In order to treat a patient, a physician needs to identify and evaluate what is wrong. He can reach a diagnosis only after thoroughly questioning the patient and subjecting him to numerous tests and examinations. In a very similar way, as brokers, we meet with our client and his staff, perform inspections, and together attempt to find out as many risks as possible to which he may be exposed and up to what amount. We want to know what can be lost, how it can be lost and the magnitude of a foreseeable loss. To identify the what and the how may be lost, we utilize the following tools:

• Personal field inspections
• Inspection reports and photographs (past and present)
• Review contracts (construction, rental, lease, purchase order, etc.)
• Study past suits
• Complete survey questionnaires
• Analyze financial reports
• Review Comptroller's Office Reports
• Evaluate Risk Management Policy
• Analyze 5 year loss experience and loss projections
• Verify and evaluate appraisals
• Peruse prospectus used to sell bonds
• Check insurance policies
• Study employee handbook
• Check blue prints
• Study governmental regulations (State and Federal)
• Check emergency preparedness plans

Together we must determine how much can be lost and what would be the "Maximum Foreseeable Loss". Amongst the tools used are the following:

• Interviews
• Appraisals of properties
• Marshall and Swift's Commercial Estimators software
• Financial records
• Inspection reports
• Insurance policies