Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/892087
November 2017 WINES&VINES 19 WINE INDUSTRY NEWS Simplify and accelerate barrel cleaning without compromising cleaning effectiveness with the new TankJet M60 barrel cleaner. • It's mobile, so it is quick and easy to position right next to the barrel, insert into the bung hole, clean and move to the next barrel • Powerful, fast cleaning at low fl ow rates prevents toast removal – clean multiple barrels in minutes • Non-lubricated air motor ensures speed and cycle times are relatively constant even when liquid pressure changes • Compatible with a variety of pressure washers and pumps INTRODUCING THE TANKJET ® M60 MOBILE BARREL CLEANER: EASIER, FASTER & BETTER CLEANING FREE TRIAL OR ON-SITE DEMO CALL 1.800.95.SPRAY TO SPEAK WITH YOUR LOCAL REP OR VISIT TANKJET.COM TankJet M60 barrel cleaner – effective cleaning of barrels up to 5' (1.5 m) in dia. S an Rafael, Calif.—Insur- ance specialists with wine industry clients are fielding questions such as: Am I eligible to claim losses even if there wasn't damage to my property? Do I have to accept grapes from areas that experi- enced smoky conditions? Linda Kornfeld, vice chair of the insurance recovery practice group at Blank Rome LLP in Los Angeles, Calif., says the first step is contacting the insurance com- pany and getting their approval before spending large sums of money. Second: Keep receipts for all purchases related to the fires. While the insured should pro- vide adjusters with all of the in- formation they ask for, offering unrequested details can actually undermine an insurance claim and result in a lower payout. "Stick to the facts rather than characterizing the facts," Kornfeld advised. "For example, 'We had 10 barrels of wine destroyed,' as op- posed to how you might value the wine that was in the barrels. It should just be facts without hypoth- esizing or projecting the worth." Kornfeld also said it's important to keep detailed records of your conversations with the insurance company, adding: "Claims that are submitted early in these events tend to be paid early. Delay is not your friend in this circumstance." Alana Joyce, associate attorney at Hinman & Carmichael LLP, told Wines & Vines, "You can make a claim for any type of alcohol if you have paid federal excise tax on it.…You can get a refund or an allowance of credit." TTB is waiving tax penalties to those affected by the fires, and the California state Board of Equaliza- tion is offering emergency tax relief and an extension of up to three months. Meanwhile: Vineyards and wineries may be able to collect on crop insurance for inability to har- vest or smoke taint. The U.S. De- partment of Agriculture advises farmers: "Do not destroy evidence that is needed to support your claim without clear direction from the insurance company, preferably in writing." Loss of income David Smith, insurance and risk- management consultant for Farella Braun + Martel LLP, said many business-interruption policies have ingress/egress coverage that ap- plies when damage elsewhere pre- vents customers from getting to the business and spending money. "Any time the business is shut down, whether it's actually suf- fered damage or not, the business should be tracking all costs it's incurring very carefully and keeping records," said Tyler Gerk- ing, partner at Farella Braun + Martel. "Those kinds of losses— even if there wasn't actually dam- age to their property—might be covered, so keep in a file any costs they're incurring and sales they're losing." —Kate Lavin Insurance adjusters will need to evaluate evidence of fire claims. TOP STORY Tips for Recouping Fire Losses