Get Ready for PCS Catastrophe Code Format Modification

In less than a year, Property Claim Services^® (PCS^®) will modify the format of its catastrophe serial numbers. The change was initiated after many users provided feedback: The two-digit code makes it difficult to identify the catastrophe event year, and the current system has duplicative codes every three to four years. PCS currently designates catastrophes using a two-digit sequential code from 11 through 99. On January 1, 2016, we’ll implement a four-digit code for events in the United States only.

The code will consist of the two-digit year followed by the two-digit catastrophe number (from 11 to 99 each year). Here is an example of the new designation system:

• If the first catastrophe of a given year occurs on January 22, 2016, the code will be 1611.
• If the second catastrophe of the same year occurs on February 1, 2016, the code will be 1612.

For questions regarding the upcoming change, please contact Ted Gregory at 201-469-3144 or tgregory@verisk.com.

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