Why Preparedness Matters More Than Ever

📌 Why Preparedness Matters More Than Ever During a Time of Weather Volatility

With hurricane season underway and extreme weather events becoming more frequent and severe, now is the time to take preparedness seriously. From record-breaking heatwaves and flash flooding to intensifying storms along the coast, today’s climate landscape is marked by unprecedented volatility—a level of unpredictability that demands proactive planning.

📈 Rising Risk: Why Natural Disaster Preparation is No Longer Seasonal

Historically, emergency readiness was centered around predictable windows—hurricane season in the Southeast, wildfire season in the West, nor’easters in the Northeast. But over the past decade, that rhythm has changed. Disasters are striking harder, faster, and more often outside of traditional patterns.

This “new normal” calls for a mindset shift: preparedness is no longer a box to check before a storm—it’s a year-round business and household priority.

🧰 Relief for Floridians: Tax-Free Essentials Under Senate Bill 2500

Florida recently took action with Senate Bill 2500, which went into effect on July 1, 2025, delivering the largest recurring tax cut in state history. This legislation permanently eliminates sales tax on a wide range of hurricane and disaster-preparedness supplies—making it easier and more affordable for residents and businesses to build robust emergency kits.

Eligible tax-exempt items now include:

• Batteries, fire extinguishers, smoke & carbon monoxide alarms

• Portable generators, gas cans, tie-down kits, tarps

• Life jackets, insect repellent, sunscreen, and bicycle helmets

• Gold, silver, and platinum bullion (no longer subject to the $500 threshold)

Additional relief includes a back-to-school sales tax holiday in August and the elimination of the commercial rental tax starting October 2025.

⚠️ Preparedness: A Business Imperative for Risk Managers

For insurers, property owners, and risk professionals, these changes underscore the importance of staying ahead of seasonal threats and ensuring policyholders, tenants, and clients are equipped to handle emergencies. Whether it's equipping your buildings with generators and emergency lighting or encouraging policyholders to review their storm preparedness plans, this legislation supports a safer, more resilient Florida.

✅ Take Action:

• Review and update your emergency supply kits

• Educate staff or clients about tax-free purchasing opportunities

• Plan for the upcoming back-to-school tax holiday

• Factor future savings from the commercial rental tax cut into your business strategy

At Tri-State Claims Administrators, we understand that preparedness isn’t just good practice—it’s a core part of risk mitigation. We’re proud to support our clients with timely guidance and strategic claims management services designed to protect what matters most.

🌀 For help with commercial property claims before, during, or after the storm—visit www.tscadmins.com

Fourth of July Insurance Claims & Safety Tips

The Fourth of July may be a time for fun—barbecues, fireworks, boating, and beach days—but it’s also one of the busiest periods for insurance claims. Here's a breakdown of the top five claim types, with safety tips to help your network stay protected:

1. Firework Injuries & Property Damage

Nearly 9,700 ER-treated injuries in 2023. In 2024, 14,700 injuries and 11 deaths were reported due to fireworks-related incidents. Property damage from fireworks totals around $43 million annually.

Safety Tips:

• Prefer professional displays; if using consumer fireworks—only legal types, one at a time.

• Keep water/hose nearby, don’t relight failures, and never handle while impaired.

• Sparkler caution: they burn at up to 2,000 °F—a serious burn hazard.

2. Grill & BBQ Fires

July is peak season for grill fires, contributing to over 22,000 injuries and nearly 10,000 home fires annually. Residential grill fires cost homeowners roughly $37 million in damages each year.

Safety Tips:

• Clean grill regularly, check propane hoses, and never leave it unattended.

• Use lighter fluid only before lighting; keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

3. Boating Accidents

The holiday sees a surge in boating claims. 80% of boating fatalities involve people not wearing life jackets. Claim volume rises due to alcohol use and inexperienced operators.

Safety Tips:

• Always wear a life jacket.

• Operate boats sober.

• Check the weather and leave a float plan with someone on shore.

4. Car Crashes & Impaired Driving

July 4th is one of the deadliest driving days in the U.S. Nearly 41% of fatal crashes during the holiday involve alcohol, and around 200 traffic deaths occur during this period.

Safety Tips:

• Use a designated driver or rideshare service.

• Don’t allow guests to drive under the influence—prevention saves lives.

5. Pool/Drowning Incidents

Pool and drowning incidents spike during the July 4th weekend, especially involving children. Alcohol is often a contributing factor in many of these tragedies.

Safety Tips:

• Provide constant supervision, especially for kids under 5.

• Enforce “no alcohol while swimming” rules.

• Consider swim lessons or hiring a lifeguard for larger gatherings.

✅ Takeaway for Insurance Professionals

• Encourage clients to review home, auto, boat, and umbrella coverage.

• Offer seasonal advice—such as adding surge protection, grilling safety, or boating best practices.

• Sharing timely risk management tips helps prevent losses and builds long-term trust.

Sources:

• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (cpsc.gov)

• State Farm (statefarm.com)

• Insurance Journal (insurancejournal.com)

• ProValue Insurance (provalueinsurance.com)

• Manla Financial Strategies (manlafins.com)

• Risk & Insurance (riskandinsurance.com)

• Mahaney & Pappas LLP (mahaneypappaslaw.com)

• Pinder Plotkin Legal Team (pinderplotkin.com)

• TIME Magazine (time.com)

• Insurance Canopy (insurancecanopy.com)

• Law-Ohio (law-ohio.com)

• U.S. Fire Administration (usfa.fema.gov)

Raising the Bar: The Future of Claims Administration Starts Here

Raising the Bar: The Future of Claims Administration Starts Here

The property insurance claims industry is undergoing a major transformation. As carriers, brokers, and program managers demand faster, more transparent, and compliant claims handling, Third-Party Administrators (TPAs) are under pressure to deliver. At Tri-State Claims Administrators (TSCA), we’ve made it our mission to redefine what exceptional claims administration looks like.

The TSCA Approach: Built for Precision, Powered by Experience

Founded on over 40 years of field experience, TSCA specializes in commercial property claims, high-value residential losses, and program administration for sectors like religious institutions, universities, and coastal properties. We’ve handled thousands of first-party property claims with accuracy, discretion, and professionalism.

But in today’s market, experience alone isn’t enough. We combine traditional field expertise with modern, data-driven systems to streamline the claims process and support your policyholders with precision and care.

Solving Today’s Biggest TPA Challenges

We built TSCA to address the common frustrations in claims administration:

• Delays in communication and claim resolution

• Inconsistent field adjusting and report quality

• Weak compliance and regulatory oversight

• Limited transparency in claims outcomes

With TSCA, you can expect a higher standard—from licensed commercial property adjusters to structured claim workflows, detailed reporting, and a client-first approach at every step.

Our Core Principles

TSCA operates with a commitment to:

• Precision – Detailed reporting, accurate reserves, and well-supported claim decisions

• Transparency & Compliance – Fully documented files with policy citations and audit-ready practices

• Responsiveness – Fast turnarounds without sacrificing quality

We’re not just a claims expert—we’re your strategic TPA partner focused on protecting your brand and improving the policyholder experience.

The Claims Administration Firm You Can Trust

As a growing force in the property claims administration industry, Tri-State Claims Administrators is trusted by insurers, MGAs, and risk managers across the U.S. for one reason: we deliver. From daily property claims to catastrophe (CAT) response, we offer scalable solutions that match your program needs.

Ready to elevate your claims program?

📩 Reach out at info@tscadmins.com or learn more at www.tscadmins.com