Rhino Public Adjusters

09/28/2026

09/18/2026

Can an older roof be more vulnerable to wind damage? According to a recent study published by NIST, the answer may be yes.

Researchers studied asphalt-shingle roof damage following Hurricane Laura and found that roof age was clearly associated with higher levels of damage in areas experiencing similar estimated wind speeds. The study observed a notable increase centered around eight years of age—but the researchers specifically warned that this should not be treated as a universal cutoff.

For homeowners, the important point is this:

An older roof may be more susceptible to storm damage, but age alone does not establish what caused the damage—or whether the loss is covered. A proper investigation should consider the roof’s pre-storm condition, damage pattern, wind conditions, installation, maintenance, design, and applicable policy language.

If an insurance decision appears to be based primarily on the age of your roof rather than a complete investigation, it may be appropriate to ask questions or seek an independent review.

Read the NIST publication below:

This manuscript aims to examine whether roof age affects the level of roof cover damage observed under relatively similar hurricane wind speeds.

09/15/2026

A church suffered wind damage and submitted an insurance claim.

When the church and its insurance company could not agree on the amount of the loss, the dispute proceeded to binding appraisal. The appraisers agreed that the damage totaled approximately $313,000, and the insurance company paid the award.

Several months later, the church reported discovering more than $206,000 in additional hidden damage.

The insurance company refused to pay it.

In July, the Ohio Supreme Court upheld that refusal. The court found that merely alleging “additional hidden damage” was not enough to overcome a binding appraisal award. The church had not specifically explained what was discovered, where it was found, how it was discovered, why it remained hidden, or why its omission constituted a manifest mistake by the appraisers.

Although this is an Ohio decision—not Nebraska or Iowa law—it offers an important lesson for policyholders everywhere:

Appraisal should not be treated as just another step in adjusting a claim. Once a binding award is entered, recovering additional amounts may become extremely difficult—even when more damage is uncovered later.

Before entering appraisal, the property should be thoroughly investigated. Suspected concealed damage should be documented, the scope of the appraisal should be clearly defined, and appropriate reservations should be considered for portions of the property that cannot yet be inspected.

At Rhino Public Adjusters, we believe the strongest claim is one that is carefully investigated and documented before important rights are placed in someone else’s hands.

The details matter—especially before appraisal becomes final.

Read the decision below:

09/08/2026

A Nebraska storm-repair dispute headed to the Court of Appeals offers an important reminder for contractors, policyholders, and claim professionals.

On September 17, 2026, the Nebraska Court of Appeals is scheduled to hear Millard Gutter Company v. Nationwide Insurance. Millard Gutter, acting as the assignee of several insured property owners, alleges that Nationwide failed to pay for storm-damage repairs.

The district court granted summary judgment in Nationwide’s favor after finding that Millard Gutter had not placed the insurance policies into evidence or presented sufficient proof that the named Nationwide entity issued the policies. Millard Gutter is appealing that ruling.

The Court of Appeals has not yet decided the case. Regardless of the eventual outcome, the dispute highlights an important claim-handling lesson:

Before pursuing litigation, appraisal, or an assignment-based demand, obtain and preserve the complete policy—not merely the declarations, carrier estimate, correspondence, or payment records. It is also essential to confirm the exact underwriting company identified on the policy.

Strong documentation is not a technicality. It is the foundation of an enforceable claim.

Official case summary and hearing information in comment below:

Case Number(s) A-25-0559 Court Number Douglas Call Date September 17, 2026 Case Time 9:00 am Case Summary A-25-0559, Millard Gutter Company v. Nationwide Insurance a/k/a or d/b/a Nationwide Property and Casualty Insurance Company District Court for Douglas County, Judge Duane C. DoughertyAttorney f...

09/02/2026

Hysterical

09/02/2026

08/27/2026

When storm damage occurs, homeowners often rely on both a contractor and a public adjuster. Those professionals perform different—but equally important—jobs.

A recent federal appellate decision involving Iowa’s public-adjuster laws confirms that those boundaries still matter.

A contractor can inspect the property, identify damage, explain the necessary repairs, and provide an estimate. A licensed public adjuster represents the property owner in evaluating coverage, presenting the insurance claim, and negotiating with the carrier.

Keeping those responsibilities clear helps protect the homeowner and allows each professional to focus on the work they are qualified and authorized to perform.

If you have questions about the scope or handling of a Nebraska or Iowa property claim, Rhino Public Adjusters is available to help.

Read the decision below:

A residential contractor in Iowa received warning notices from the Iowa Insurance Division, alleging that its business activities and advertising involved unlicensed public adjusting, which is regulated by two Iowa statutes. These statutes require public adjusters to be licensed and prohibit residen...

08/23/2026

Beautiful store.