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The DYOJO Podcast - breakout of a conversation from Episode 132. This clip includes a discussion with David Princeton of Advocate Claim Service on approaches to mold damage removal and remediation that can be a benefit to all parties in an insurance claim. 
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What Does it mean for insurance claims when Verisk (Xactimate) is partnering with Claude (AI)?5/9/2026 We don't speak robot, so we asked another robot friend, ChatGPT, to help us interpret this announcement from Verisk. The headline: Verisk Brings Its Trusted Analytics and Generative AI Capabilities Directly into Anthropic’s Claude The proclamation, "New Verisk Model Context Protocol (MCP) connectors enable conversational, natural-language interactions, provide contextual access to Verisk’s trusted insurance analytics inside enterprise AI environments." The query prompt for ChatGPT, Please interpret this for a normal person, what does this mean for insurance claims and contractors working on them - New Verisk Model Context Protocol (MCP) connectors enable conversational, natural-language interactions, provide contextual access to Verisk’s trusted insurance analytics inside enterprise AI environments. The response from our friendly neighborhood AI...(response below)..But, first, give a watch (YouTube) and listen (Spotify) to The DYOJO Podcast, Episode 132 Insurance Claim Rejection Robots In plain English, this means: Verisk is making its insurance data/tools work with AI assistants (like ChatGPT-style systems) so insurance workers and contractors can ask questions in normal language instead of digging through multiple software systems manually. Here’s what that likely means in practice for insurance claims and restoration/construction contractors. Simple one-sentence summary This means insurance companies are moving toward AI systems that can instantly analyze contractor estimates and claim data through normal-language conversations — making claim handling faster, but also more automated and more tightly controlled. What the announcement is actually saying“MCP connectors”“MCP” (Model Context Protocol) is basically a standardized way for AI systems to securely connect to business software and data sources. Think of it like:
The AI assistant can pull the information directly from Verisk systems. “Conversational, natural-language interactions” This is the important part. Instead of using complicated menus or codes, people can ask things like:
What this means for insurance claims people For adjusters and carriers:
What this means for contractors This is where things get very real operationally. Likely impacts 1. Estimates will be scrutinized faster AI will likely compare contractor estimates against:
“This drywall quantity is 18% above regional norms.” That means:
2. Documentation quality becomes much more important Contractors who:
Why? Because AI systems work best with structured evidence. Poor documentation = easier automated reduction. 3. Faster approvals for clean, standardized claims On the positive side:
4. More pressure toward “standardized” pricing Verisk already influences pricing heavily through platforms like Xactware and products like Xactimate. AI integration likely strengthens that influence. Translation:
5. Supplements may become partially automated AI could automatically flag:
But carriers may also use it to:
The bigger industry shift This announcement is really about embedding AI directly into insurance workflows. Instead of AI being a separate chatbot, it becomes:
What smart contractors should probably do now Focus on:
 Fire Damage Insurance Claims: 5 Key Questions (and How to Get the Best Restoration Results)3/30/2026 A house fire turns your world upside down in an instant—and once the flames are out, a new challenge begins: navigating the insurance claim and figuring out how to put your home (and your life) back together. Many homeowners quickly discover that the process is more complex than expected, with confusing policy language, hidden damage, and pressure to make fast decisions. Asking the right questions early can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll walk through the five most common questions homeowners have during a fire damage insurance claim—and explain how partnering with a qualified local contractor can help you secure a fair claim and achieve a safe, thorough restoration. Fire Damage Insurance Claim Question 1: “What exactly does my insurance policy cover?"What homeowners worry about: Coverage details, exclusions, limits, smoke damage vs. flame damage, code upgrades, temporary housing. How a contractor helps: An experienced fire restoration contractor works alongside your adjuster and can:
This ensures your claim reflects the full extent of the damage—not just what’s immediately visible. Fire Damage Insurance Claim Question 2: “How do I make sure the damage is fully documented?”What homeowners worry about: Missing something that later becomes expensive—and not being able to reopen the claim. How a contractor helps: A qualified contractor will:
Proper documentation strengthens your claim and reduces disputes with the insurance company. Fire Damage Insurance Claim Question 3: “Can I choose my own contractor, or do I have to use the insurance company’s?”What homeowners worry about: Being forced into a lower-quality or rushed repair. Reality: You almost always have the right to choose your own contractor. How a contractor helps: A reputable local contractor:
This often leads to a more thorough and higher-quality restoration. Fire Damage Insurance Claim Question 4: “How long will the restoration take—and what’s the process?”What homeowners worry about: Living in disruption, delays, or unsafe conditions. How a contractor helps: They provide a clear, phased plan:
This reduces delays and ensures your home is restored safely—not just quickly. Fire Damage Insurance Claim Question 5: “How do I know the home is truly safe to live in again?”What homeowners worry about: Lingering smoke toxins, structural risks, or hidden hazards. How a contractor helps: A qualified restoration contractor ensures:
The goal isn’t just appearance—it’s making your home healthy and safe again. Fire Damage Insurance Claim RecommendationsRecovering from a fire is never simple, but the path forward becomes much clearer when you know what questions to ask and who to trust. By understanding your insurance coverage, insisting on thorough documentation, and working with a qualified contractor who advocates for your best interests, you can avoid costly oversights and ensure your home is restored the right way. The goal isn’t just to rebuild what was lost—it’s to return to a space that is safe, healthy, and fully repaired. With the right guidance and support, you can move from uncertainty to confidence and take the final steps toward putting your home—and your life—back together. What to look for in a qualified local contractor to get the best result, choose someone who:
Bottom Line - Insurance claims after a fire can be complex and emotionally draining. A strong contractor doesn’t just rebuild your home—they:
For episode 125 of The DYOJO Podcast we review recent video of the senate hearings lead by Josh Hawley (MS) which include sworn testimony from two policyholders with Allstate and State Farm who were affected by improper insurance claims handling for property damages. The extended video includes sworn testimony from two independent adjusters who worked for insurance carrier Allstate and third party adjusting firm Pilot. Senator Hawley has direct interaction with Mike Fiato who is the executive vice president and chief claims officer for Allstate Insurance Company. Video clips from:
Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractor's shorten their DANG learning curve. Check out thedyojo.com for more information, the DYOJO blog, and sign up for The DYOJO Wire Newsletter.  In the construction and restoration industry, clear communication is the foundation of getting paid for your work. A recent episode of The DYOJO Podcast, titled "Get Paid, Not Played: Managing Client Expectations as a Contractor," dives into a real-world case study that highlights the dangers of misaligned expectations and unclear agreements. The episode unpacks a troubling scenario where a contractor’s attempt to secure payment went awry, offering valuable lessons for contractors on how to protect their earnings and maintain trust with clients. The case study involves a homeowner who filed a hail damage claim after being alerted to the issue by a contractor. The contractor suggested the damage might be covered by insurance, which proved true when the claim was approved. However, tensions arose when the homeowner requested a straightforward estimate for roof replacement. The contractor refused to provide one unless the homeowner shared their insurance scope of work, insisting they deserved the insurance payout since they had flagged the damage. The homeowner, wary of this approach, stood firm, stating the insurance payout was their business. After pushback, the contractor released the homeowner from an outdated pre-work contract but then submitted a surprise $1,200 invoice for unapproved "temporary repairs" and demanded the insurance payment. The homeowner’s insurance adjuster had to intervene, shutting down the contractor’s demands. The homeowner had only paid $375 via Cash App to a technician for a minor fix, which raised red flags about the contractor’s practices. This scenario underscores a common frustration for contractors: investing time, resources, and expertise into assessments and documentation, only for the client to choose a cheaper competitor. As the podcast host explains, contractors often use tools like DocuSketch, detailed photo labels, and Xactimate estimates to create comprehensive claims that secure insurance payouts. When clients take this work and hire someone else, it feels like a betrayal. To mitigate this, some contractors use pre-work authorizations or letters of intent, outlining that their services—such as travel, documentation, and estimating—come with a cost if the client opts out. However, as this case shows, such agreements must be clear, current, and mutually understood to avoid disputes. The episode emphasizes the importance of a clear contract that defines responsibilities and expectations for both parties. A contract should outline what the contractor will do (e.g., assess damage, provide an estimate), what the client is responsible for (e.g., payment terms), and the agreed-upon scope and cost. Without this clarity, misunderstandings can escalate, as seen when the contractor sent a technician for a small repair, paid directly via Cash App, which the homeowner perceived as disorganized or unprofessional. The podcast suggests that contractors should communicate their process upfront, detailing potential outcomes—approval, denial, or partial coverage—and how each will be handled. This transparency builds trust and reduces the risk of surprise invoices or disputes. Another key takeaway is the need for a code of ethics in the industry. The host references the Restoration Industry Association’s Code of Ethics and advocates for a standard of restoring properties to pre-loss conditions using materials of like kind and quality. This principle, dubbed "letting the structure speak," guides contractors, adjusters, and clients toward a shared goal: repairing damage based on its source and extent. By aligning all parties around this standard, contractors can avoid gray areas—like unapproved repairs or inflated invoices—that erode trust. The episode also highlights the contractor’s perspective: the frustration of feeling taken advantage of by clients who benefit from their expertise but don’t commit to the job. To address this, contractors should screen clients carefully and set expectations early, positioning themselves as trusted partners. The host suggests using scenarios like this as training opportunities to refine communication strategies and ensure alignment with clients who value their expertise. Ultimately, getting paid as a contractor requires proactive communication, clear contracts, and ethical practices. By setting the tone early, documenting agreements, and adhering to industry standards, contractors can avoid the pitfalls of surprise invoices and unpaid work, ensuring they get paid—not played.  Will a California Court Finally Follow Through? In this clip from The DYOJO Podcast Episode 123, Jon Isaacson dives into a heated legal battle between Tong and State Farm Insurance over a denied water damage claim. While claims games, tricks, and denials is nothing new, the discussion unpacks escalating tensions, including allegations of discovery violations and obstruction by State Farm. Despite a court order to release documents, a protective order protects proprietary details, while policyholders push for sanctions over delays. Jon also highlights the critical role of industry associations, regional events, and educational outreach for contractors navigating insurance work. Plus, get insights on networking, skill-building, and doing the job right—along with a shoutout to Jon’s books and podcast for trades professionals. Watch this 5 minute episode recap, read the blog post from Merlin Law Group, and keep an eye on Tong vs. State Farm. Listen to TDP on Spotify Listen to TDP on Apple Watch TDP clips on YouTube  |
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