Cajun Claim Services

03/31/2026

I believe that most insurance companies try to do the right thing an pay claims fairly, However some companies are very hard to deal with. Do you feel your client’s insurance claim was underpaid? Are you now stuck going back and forth with the insurance desk adjuster?

Most homeowners aren’t aware that their policy is likely to include an Appraisal Clause, a powerful option that can help resolve disputes without going to court. Most Appraisal Clauses read something like this.

Appraisal-In case the insured and this Company shall fail to agree as to the actual cash value or the amount of loss, then, on the written demand of either, each shall select a competent and disinterested appraiser and notify the other of the appraiser selected within twenty days of such demand.

The appraisers shall first select a competent and disinterested umpire; and failing for fifteen days to agree upon such umpire, then on request of the insured or this Company such umpire shall be selected by a judge of a court of record in the state in which the property covered is located.

The appraisers shall then appraise the loss, stating separately actual cash value and loss to each item, and failing to agree, shall submit their differences, only, to the umpire. An award in writing, so itemized, of any two when filed with this Company shall determine the amount of actual cash value and loss.

Each appraiser shall be paid by the party selecting him and the expenses of appraisal and umpire shall be paid by the parties equally.

Company's options-It shall be optional with this Company to take all, or any part, of the property at the agreed or appraised value, and also to repair, rebuild, or replace the property destroyed or damaged with other of like kind and quality within a reasonable time, on giving notice of its intention to do so within thirty days after the receipt of the proof of loss herein required.

Appraisal is typically faster and far more cost-effective than litigation, with MOST claims resolved in as little as 60-90 days. It also goes both ways an insurance company can hire an appraiser first on a disputed claim.

My name is Brandon J. Babineaux, owner of Cajun Claim Services. I am a licensed, insured, and IAUA-certified Appraiser & Umpire with over 22 years of experience in the insurance industry. I am also a Marine Corps Veteran, Louisiana resident, and I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Business.

If you need an experienced appraiser or know someone who does please don’t hesitate to reach out or share my information.

Thank you in advance,

Brandon J. Babineaux
Cajun Claim Services
337-983-2501

Here to help with your insurance claims, property damage or loss Providing exceptional residential and commercial claim services to our clients throughout the entirety of the United States. Contact Us Today Make A Payment Inquire Here Today Name(Required) Full Name Email(Required) Company Message(Re...

01/31/2026

Cold Weather Freeze Protection Tips

Inside the Property
• Keep heat on — set thermostat no lower than 55°F, even if the building is vacant.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing.
• Let faucets drip (especially on exterior walls). A slow drip helps prevent freezing.
• Seal drafts around doors, windows, and crawlspace openings.
• Know where the main water shutoff is located — label it clearly.

Plumbing Protection
• Insulate exposed pipes in attics, crawlspaces, garages, and exterior walls.
• Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses.
• Shut off and drain exterior hose bibs if valves are present.
• Cover outdoor faucets with insulated faucet covers.

Power Outage Preparedness
• Have a backup heat source (only approved and safely vented).
• If power is lost:
o Shut off the main water supply, and
o Drain the system if heat cannot be restored quickly.

Insurance Tip (important)
Most property policies require reasonable heat to be maintained.
Failure to do so can result in denial of coverage for frozen-pipe losses.

Contact your insurance company immediately after a loss. If you have interior water damage, you need to have this mitigated as soon as possible. If you have extensive water damage, you will need to contact a mitigation company to come in with drying equipment as soon as possible. Mold Growth as the result of delayed mitigation may not be covered by the insurance company.
If you do not feel that your insurance company paid what they owed, you always have the option to go through Appraisal in your policy. This is the fastest and least expensive way for dispute resolution.

For additional information contact Cajun Claim Services at 337-983-2501, email [email protected] or go on website Cajunclaimservices.com

12/31/2025

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12/31/2025

PLEASE READ ARTICLE REGARDING NEW ROOFING AND CONTRACTOR LICENSING LAWS TAKING EFFECT ON JANUARY 1ST, 2026:

Louisiana now requires permits and inspections for residential roofing projects, with new licensing regulations set to take effect on January 1st. Starting next year, only contractors with a residential construction or roofing license will be legally permitted to perform roofing work.

The law change aims to ensure that roofing work is conducted by qualified professionals. According to Louisiana State Licensing Board Executive Director Brad Hassert for Contractors, the shift signifies a move away from previous regulations that allowed home improvement contractors to perform roofing work without the necessary qualifications.

Under the new law, the previous home improvement registration has been eliminated. This untested system was replaced with a licensing requirement that mandates contractors to demonstrate their competency before being authorized to work on residential roofs.

“Both of those license classes are now tested to say that they have the knowledge and the ability to do a proper roof and build it to code.” Hassert said.

It also enhances enforcement measures against unlicensed contractors. Those who engage in roofing work without the proper licensing could face administrative penalties as well as criminal charges.

“It’s also a criminal offense to do contracting without the proper license class.” Hassert continued.

Licensed contractors are now required to maintain workers’ compensation and liability insurance. Hassert emphasized the importance of these protections.

“Unlicensed guys, as a rule, do not have either and it puts the homeowner, the consumer, at risk in that way.” Hassert said.
State officials are urging homeowners to verify a contractor’s license before hiring them for any roofing project. Homeowners can check contractor licenses online through the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors’ website and should ensure that permits and inspections are completed for their roofing tasks.

Moving forward, homeowners are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these new requirements while contracting for roofing services. The Louisiana State Licensing Board will enforce these regulations to improve the quality and safety of roofing work in the state.

11/05/2025

ELEVATE YOUR PROJECTS WITH PROFESSIONAL AERIAL IMAGERY
________________________________________
FAA-CERTIFIED COMMERCIAL DRONE PILOT
Hi, Cajun Claim Services has a licensed and insured drone pilot offering professional aerial photography, videography, and inspection services for businesses and individuals.
________________________________________
Services Offered
Use clean icons or bullet points for quick scanning:
• Real Estate Marketing – Stunning aerial photos & videos that sell listings fast
• Construction & Inspection – Monitor progress and capture detailed visuals safely
• Promotional Media – Eye-catching footage for social media and ads
• Land & Property Surveys – High-resolution mapping and imaging
________________________________________
Why Choose Us
FAA Part 107 Certified – Fully compliant and insured
4K+ Ultra-HD Footage – Professional-grade drones and editing
Fast Turnaround – Quick delivery tailored to your schedule
Friendly & Reliable Service – Local, experienced, and client-focused
Please contact us with any questions or to schedule an appointment. 337-983-2501.

11/05/2025

Our company offers a unique solution — we provide ISO Claim Search capabilities designed specifically for small TPAs and insurance companies.

If your organization needs access to ISO Claim Search resources without the high costs, we can help. Our service allows you to perform comprehensive searches efficiently and affordably, giving you the power of a large operation at a fraction of the price.

Contact us today to learn more or set up a quick consultation.

07/09/2025

State of Louisiana Suspends Roofing Guys, LLC — 85 Projects Under Scrutiny

On June 2, 2025 The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC) issued a Summary Suspension and Notice of Violation and Hearing against Roofing Guys, LLC, citing widespread violations uncovered during a regulatory audit.

According to the LSLBC’s letters and audit (Exhibit 1, pp. 1–12), Roofing Guys is alleged to have committed violations across 85 residential projects totaling at least $2.77 million, including:

4 instances of contracting without a valid license
(La. R.S. 37:2158(A)(1))

9 instances of improperly accepting Assignment of Insurance Benefits
(La. R.S. 37:2159.1(7)(a))

76 instances where no written cost estimate was provided to homeowners before work began
(La. R.S. 37:2159.1(3) or 37:2159(A)(4)(a))

24 instances involving the use of unlicensed subcontractors
(La. R.S. 37:2158(A)(5) or (A)(8))

The LSLBC suspended Roofing Guys’ ability to offer or perform contracting services in Louisiana pending the outcome of administrative proceedings.

Article written by Attorney Matthew Monson

07/09/2025

*** Unlicensed Drone Pilots & Companies Hiring them BEWARE ***

If a company hires an unlicensed drone pilot (one without the required FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate) to conduct commercial operations, the company itself can face serious legal consequences—not just the pilot.
Federal Civil Penalties

• The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 allows the FAA to impose civil fines of up to $75,000 per violation for unsafe or unauthorized drone use—including commercial flights without a license

• In practice, fines in enforcement cases have ranged widely. For example, individuals have faced penalties from around $5,000 to over $32,700 for unlicensed operations that endangered safety.

• According to one industry source, companies hiring unlicensed drone pilots may face fines of approximately $11,000 per incident, in contrast to the pilot’s individual $1,100 fine

Criminal Liability
The crime of employing or using an unlicensed airman is a felony under 49 USC § 46306(b)(8). Penalties include:
• Fines up to $250,000
• Imprisonment for up to 3 years

The FAA and Department of Justice have prosecuted both pilots and those who knowingly employ them.

If you fly a drone for commercial purposes (i.e., for compensation, to promote a business, or provide services like real estate or inspections) without holding a valid FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107), you're violating federal regulations. Here’s what you could be facing:

Civil Penalties
• Up to $32,666 per incident for operating commercially without a license. This fine is often levied per flight or event.

• Under the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, more serious or repeated violations—including reckless or unauthorized operations—can lead to civil penalties up to $75,000 per violation

Criminal Penalties
• In more severe cases, especially with reckless disregard or threats to safety, the FAA can seek criminal charges:
o Fines up to $250,000
o And/or imprisonment for up to 3 years

06/24/2025

*********** DO YOU NEED AN ISO CLAIM REPORT *************

Our company is authorized to access ISO Claim Search reports only on behalf of insurance carriers or third-party administrators (TPAs) who are directly responsible for claim payment.

Unfortunately, ISO regulations do not permit access to these private reports by any party not affiliated with claim payment responsibilities.

Please contact us directly if we can be of service.

Brandon J. Babineaux B.S.B.A, GA, IAUA CPAU, WRT
Cajun Claim Services
(337)-983-2501
www.cajunclaimservices.com

United States Marine Corps Veteran

Here to help with your insurance claims, property damage or loss Providing exceptional residential and commercial claim services to our clients throughout the entirety of the United States. Contact Us Today Make A Payment Inquire Here Today Name(Required) Full Name Email(Required) Company Message(Re...

06/23/2025

If by some chance your an appraiser and still have no idea which TPA I am talking about, send me a text or email and I will let you know.

Brandon J. Babineaux B.S.B.A, GA, IAUA CPAU, WRT
Cajun Claim Services
(337)-983-2501
[email protected]
www.cajunclaimservices.com

United States Marine Corps Veteran

Here to help with your insurance claims, property damage or loss Providing exceptional residential and commercial claim services to our clients throughout the entirety of the United States. Contact Us Today Make A Payment Inquire Here Today Name(Required) Full Name Email(Required) Company Message(Re...

06/23/2025

For the two or three appraisers who have no idea what I’m talking about, here are a few hypothetical examples of how a Third-Party Administrator (TPA) might interfere with the appraisal process:

A TPA might instruct the insurance appraiser to upload their position estimate, proposed award, inspection photos, and even a partially completed closing report before sending their position to the opposing appraiser (OA), essentially subjecting your independent work to prior review.

A TPA might tell the appraiser they are “acting in the capacity of the appraiser for the carrier” and warn that exceeding their authority could lead to a potential Errors & Omissions (E&O) claim — a not-so-subtle way to suppress impartiality.

A TPA may direct the appraiser to notify the insurance company immediately if their inspection reveals damages inconsistent with a partial denial, thereby discouraging an independent valuation of the full loss.

A TPA may advise the appraiser not to apply General Contractor Overhead and Profit (GCOP), claiming the carrier evaluates each claim on a case-by-case basis — even if the scope clearly supports its inclusion.

These are just a few examples of what I call interference in the appraisal process. Keep these in mind if you’re ever hired through a TPA — because your independence as an appraiser may be at risk.

06/17/2025

HURRICANE SEASON AGAIN IF YOU FORGOT WHAT YOU NEEDED TO DO PRIOR TO A HURRICANE ARRIVING AND AFTER HERE ARE SOME GOOD TIPS.

HURRICANE PREPERATION:

TAKE PICTURES AROUND YOUR HOME. TAKE OVERVIEWS OF THE EXTERIOR, BARNS, FENCES, INTERIOR ROOMS, PRIOR TO THE HURRICANE LANDFALL. MAKE SURE YOU LOCATE YOUR INSURANCE POLICY DOCUMENTS AND CONTACT NUMBERS.

1. If you have damages to your home. File an insurance claim as soon as you discover damages to your home. (Do not wait)

2. Take pictures of EVERYTHING damaged and prior to doing any mitigation, repairs or clean up. This includes damage to the roof prior to tarping.

3. After filing a claim your field Adjuster should contact you within 24-48 hours to set up an inspection date. (If not call the insurance company on the 3rd day to find out why)

4. If you have content or personal property damages the insurance will usually require you to complete an inventory list. Include, Description, Age, Purchased from & cost.

5. After the Field Adjusters inspection allow 2 weeks for the insurance company desk adjuster to get back with you. There are several review processes. After 2 weeks start calling and emailing the insurance for a status. The Insurance company has 30 days to issue payment after the inspection and satisfactory proof of loss. While you’re waiting contact a contractor to get on their waiting list.

6. You should receive a check and itemized estimate from your insurance company for the undisputed amount of damages. This amount should be the total repairs, less your deductible and depreciation. It is ok to cash your check even if you found more damages.

7. You then need to give a copy of the insurance estimate to your contractor and have them review to see if the insurance missed anything. If you or your contractor find additional damages an Itemized supplement will need written and submitted to the insurance company.

8. VERY IMPORTANT, A supplement in almost all cases will need to be itemized just like the insurance estimate. This is so the insurance company can compare the items requested line by line. If a contractor estimate is not itemized, it is very unlikely you will get anywhere with your supplement request. (We recommend Xactimate estimating software)

9. Once your itemized estimate is submitted and additional damage photos are submitted to your insurance company. Give the insurance another couple week to review and respond. Depending on the additional damages submitted they may agree and pay the additional from the desk they may agree to an amount in between the first estimate and supplement, or they may send out a 2nd Adjuster to do a reinspection.

10. Once this process is completed don’t forget to request recoverable depreciation after your repairs are completed. Most of the time you will need a completion certificate from your contractor.

11. If you are still at an impasse on the estimates, you make evoke the appraisal clause on your policy. This is much like a mediation procedure where both parties choose an appraiser, and the appraisers get together to try to come to a final and mutual agreement

Keep these tips for yourself and share with your friends and family, I have 21 Years in the business and pretty sure I have it figured out.

Please do not hesitate to call us if you need help