sometimes restoration of your property is impossible because of it. There’s a lot of paperwork, phone calls and details … Continue reading Smoke damage to your home or business

Is your business covered if you have to close for an extended period? On Wednesday March 12, 2020, The World Health Organization (WHO) identified COVID – 19 (Coronavirus) as a pandemic. The virus has now spread to 114 countries, sickened more than 125,000 people and caused at least 4,500 deaths. As a result; the stock market has seen a 20%+ reduction in value, international travel has been effectively halted, Schools and Universities, restaurants, retail establishments, public venues, gyms and athletic facilities have been directed to close. Business interruption and other losses due to the continued global spread of Coronavirus are … Continue reading Business Insurance Coverage and Coronavirus

Recommended Insurance for Small Businesses What happens when your small business is surprised by severe damage or a catastrophe, whether it’s from a storm, fire or unexplained event? Do you have the right insurance coverage? How do you make sure your business is protected? What’s your next move? Clarke & Cohen has been in the business of helping businesses for 99 years. We’ve learned a lot along the way and this is what we recommend you will need as a small business owner: Property Coverage if you own the building. This should not only cover the amount you paid for … Continue reading How to make sure your business is protected

Recovering from your loss after a fire If you’ve ever had the unfortunate task of dealing with a building or household fire and your insurance company, you know what a fight it becomes to get fully compensated for your loss. What most people may not know is that there’s an ideal option to help you navigate the difficult process of recovering from your insurance carrier after a fire causes damage to your property in 2020. Property Loss Consultants At Clarke and Cohen, we are Property Loss Consultants/Public Adjusters who assist property owners when your home or business is damaged by … Continue reading Recovering from your loss after a fire in 2020

It’s already here but is your home or business ready for the extreme cold? Winter is Coming. With the impending deep freeze on the way, home and business owners should prepare prior to the extreme cold. Cold weather emergencies and severe damage can happen and may put a damper on your dreams of warming up by the fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate in hand. You may not be able to take every step listed below preventatively, however, by being aware of the havoc that extreme temperatures may cause, you will be an educated property owner with the gift … Continue reading Winter is Coming