Category Archives: News Release

Curley Adjustment Is Ready for the Arctic Blast

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As meteorologists warn that an intense Arctic blast is set to sweep across the Mid‑Atlantic, homeowners and businesses are bracing for the kind of deep freeze that can turn a minor issue into a major claim overnight. At Curley Adjustment Bureau, preparation isn’t a scramble — it’s a year‑round discipline. When extreme weather hits, our team is already in motion.

Proactive Readiness, Not Reactive Response

Cold snaps bring a predictable surge in property claims: frozen pipes, ice damming, roof collapses, sprinkler system failures, and widespread water damage. Because these events unfold quickly, the difference between a smooth claims experience and a chaotic one often comes down to how prepared your adjusting partner is before the first temperature drop.

Curley Adjustment Bureau has spent the past several weeks reviewing staffing, tightening communication workflows, and coordinating with carriers to ensure we’re aligned on expectations and ready for volume. Our adjusters covering the DC and Baltimore regions — areas expected to feel the brunt of the cold — are already positioned for rapid deployment.

Experienced Adjusters, Local Knowledge

With more than two decades of property claims experience across the Mid‑Atlantic, our team understands the unique vulnerabilities of the region’s housing stock and commercial infrastructure. From historic rowhomes to modern office parks, we’ve seen how extreme cold affects different building systems — and we know how to document, evaluate, and move claims forward efficiently.

Our adjusters are fully equipped with:

  • Xactimate proficiency for fast, accurate estimating
  • Cold‑weather field gear to safely inspect properties even in harsh conditions
  • Streamlined reporting tools to keep carriers updated in real time
  • A deep bench of adjusters ready to scale as claim volume increases
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Rapid Response Is Our Standard

When temperatures plunge, delays can worsen damage. That’s why we prioritize:

  • Same‑day contact with insureds
  • Timely on‑site inspections when conditions allow
  • Clear, empathetic communication during stressful events
  • Accurate, defensible estimates that help move claims toward resolution

Our goal is simple: minimize disruption for policyholders while delivering the high‑quality adjusting work our carrier partners rely on.

Supporting Carriers Through the Storm

Extreme weather events test the resilience of the entire claims ecosystem. Curley Adjustment Bureau is committed to being the steady, reliable partner carriers need during high‑volume periods. Whether it’s a single loss or a surge of claims across multiple counties, we’re prepared to step in with professionalism, speed, and clarity.

The Arctic Blast Is Coming — We’re Ready

As the region prepares for dangerous cold, Curley Adjustment Bureau stands ready to support our partners and the communities we serve. Weather may be unpredictable, but our commitment to excellence never wavers.

If you’d like a version of this tailored for LinkedIn, your website, or a more formal press‑release tone, I can shape it however you need.

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Holiday Decor, Not Disaster: Stay Safe This Season

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🎄 Deck the Halls—Not the Hospital: Safety Tips for Christmas Decorations

‘Tis the season to be jolly—and safe. As we deck the halls with boughs of holly (and all the trimmings), it’s crucial to also deck our minds with safety smarts. Here are some guidelines to ensure your holiday cheer doesn’t result in a trip to the emergency room:

1. 🔥 Flammable Faux Pas: Mind Your Flames

That cozy candlelit ambiance? Lovely, until your centerpiece becomes a yule log. Tip: Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything flammable. Safer alternative: Use flameless LED candles that flicker like the real thing.

2. 🌲 Tree Trouble: Placement and Hydration

A dry Christmas tree can ignite in seconds. Tip: Place your tree at least 3 feet from heat sources like radiators or fireplaces. Example: In 2022, a family in Ohio lost their home when a dry tree caught fire from a nearby space heater.

Bonus: Cut 2 inches off the trunk and keep the stand filled with water daily.

3. 💡 Light Logic: Inspect Before You Plug

Frayed wires and overloaded outlets are a recipe for disaster. Tip: Use only UL-listed lights and never connect more than three strands per extension cord. Example: A 2021 fire in California was traced to a damaged string of lights stapled to a wooden beam.

4. 🪜 Ladder Lessons: Hang High, Hang Smart

Falls are the #1 cause of decorating injuries. Tip: Use a sturdy ladder on level ground and never stand on the top rung. Example: In 2019, over 14,000 people visited the ER due to holiday decorating injuries—half from ladder falls.

5. 🧒 Kid & Pet Proofing: Curious Hands, Wagging Tails

Glass ornaments, bubbling lights, and tinsel can be tempting—and dangerous. Tip: Hang fragile items higher up and avoid decorations with small detachable parts. Safer choice: Use shatterproof ornaments and avoid lead-based tinsel.

Stay festive, stay safe—and let your holiday sparkle without sparks.

A disrupted polar vortex could bring a colder, snowier December 2025

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❄️ Here’s what to expect—and how to prep:

December 2025 is shaping up to be colder and snowier than usual thanks to a rare disruption in the polar vortex. Scientists are watching for colder than normal conditions to develop in the mid-latitudes over the next month or so. Once the polar vortex is disrupted, it can take a month or more to recover, said Andrea Lopez Lang, a meteorologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  “We can see more active and shifted storm tracks and increases in cold air outbreaks in regions across the Northern Hemisphere,” she said.

What It Means for Us

  • Colder temperatures: Expect below-average temperatures across much of the U.S., especially in the Midwest, Northeast, and parts of the South.
  • Snowier conditions: With Arctic air mixing into storm systems, snow chances rise earlier than usual, potentially leading to travel headaches during the holiday season.
  • Longer-lasting winter: Instead of a quick cold snap, this pattern could lock in chilly weather well into January.

A practical winter prep guide so you can stay safe, warm, and ready:

🏠 Home Prep

🚗 Car Prep

👤 Personal Prep

  • Layer clothing: Base layer for warmth, middle layer for insulation, outer layer for wind/water protection.
  • Stay hydrated: Cold weather dehydrates too, so drink water regularly.
  • Plan ahead: Check forecasts before traveling and allow extra time for delays.

🛒 Supplies to Have Ready

Property Damage After Extended Drought

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Storms after a drought lead to property claims.

Storm systems are bringing rain to the Northeast after long periods without measurable precipitation. The map below from the U.S. Drought Monitor show that Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland are experiencing severe to extreme drought conditions

The storms are bringing much needed rain, but can lead to other problems for homeowners. After a long drought the soil shrinks around the foundation. This can cause cracks, uneven settling and structural issues. Other potential problems are possible damage to exterior walls, driveways, sidewalks. A lack of moisture also can damage pipes as the ground shifts due to a lack of moisture.

Trees can be more susceptible to valling or breaking branches due to the lack of water. This can potentially damage roofs or other structures on the property.

The dry conditions can also compromise a roof. A storm after a period of drought can cause leaks and other damage to the roof.

Key points about drought related home damage

  • Foundation cracks – Gaps are created when soil pulls away from the foundation, causing cracks.
  • Falling trees or branches – A lack of water can compromise the health of a tree
  • Uneven floors – Receding soil can cause the foundation to settle unevenly, resulting in sloping floors.
  • Cracked exterior walls – Brick, stucco, or siding can crack from a shifting foundation
  • Damaged pipes – Leaks and breaks are caused by pressure from the shifting soil
  • Cracked driveways and patios – These concrete surfaces also can me damaged by foundation issues.

What to do?

  • Assess tree damage – consider contacting an aborist to address any potential hazards
  • Regularly check for cracks in the foundation, walls, or floors.
  • Consult professionals – if you suspect a structural engineer or foundation specialist

Sources

Understanding and Preventing Identity Theft

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The Invisible Threat

In our increasingly digital world, identity theft has become a pervasive threat that affects millions of people each year. The consequences of identity theft can be devastating, leading to financial loss, damage to credit scores, and emotional distress. Understanding what identity theft is and how to prevent it is crucial in safeguarding your personal information and maintaining your financial well-being.

What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft occurs when someone illegally obtains and uses your personal information, such as your social security number, credit card details, or bank account information, without your permission. This can lead to fraudulent activities such as opening new accounts, making unauthorized purchases, or even committing crimes in your name.

Common Methods of Identity Theft

  1. Phishing Scams: Cybercriminals often use phishing emails or messages to trick individuals into providing personal information. These emails may appear to be from legitimate sources, such as banks or government agencies, but they contain malicious links or attachments.
  2. Data Breaches: Large-scale data breaches at companies and organizations can expose sensitive information of millions of individuals. Hackers can exploit security vulnerabilities to steal data, which is then sold on the dark web.
  3. Skimming: Identity thieves use skimming devices to capture credit card information from ATMs, gas station pumps, or point-of-sale terminals. These devices are often difficult to detect, making it easy for thieves to steal your information without your knowledge.
  4. Mail Theft: Physical mail can also be a target for identity thieves. They may steal mail containing sensitive information, such as credit card statements, tax documents, or pre-approved credit offers, to gain access to your personal information.

How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

While identity theft can be a daunting threat, there are several proactive steps you can take to protect yourself:

  1. Secure Your Personal Information: Be cautious about sharing personal information online and ensure that your social media profiles are set to private. Shred documents containing sensitive information before disposing of them.
  2. Use Strong Passwords: Create complex passwords for your online accounts and avoid using the same password across multiple sites. Consider using a password manager to keep track of your passwords.
  3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Add an extra layer of security to your online accounts by enabling two-factor authentication (2FA). This requires you to enter a code sent to your phone or email in addition to your password.
  4. Monitor Your Financial Accounts: Regularly review your bank and credit card statements for any suspicious activities. Set up transaction alerts to receive notifications of any unauthorized transactions.
  5. Be Wary of Phishing Scams: Be skeptical of emails or messages asking for personal information. Look for signs of phishing, such as misspellings, generic greetings, or unexpected attachments, and avoid clicking on suspicious links.
  6. Protect Your Devices: Install and update antivirus software on your devices to protect against malware. Keep your operating system and applications up to date with the latest security patches.
  7. Freeze Your Credit: Consider freezing your credit to prevent unauthorized access to your credit reports. This makes it more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name.

What to Do If You Become a Victim

If you suspect that you have become a victim of identity theft, take immediate action to minimize the damage:

  1. Report the Theft: Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and file a report at IdentityTheft.gov. Notify your banks, credit card companies, and any other affected institutions.
  2. Place a Fraud Alert: Place a fraud alert on your credit reports with the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). This alerts creditors to take extra precautions when verifying your identity.
  3. Close Compromised Accounts: Close any accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. Notify the companies where the accounts were opened and provide them with a copy of your FTC report.
  4. Monitor Your Credit: Regularly check your credit reports for any new or suspicious activities. You can request free credit reports annually from each of the major credit bureaus.

To Wrap Up

Identity theft is a serious issue that can have long-lasting effects on your financial health and peace of mind. By understanding the methods used by identity thieves and taking proactive steps to protect your personal information, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to this pervasive crime. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and take control of your identity to safeguard your future.

Stay safe and take action today to protect yourself from identity theft. Your identity is invaluable—treat it with the care it deserves.

CURLEY ADJUSTMENT BUREAU CELEBRATES ITS 85TH ANNIVERSARY

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Curley Adjustment Bureau wishes to announce its 85th Anniversary as a leading Independent Insurance Adjusting firm and Third Party Administrator.

Curley Adjustment Bureau, Inc. is an independent adjusting organization and Third Party Administrator founded in 1933 by the late James N. Curley and it is one of the oldest adjusting firms in the country, operating under the same family management.

Frank Marx, Grandson of the founder, and president of Curley said, “As we celebrate our 85th year in business we are grateful to our clients for allowing us to be of service and to our dedicated staff that made this anniversary possible”. He went on to say “We are proud of the work of our current employees, but we also acknowledge that our longevity is a credit to all of those that helped the company thrive for the past 85 years.”

The company’s founding principle was to provide courteous, prompt, and effective professional claim service on behalf of the insurance industry.  Three family generations and eighty-five years later, Curley Adjustment Bureau still relies on this very same mission statement to foster continued growth and success for itself and its insurance and other business partners, within the ever-changing insurance industry.

The best practices supported by Curley Adjustment Bureau stress the importance of treating all parties with great care and respect. To that end we consistently make every effort to go above and beyond in our claims handling.  Claims Manager, Jeff Stauts adds “We will always strive to provide an exceptionally high degree of service to make sure that each party comes away with an overwhelming positive attitude toward our clients”

Here at Curley Adjustment Bureau, we are proud to be experts at claims handling and administration. We employ, train and promote an elite group of claims professionals. Our adjusters average twenty years of experience – Let Our Experience Work for You.

Be sure to view our website for detailed information on our company and to submit a claim.  Yes, Take Me There!

 

Our Claims Administration is headquartered in our Philadelphia Home Office. Our seventeen branch offices are strategically located throughout the States of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. We are able to provide claims service in the New York metropolitan area and the eastern shore & northern Maryland. As well as the eastern side of Ohio.

SUBMIT A LOSS
[email protected]
Toll Free: 888.557.3717
Phone:     215.627.5900
Fax:         888.557.3717
President Vice President
Frank Marx Pete Kulaski
[email protected] [email protected]
215.627.5900 x2007 215.627.5900 x2012
Claims Manager I.T. Director
Jeff Stauts Joe Rourke
[email protected] [email protected]
215.627.5900 x2016 215.627.5900 x2011

 

Need an Appraiser? Appraisals and Umpires

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needanappraiser

 

Curley Adjustment Bureau has a team of experienced property adjusters that are qualified to act as an appraiser on your behalf. Our adjusters average have an average of 20 years in assessing and determining damages.

Put our highly trained, professional adjusters to work for you. Our firm has been a respected member of this industry for over 80 years with the founding principle to provide courteous, prompt and effective service for our clients. You will find our employees highly trained and dedicated to act in an ethical manner with high moral standards.

Curley Adjustment Bureau is the choice if you find yourself in a dispute over damages. Almost all property insurance policies contain a provision specifying “appraisal” as a means of resolving disputes over the amount of loss associated with a covered claim. Appraisal provides an efficient method for an insured and insurance company to resolve a dispute over the amount of a covered loss when both parties agreed about the existence of coverage.

 

Curley Adjustment Bureau, Inc. – Hurricane Matthew

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Curley Adjustment Bureau, Inc.

Hurricane Matthew is on track to hit the U.S. early next week. We wanted to take this time to let you know that Curley Adjustment Bureau has a proactive plan to be ready for your needs for any possible loss.

Like you, we wish for all to be safe during and after this storm, but it is prudent to be prepared.

We would like to use this time to distribute our new and updated Coverage Maps for Liability and Property.

Please send losses to [email protected]

This is the most efficient address to use and we will assign to the nearest office and the appropriate adjuster.

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High Wind Warning Sunday – Curley Adjustment is prepared to assist you

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Curley Adjustment Bureau is fully prepared to assist you in you claims needs for the impending high winds due to hit our service area. Very Strong winds are expected later tonight and Sunday. This will result in a powerful west-northwest wind, sustained at 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 60 mph.

This storm will impact much of eastern Pennsylvania, much of New Jersey, all of Delaware and much of the eastern shore of Maryland.

According to the National Weather Service, low pressure will rapidly intensify as it passes just north of New York City early Sunday morning. Whipping a strong cold front across our area between 10 PM and 1 AM. Intense winds above the surface combined with much colder air surging into the region will result in strong to potentially damaging wind gusts. The strongest winds are expected between 4 AM and 9 AM Sunday.

High Wind Warning remains in effect from Midnight Tonight to noon EDT Sunday.

Gale force winds and tropical storm force gusts are serious business.

High winds may cause any or all of the following:

—Downed trees and power lines, leading to scattered power outages.

—Some property damage is possible to buildings and structures, especially to roofs and gutters.

—Challenging driving conditions for high-profile vehicles, such as trucks and buses. (Particularly on north-south roads, bridges, and elevated roadways.)

—Items left outside and unsecured, such as garbage cans and patio furniture, may topple or blow away.

—Coastal flooding Since the powerful winds will be blowing from the west-northwest, it is a land breeze. Therefore, the Jersey Shore should not experience significant coastal flooding.

We will have our highly trained adjusters assist you – email us at [email protected]

or send an assignment online through our client portal www.curleyadjustment.com