HMI Launches National Claims Support Service for Tree Removal and Loss

The First Service of Its Kind, Provides Insurance Companies Access to a National Network of Tree Care Experts 24/7

Cary, North Carolina, August 2008 – Horticultural Asset Management, Inc. (HMI) has launched a national claims support service that provides the insurance industry a 24/7 solution for any claim involving a tree. HMI’s network consists of certified arborists and accredited tree care professionals who are bonded and insured and are leaders in the industry. HMI’s network provides all services related to tree claims and tree damage recovery, including, tree and debris removal, wildfire recovery, reports to support subrogation actions, and replacement cost values for lost trees and shrubs.

Doug Malawsky, HMI’s Chief Operating Officer and Director of the Claims Program said, “Our network has processed 1,000’s of claims successfully and has provided superior service to the insurance industry. When a tree is on an insured’s home, we can get it off quickly and safely and mitigate any further damage.” Malawsky goes on to say, “HMI has created the first national network of professional tree care experts which can provide a turn key solution to insurance companies, disaster recovery services and restoration companies regarding damage caused by trees”.

HMI has a 24/7 claims support hotline which is staffed by claims professionals. When a claim is received a tree care expert is immediately sourced and sent to the loss location to inspect the damage, determine urgency, and provide pictures and an estimate for adjusting purposes. HMI also manages the claims process and ensures a seamless interface between insureds, the tree care industry and the insurance industry. HMI currently provides services to over 10 insurance companies and numerous restoration companies.

Malawsky notes, “Having access to our tree care network is a great comfort during hurricane season and severe weather events. We can even reserve tree crews dedicated to an insurer’s insureds in an area located in a storm path. Furthermore, having a national network of arborists provides a one stop solution for insurance companies which also may require an arborist opinion or analysis of tree loss.”

HMI is also recognized as the only provider of standardized replacement cost values of trees and shrubs, a resource which has been leveraged extensively for insurance claims.

About Horticultural Asset Management, Inc. (HMI)

In addition to claims support services involving tree loss, Horticultural Asset Management, Inc. provides revolutionary products and services that are utilized by the insurance industry as well as the tax, legal and real estate industries. HMI’s Horticultural Scientific Standard (HS² ™) enables HMI to provide accurate replacement costs for landscape assets thus accurately rating these assets for insurance purposes.  HMI also provides insurance companies risk mitigation inspections of large trees surrounding homes and businesses which could cause extensive damage if they were to fall.

For more information please visit the Web site http://www.moneygrowsontrees.com or call 919-460-5445, ext. 25.