When unforeseen incidents occur at a property, prompt and accurate claim reporting is essential to initiate the insurance process and expedite the resolution of damages. As a property owner, understanding their role in the claim reporting process, alongside the responsibilities of their insurance broker, can help streamline communication and ensure a seamless claims experience. In this article, we'll explore the collaborative effort between property owners and brokers in navigating the claim reporting journey. The Property Owner's Responsibility: As the steward of their property, property owners play a pivotal role in the claim reporting process. Their responsibilities include: Timely Reporting: Promptly notify the insurance broker or provider of any incidents or losses that occur on the property. Delays in reporting can hinder the claims handling process and may result in complications during the assessment and settlement stages. Important Note: Identify the person who found the loss and gather contact information for any witnesses. Documentation: Gather and document relevant information about the loss, including dates, times, and descriptions of the incident, as well as any supporting evidence such as photos or videos. Thorough documentation ensures that the claim is accurately assessed and processed by the insurance provider. Protect & Preserve: Take proactive measures to safeguard the property from further damage. This may involve boarding up areas that pose safety risks or covering exposed areas with tarps. These protective actions help mitigate additional losses and demonstrate diligence in protecting the property's integrity. Important Note: In cases of Fire: preserve the point of origin to allow proper inspection. Save Items: Refrain from discarding any items related to the incident before they can be inspected by the adjuster. Preserving these items ensures that all relevant evidence is available for assessment and can contribute to a more accurate claim evaluation. Communication: Maintain open and transparent communication with the insurance broker, claims team, and carrier throughout the claims process. Keep them informed of any developments or changes, and promptly respond to any requests for additional information or documentation. The Broker's Responsibility: An insurance broker serves as an advocate and liaison with the insurance carrier. Their responsibilities include: Confirm Date of Loss: Verify and confirm the date of loss to ensure accurate reporting and timely processing of the claim. Facilitate Communication: Gather contact information of the property owner / insured and share with the insurance carrier.  Brokers play a pivotal role in facilitating connections and ensuring that all parties involved have access to the information and support they need for a smooth resolution. Coverage & Claims Guidance: Provide guidance and support to property owners in understanding their insurance coverage, including the claims reporting process and any policy limitations or exclusions. Immediate Claims Reporting: Assist property owners in completing the necessary claim reporting documentation and submitting it to the insurance carrier in a timely manner. Brokers act as intermediaries between property owners and insurers, ensuring that all communication is clear and accurate. To Report a Claim, contact CAG ASAP Business Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM PST Phone: 818-638-8534 Fax: 818-638-8530 Email: claims@claimsadjustgrp.com After Hours/Holidays: 818-645-1079 Collaboration between both parties is Key: Effective collaboration between property owners and brokers is essential for navigating the claim reporting process successfully. By working together proactively and transparently, property owners can ensure that their claims are handled efficiently and that they receive the support and guidance they need to recover from unforeseen incidents. Late loss reporting can significantly increase the cost of claims by delaying opportunities for prompt investigation, subrogation recovery from a responsible third party and timely payments. By reporting claims early, our claims team can better ensure that claims are resolved timely and cost effectively. Higher claim costs can potentially increase premiums for insureds. At CIBA Insurance Services, we are committed to providing exceptional support to our customers during the claims process. Our in-house teams, including the Claims Adjusting Group (CAG) and CP Law Group, are dedicated to guiding you through every step. With CAG Property adjusters boasting an average of over 20 years of industry experience and consistently high audit scores between 90% to 100%, you can trust that you're in capable hands. Count on us for a seamless and reliable experience. Visit our Website to download a copy of our easy to follow guide on Reporting Property Claims and other great resources for property owners. Legal Disclaimer: This is general information and is not intended to be a comprehensive guide and does not constitute a guarantee. We encourage landlords, business owners, and property owners to talk to professionals and review their local laws and ordinances for the most current information.

Bathroom exhaust fans may seem like a silent hero, but its role in preventing potential risks shouldn’t be overlooked. By spending a few moments with your bathroom fan, you can uncover critical details about its condition, and most importantly, protect your property from potential dangers. Here's how to make sure your bathroom exhaust fan is keeping your home safe. Understanding what turns a Bathroom Exhaust Fan into an Electrical Fire Hazard: The three most common causes of bathroom exhaust fan fires are faulty wiring, running it for extended periods of time, and failing to clean and maintain the fan. Accumulated dust, lint, and debris in exhaust fans can lead to overheating and pose a serious fire risk. Bathroom exhaust fans are typically used during bathroom usage; however, sometimes they are left on for extended periods to clear humidity and/or fumes out of a space, often left unattended during these periods, this is when they can turn into an electrical fire hazard. When a fan fails, it can cause dust to ignite and quickly cause a fire, spreading to the structural materials, leading to a large loss. This can also happen with other exhaust fans found in the kitchen, laundry rooms, and attic spaces. Did you know? According to U.S. Fire Administration, from 2017 to 2019, an estimated average of 106,700 multifamily residential building fires were reported to fire departments within the United States. These fires caused an estimated annual average of $1.7 billion in property loss. What Signs to Look For: Sight: Just looking at a fan can tell us a lot about its safety. Doing a visual inspection annually for dust buildup and clearing it will help improve its efficiency and reduce the risk. Check for dark spots or discoloration in the insulation, which can indicate that overheating may be occurring. Also, if the fan appears to be old, it may be time to replace it. Experts recommend replacing them every 10 years. Sounds: Loud, scraping, squeaking, or any other new sound that comes out of the fan should be quickly inspected by a professional and/or replaced. Property Owner's Responsibility: Regular Maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential for the proper functioning of bathroom exhaust fans and will help prevent them from becoming an electrical fire hazard. Property owners should schedule annual inspections to ensure that the fans are clean and in good working condition. Additionally, any signs of wear or damage should be promptly addressed to prevent potential hazards. Reducing the Risk: Remove Build-Up of Dust: Regularly clean the exhaust fan to remove accumulated dust, lint, and debris. This will help prevent overheating and reduce the risk of fire. Install a Timer Switch: Installing a timer switch can help prevent fans from running for extended periods, reducing the risk of overheating and potential fire hazards. Replace Fans Every 10 Years: As exhaust fans age, their efficiency decreases, and the risk of malfunction increases. Property owners should consider replacing bathroom exhaust fans every 10 years to ensure optimal performance and safety. Install a Vent Fan with Thermal Heat Protection: Opting for a vent fan with thermal heat protection can provide an added layer of safety, reducing the risk of overheating and potential fire hazards. Educate Tenants: Property owners should educate tenants about the importance of proper maintenance and usage of bathroom exhaust fans to ensure their safety and the safety of the property. Smoke Alarms: Ensure smoke alarms are installed and regularly tested throughout the property to provide early detection and warning in case of a fire emergency. Regular and thorough maintenance of bathroom exhaust fans is a crucial safety measure in preventing an electrical fire that property owners should prioritize to protect their property and its occupants. Visit our website to download a copy of this and other Risk Mitigation Mastery Handouts for Property Owners. About CIBA Insurance Services Our journey began in 1993 when a forward-thinking property development manager sought innovative insurance solutions. Over the years, we've transformed into a prominent E&S insurance program recognized across the market for robust coverages and unwavering service stability, consistently evolving our solutions to meet the dynamic demands of the industry, our valued partners, and our esteemed clients Sources: https://forstconsultingllc.com/blog/bathroom-exhaust-fan-dangers/ https://harrison-electric.com/Blog/entryid/237/5-signs-its-time-to-replace-your-bathroom-exhaust-fan National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/statistics/v21i7.pdf Legal Disclaimer: This is general information and is not intended to be a comprehensive guide and does not constitute a guarantee. We encourage landlords, business owners, and property owners to talk to professionals and review their local laws and ordinances for the most current information.

GLENDALE, CA, JANUARY 20, 2024 - CIBA is thrilled to welcome Len Dyer as the newest addition to our dynamic team. With an extensive background in risk management and a proven track record in leading broker relation growth initiatives, Len joins us as a Broker Relations Leader, focusing on distribution, relations, and growth strategies. Len's Professional Journey Len comes to us with a wealth of experience, including serving as a Risk Management Consultant and in key leadership positions, including President at USI Insurance Services, Wells Fargo, Willis Towers Watson, Hylant Group, AJ Gallagher & Co, AIG, and Chubb Insurance. His diverse background showcases his diverse expertise in profit center management, sales and marketing, executive leadership, and underwriting. A Strategic Vision for CIBA's Future In his role as Broker Relations Leader, Len will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of CIBA. His expertise in risk management, coupled with his strategic vision, aligns seamlessly with our company's goals. Len will lead efforts to enhance our distribution channels, foster strong broker relationships, and implement growth strategies to elevate our market presence. CIBA is excited about the wealth of knowledge and experience Len brings to our team. We look forward to a successful collaboration as we continue to innovate and grow in the ever-evolving landscape of the insurance industry. For inquiries, please contact: Lisa Qiang Broker & Market Relations Manager CIBA Insurance Services 655 N. Central Ave., Ste 1123 Glendale, CA 91203 lqiang@cibaservices.com www.cibaservices.com About CIBA Insurance Services Our journey began in 1993 when a forward-thinking property development manager sought innovative insurance solutions. Over the years, we've transformed into a prominent E&S insurance program recognized across the market for robust coverage and unwavering service and stability. Led by data and analytics, we’re consistently evolving our solutions to meet the dynamic demands of the industry, our valued partners, and our esteemed clients.

GLENDALE, CA – (Aug. 10, 2023) As we enter our 30th year as a company, we are excited to announce the appointment of Andrew Aldorisio as Head of Product Development as we enter the next chapter of our growth and development. Andrew will be a key leader in achieving one of the strategic pillars of our future growth goals of developing new products and segments to complement our current book. Andrew will be a member of the Executive Management Team, guiding the efforts to build an assortment of products and segments that Property Owners value. Andrew has over 15 years of insurance experience. Most recently he was the Chief Underwriting Officer for Fronting/Hybrid company. Prior to this, he served in other senior roles, including Alternative Markets which includes captive, underwriting leadership, and program management. About CIBA Insurance Services Founded in 1993, CIBA Insurance Services has emerged as a prominent E&S insurance program, consistently delivering tailored solutions that meet diverse insurance needs. Through advanced data and analytics, CIBA provides adaptive risk solutions that cater to the evolving demands of the Commercial Real Estate industry. Widely recognized for its comprehensive coverage strength, CIBA is synonymous with excellence in underwriting, claims management, risk management, and loss control services, setting industry standards for unparalleled service. For more information, visit www.cibaservices.com, or follow the company on LinkedIn. Media Contact: Lisa Qiang Broker and Market Relations Manager (818) 853-5136 lqiang@cibaservices.com

CIBA has unveiled a new logo and website as part of an extensive rebranding initiative celebrating 30 years in business. GLENDALE, CA – (Aug. 1, 2023) – CIBA Insurance Services, a trusted name in the commercial insurance landscape, proudly announces a transformative brand refresh initiative. As the company commemorates its 30th year of exceptional service, this visionary effort features a bold new logo, modern aesthetics, and an engaging color scheme. This strategic move firmly positions CIBA Insurance Services as an expertly adaptive leader, equipped to deliver tailored solutions, advanced risk management strategies, and unparalleled support to property owners and managers. "Our brand refresh is not just about updating our logo and website," expresses Lisa Qiang, Marketing & Broker Relations of CIBA Insurance Services. "It's about reaffirming our commitment to our customers and being a visual representation of who we are as a company and where we are going. We want our customers to continue to feel confident and secure when they choose the CIBA Program." CIBA’s new logo subtly embodies the main ideas of what makes CIBA successful and what we hold important. Stability & Familiarity: Our new logo retains the triangles that have been seen in our logo since it was created and embodies an element of familiarity and comfort. Modern: Sans Serif shows a modern & youthful version of our brand that conveys an approachable and friendly feel without losing the clean/expert tone we strive to carry. Experts, Strength & Dependability: We've moved away from our deep red to a bright, refreshing blue to convey our dependability, intelligence and strength. Future Focused, Adaptable, Client Focused: Lowercase letters show our commitment to being modern & future focused while allowing our clients to feel more connected to us. For years, the CIBA name has been synonymous with dependability and a commitment to excellence. The new logo and brand refresh communicates these core values, while moving the brand in a more modern, and future-focused direction. About CIBA Insurance Services Founded in 1993, CIBA Insurance Services has emerged as a prominent E&S insurance program, consistently delivering tailored solutions that meet diverse insurance needs. Through advanced data and analytics, CIBA provides adaptive risk solutions that cater to the evolving demands of the Commercial Real Estate industry. Widely recognized for its comprehensive coverage strength, CIBA is synonymous with excellence in underwriting, claims management, risk management, and loss control services, setting industry standards for unparalleled service. For more information, visit www.cibaservices.com, or follow the company on LinkedIn. Media Contact: Lisa Qiang Broker and Market Relations Manager (818) 853-5136 lqiang@cibaservices.com

Why Florida tort-reform is a legal game-changer GLENDALE, CA (JUNE 2023) Historically, Florida has largely been considered one of the most plaintiff-friendly states for negligence actions against property owners and managers. With one stroke of Governor Ron DeSantis’ pen, the tides appear to be turning. On March 23, 2023, the Florida legislature passed House Bill 837, Civil Remedies. The next day, Governor DeSantis signed the Bill in to law, becoming effective immediately. The goal – decrease frivolous lawsuits and predatory litigation, thereby curtailing exposure for businesses operating in the State. The Bill goes a long way towards achieving this goal. What’s in the Bill… Restrictions on the Admissibility of Past and Future Medical Expenses at Trial The Bill notably limits evidence of past and future medical expenses. As to the former, if a plaintiff has health insurance coverage, only evidence of the amount the insurance company paid, or is obligated to pay, is admissible. But what if plaintiff declines to utilize the coverage? In that instance, only the amount the insurance would have paid is admissible. If a plaintiff does not have health insurance, evidence of the billed amount remains inadmissible. In such case, a plaintiff may only introduce evidence of 120% of the Medicare reimbursement rate in effect on the date of care. If there is no applicable Medicare rate, the admissible expense amount is based on 170% of the applicable Medicaid rate. Further, plaintiffs are now restricted in the evidence they may present regarding future medical expenses. Specifically, if a plaintiff has health insurance coverage, only the amount the insurance company will pay for such care is admissible. If there is no insurance, plaintiff is again limited to the applicable Medicare or Medicaid rates subject to the percentages above. Letters of Protection Disclosure In instances where plaintiffs decline to utilize their available health insurance coverage, they often execute letters of protection. Meaning, instead of billing the plaintiffs, the providers agree to accept payment of the bill amount at resolution of the negligence claim. Previously, plaintiffs had no obligation to disclose these letters of protection nor were they discoverable in the pending litigation. The Bill dictates otherwise. Specifically, if a plaintiff receives care pursuant to a letter of protection, the Bill mandates that plaintiff disclose: A copy of the letter of protection. All billing for a plaintiff’s medical expenses, which must be itemized and appropriately coded. Whether the health care provider sold the accounts receivable to a third-party, the name of the third-party, and the dollar amount paid by the third-party to purchase the accounts. Whether a plaintiff had health insurance at the time of treatment and the identity of the health care coverage provider. Whether a plaintiff was referred for treatment under a letter of protection and, if so, the identity of the person who made the referral. Through these changes, the Bill amends Florida statute, declaring that there exists no attorney-client privilege related to an attorney’s referral of a client for treatment. The Bill also overturns previous Florida case law, which prohibited discovery of letters of protection as privileged. Changes to the Comparative Fault System Traditionally, Florida applied pure comparative fault in negligence actions. Pure comparative fault provides that a plaintiffs’ recovery is reduced by their assigned fault regardless of whether it exceeds 50%. For example, if a jury finds plaintiff 70% responsible for the injury, the property owner and/or manager is responsible 30% of the verdict. Through the Bill, Florida now employs modified comparative fault, wherein plaintiffs are barred from recovery if their fault is greater than 50%. Shortening of the Statute of Limitations in Negligence Actions The Bill reduces the statute of limitation period for negligence actions. Prior to the Bill, plaintiffs had four-years following their injury to file suit. The Bill reduces that time period to two years. It should be noted that this change applies only to injuries occurring after the effective date of the Bill, i.e., March 23, 2023. Reduction in Exposure in Negligent Security Actions Perhaps the Bill’s greatest impact is in the negligent security arena. Significantly, under the Bill, the jury may now consider the acts of the criminal when assigning fault and, as a result, determining a plaintiff’s recovery. Prior thereto, a property owner and/or manager would remain 100% liable even if the jury wished to find the criminal partially or fully responsible for the injury. Additionally, the Bill creates a rebuttable presumption against liability if the property owner and/or manager satisfy three delineated requirements. Physical Property Safety Measures Security camera system at points of entry and exit that records and maintains footage for at least 30 days. Parking lot lighting from dusk until dawn. Lighting in walkways, laundry rooms, common areas, and porches from dusk until dawn. A deadbolt measuring least one inch in each dwelling unit door. A locking device on each window and each exterior sliding door, and another on other doors not used for community purposes. Locked gates with key or fob access along pool fence areas. 2. Crime Prevention Assessment By January 1, 2025, the property owner and/or manager must have completed a “crime prevention through environmental design” assessment that is no more than three-years old. Such assessment must be performed by a law enforcement agency or a Florida Crime Prevention through Environmental Design Practitioner (FCP). The property owner and/or manager must remain in substantial compliance with this assessment. 3. Training By January 1, 2025, the property owner and/or manager must provide proper crime deterrence and safety training to its current employees. This training is to familiarize employees with security principles, devices, measures, and standards, set forth in the checklist of physical safety measures listed in requirement one. What It Means… The Bill radically changes Florida’s negligence law as to property owners and managers. To appreciate the monumental significance of the Bill, consider this - in advance of the signing on March 23, 2023, it is estimated that plaintiffs filed as many as 75,000 personal injury lawsuits, resulting in nearly $30 million in filing fees alone. With the influx of recent suits, a deluge in pre-effective date claims should be anticipated. However, once the flood waters recede, the negligence legal landscape will be forever changed. What's Next… Despite the Bill’s extraordinary detail, a number of questions remain outstanding. These questions will be answered by Florida courts in the months and years to follow. Article written by Jonathan Wallack, Esq. (CP Law Group). Direct any inquiries to jwallack@cplawgrp.com.

GLENDALE, CA (May, 2023) Thirty Years! What an incredible moment to be able to reflect on. For three decades we've been at the forefront of innovation in the industry, providing a cutting-edge program that has helped shape the future of the excess & surplus lines side of commercial real estate! Join us as we take a trip down memory lane and look back at the key moments that have shaped our journey. We'll also give you a glimpse of what's in store for the future, as we continue to lead the way in commercial real estate programs. Our Journey So Far... Our journey began in 1993, when a group of passionate individuals came together with a vision to transform the commercial real estate industry by providing tailored solutions that work. We started small, with just a handful of clients and a few dedicated employees, led by Carl Sharp, our founder. Over the years, we've grown steadily, building a reputation for excellence and innovation. We've expanded our offerings, added new services, and built a team of experts who are passionate about commercial real estate. During those formative years, it was Michael Marino standing at the front of the company as CEO, taking on the challenges and growing CIBA into a well-known name in the industry. When he recently handed the title of CEO over to Robert Rheel, with over 40 years of industry experience and vision for the future of CIBA. “The platform Mike and team has built over the last 30 years has given us the tools and resources to skate towards the future of Insurance offerings in the commercial real estate market,” says Robert Rheel, current CEO of CIBA, “We are excited by our plans for our clients to align products to what is needed in the market. The entire CIBA family is striving to be the best offer in the commercial real estate space.” Along the way, we've faced challenges, but we've never lost sight of our vision. We've continued to innovate and push the boundaries of what's possible in commercial real estate programs. What's Next for Us? As we celebrate 30 years in business, we're looking to the future with excitement and optimism. We believe that the best is yet to come, and we're committed to continuing to innovate and push the boundaries of what's possible in commercial real estate programs. Thank you to all who have joined us on this incredible journey and we look forward to an even more exciting future.

Cyber risks are evolving. Chances are you use your mobile phone for business purposes… and why not? That’s the direction society is going. We watch our favorite shows, play games, make calls (sometimes), and now we’re handling work emails on our phone as well. According to the firm Lookout, the highest rate of mobile phishing in history was observed in 2022, with half of the mobile phone owners worldwide exposed to a phishing attack every quarter. So if you’re handling work information on your mobile phone, you’re at risk. And it's not just mobile phones that are at risk - emails, calls, servers, computers, and more can all be compromised in a cyber-attack. While having cyber insurance coverage is crucial, it's equally important to consider the added services that come with it. These services provide invaluable resources and support that can help prevent cyber attacks, minimize damage, and quickly recover in the event of a breach. That’s what we’re offering: Cyber Coverage that’s built around the SERVICES that protect clients from DAY 1. Prevention: The risk management portal eRiskHub® is designed to help business owners effectively prepare for data breaches. It includes Cyber Risk Tools, Training, and important resources such as a news center, a directory for external resources, and a learning center with best practices & white papers to name a few. Policyholders also can take advantage of the following complimentary services: Free Cybersecurity Consult: Several cybersecurity and digital forensics firms offer CyberSuite policyholders an hour of free consultation on privacy and security. Free Legal Consult: Several law firms offer CyberSuite policy holders an hour of free consultation on privacy and cybersecurity. Recovery: When a cyber loss occurs, CyberSuite has you covered there as well. With claims that are managed by cyber claim specialists, incident roadmaps, and risk management tools that manage data breaches. You’ll have experts by your side guiding you through the unexpected. CyberSuite also includes the coverages for Key Services during Recovery: Public Relations: Covers costs of a public relations firm to assist in response communications Services to Affected Individuals: Covers costs associated with informational materials, helplines and credit reporting/monitoring services. Cyber Extortion Negotiation & investigation: Includes the cost of negotiator / investigator that responds to a credible cyber extortion threat. Data Restoration and RE-CREATION: Covers costs for recovering lost/corrupted data and/or recreation of data that has been lost It always goes back to the timeless phrase “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. In the case of Cyber Protection, it’s no different. The services built into CyberSuite play an incredible role in the process of Cyber Protection. Without Cyber Coverage… are your clients truly protected?