Celebrating Three Decades of Innovation at K2 Claims

As the sun dipped low over Lake Michigan, more than fifty attendees made up of carriers, reinsurers, MGUs, K2 Insurance services executives and the K2 Claims executive team gathered at Chicago’s Palmer House Hilton. K2 Claims fielded questions from some of its 26 property markets (Carriers/Lloyd’s Syndicates) that it services. The questions/feedback that were received, made this the most interactive/informative conference we have ever had.

The spirit of our 30th Annual K2 Claims Property Symposium: hands-on, innovative, and deeply collaborative. From April 28 to May 1, Chicago hosted our largest gathering yet, with over 50 of our invitees uniting under one roof for three days of in-depth discussions on catastrophe response, builders’ risk, litigation strategy, large-loss management, fraud detection, and more.

A Shared Journey, Three Decades in the Making

We kicked off the conference with a walk-through of Louisiana’s evolving coverage landscape. We were reminded why we started this symposium in the first place: “Back in ’95, our goal was simple—to learn from each other so we could serve our carriers better. Thirty years later, that mission is stronger than ever.” These words echoed in the ballroom as our carrier partners nodded in agreement.

Meanwhile, Matt LuBien, K2 Insurance Services President, reminded us of our roots: “K2 Claims was born inside an insurance company in 1977, built by people who always thought like carriers. That mindset—never losing sight of the policyholder while mitigating Loss and ALAE—still guides us today.”

Under the leadership of Tony Buglio, our SVP of Property Claims, we built a dedicated CAT team that stands apart by combining rapid deployment with rigorously structured field protocols. From the moment a surge event unfolds, our fully equipped CAT trailer rolls out with everything an adjuster needs—electronic funds transfers, standardized communications, and a “first in, first out” triage system that ensures no claim languishes at the back of the queue. But equipment alone isn’t enough; by pairing these field protocols with disciplined case load management, where every file is tracked, prioritized, and reassessed daily, we consistently achieve remarkable closing ratios within 30 days. This blend of hands-on responsiveness and data-driven oversight not only accelerates recovery timelines but also underscores our commitment to serving carriers with unparalleled efficiency and care.

Lessons in Law and Litigation

The team guided us through Florida’s tort reforms, unpacking the new regulations. “It’s not just statutes,” he warned. “It’s the pace at which policyholders expect answers, and the mounting penalties when we miss a deadline.” Rubicon’s Investigative Solutions’ own Bill Randall then led us into the trenches of fraud detection, showing us mock “ash-for-cash” solicitations that land in homeowners’ mailboxes, as well as unlicensed case managers peddling door-to-door schemes. His parting shot? “Fight fraud as aggressively as you fight fire—because, in today’s market, they can both burn you.”

Memorable Moments, Lasting Takeaways

• Field-Tested CAT Protocols: A hands-on workshop with the K2 CAT Trailer, where VP of Property Claims, Lennie Castellaneta guided teams through simulated surge-zone procedures—inspections, EFT setups, loss-damage letters, and the triage that keeps claims moving.
• Subrogation Showdown: Damien Carlson challenged us to beat K2’s 2024 Q1 subrogation record of $1 million in recoveries, reminding everyone that “every dollar reclaimed is a dollar saved for our carriers”.
• Power BI Power-Up: Matt Della Mora shared a sneak peek of the new K2 Client Connect and upcoming efficiency enhancements.

Gratitude and What Comes Next

On behalf of the K2 Claims teams, we extend our deepest gratitude to the speakers, planners, and all attendees who made this our largest and most successful educational and networking event to date. A special shout-out to Meagan Salaberrios, Katherine Moura, John Free, Scott Marshall, Tony Buglio, Damien Carlson, Matt Della Mora, and Lennie Castellaneta—your tireless work behind the scenes kept the gears turning.

Chicago—and the legendary Palmer House Hilton—proved to be gracious hosts. As we look forward to 2026, please note that we’ll provide you with even more notice, allowing us to make the next one even bigger and better.

Because, while our tools, technologies, and statutes may evolve, our commitment remains unchanged: to learn from one another, innovate together, and lead the property claims industry into its next era of excellence.

Until next time, stay curious—and keep aiming for the peak.