When tragedy strikes, the path to recovery is rarely simple, especially when insurance complexities and budget constraints come into play. That’s exactly what happened to a Pennsylvania church following an arson fire. As part of a self-insured church conference, the organization faced significant financial challenges in the wake of the disaster. With excess insurance coverage not yet triggered due to the conference’s annual aggregate not being met, the financial burden of rebuilding fell directly on the church.
Balancing Compliance with Cost
As rebuilding plans got underway, the church’s architect and contractor identified a number of upgrades they believed were necessary to meet current building codes. These included a sprinkler system, handicap ramp, and elevator, totaling an estimated $200,000.
While these upgrades were intended to bring the new structure up to code, there was uncertainty about whether they were truly required. With insurance limitations in play, the church was facing the prospect of covering this large expense out of pocket. The challenge was clear: determine which upgrades were legally mandated while keeping reconstruction financially feasible.
Technical Expertise Meets Strategic Insight
To solve this complex issue, Charles Taylor deployed a collaborative team of Adjusting and Engineering Technical Services experts. Together, they launched a comprehensive investigation that went far beyond standard claims adjusting.
By conducting in-depth research and reviewing local building codes in detail, the team was able to assess the actual legal requirements for the rebuild. Their findings were compiled into a robust technical memorandum, which supported the position that the proposed upgrades were not legally necessary.
The team’s clear, defensible documentation and unified approach were instrumental in gaining approval from local building authorities. Ultimately, the church was allowed to rebuild to its pre-loss condition, without the costly additions.
$200,000 in Savings
Thanks to Charles Taylor’s strategic cross-functional collaboration, the church conference avoided $200,000 in unnecessary rebuilding costs. With excess insurance not yet triggered, this outcome represented a direct financial win for the client, one that preserved budget and accelerated recovery.
A Trusted Partner in Complex Claims
This success story is a testament to the power of inter-departmental expertise and proactive problem-solving. Charles Taylor’s ability to bring together field knowledge and technical precision delivered a cost-effective, strategic resolution for the client when it mattered most.
