Next Friday, the California Association of Public Adjusters will celebrate with founder Stan Kaufman, at their bi-monthly luncheon in Simi Valley. But it is Robin Kaufman, Stan’s daughter, who is making headlines. On July 7, the California Insurance Commisioner held a press conference. In the press conference, Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones advised California insureds to be prepared with evacuation plans and an inventory of personal belongings in case a wildfire should erupt. Jones warned that homeowners needed to be extra vigilant and make sure there is defensible space around their homes and property.

Jones also shared the story of Rancho Bernado Community Leader, Robin Kaufman. Robin tragically lost her home in the San Diego County Firestorms of 2007, but her insurance claim was saved because of her “accidental” preparation before the fires.

The press release explains,

Robin had video-taped the interior and exterior of her home prior to the fire so that she could share it with a friend who lived on the East coast who was unable to travel to California to see it. “After the fires, my friend still had the video and mailed it back to me as the insurance company did not believe all the upgrades that were added during remodeling."

Having grown up with a public insurance adjuster for a father, Robin recommends always taking pictures or video of property and keeping the media offsite. Stan Kaufman said having the video saved Robin’s claim. Without it, he said it would have been very difficult to prove the status of the property before the loss.

Robin Kaufman began to get more involved after the fires and she also encouraged her father to help the victims of the fire. Stan offered his services as a pro bono public adjuster to dozens of insureds, while Robin joined the Fire Safe Council of Rancho Bernardo and continued to work as a team leader for CERT, the Citizens Emergency Response Team and as the Chair of the Friends of Fire Station 33 renovation council.

The Press Release also lists Robin as being named the Honorary Mayor of Ranchero Bernardo, assistant director of Rancho Bernardo Neighborhood Watch, and Chair of the Ranchero Bernardo Community Council Public Safety Committee.

Helping others must run in the Kaufman bloodlines. It is incredibly commendable to see someone faced with her own tragedy helping others pick up the pieces.

Commissioner Jones acknowledged Robin Kaufman for her tireless hours volunteering to educate, prepare, and protect her neighbors.

Prior posts on this blog have also detailed the importance of preparing for various types of losses. Take a look at:

California offers a free home inventory guide available here.