Investigation Procedures & Methods Flashcards
7 cards from real CPI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Investigation Procedures & Methods flashcards as text
In a subrogation investigation, what is the primary goal of identifying the responsible party?
Answer: To allow the insurer to recover claim payments from the negligent third party
Subrogation allows an insurer who has paid a loss to step into the insured's shoes and seek reimbursement from the party whose negligence caused the loss.
What distinguishes a 'competent ignition source' from other heat sources found at a fire scene?
Answer: It has sufficient temperature and energy to ignite the first fuel in its form and condition
A competent ignition source must be capable of raising the first fuel to its ignition temperature under the specific conditions present at the time of the fire.
During an investigation, an inspector finds 'alligatoring' (checking) on charred wood. What does the SIZE of the alligator scales primarily indicate?
Answer: The rate of heating — large scales suggest slow, low-heat burning; small shiny scales suggest rapid, intense heat
Large, rounded alligator scales typically result from slow charring, while small, shiny, tight scales indicate rapid, high-intensity heating.
A CPI inspector is asked to investigate a water damage loss. The insured claims a pipe burst suddenly. The inspector finds evidence of slow, long-term leaking. Which investigative tool BEST supports this finding?
Answer: Moisture readings, staining patterns, and mold growth indicating a chronic leak over time
Moisture readings combined with staining and mold growth establish that moisture was present over an extended period, contradicting a claim of sudden pipe failure.
What is the purpose of creating an 'evidence log' during a property loss investigation?
Answer: To document each piece of evidence collected, including location, condition, and chain of custody
An evidence log establishes chain of custody and provides a verifiable record of what was collected, when, where, and by whom, which is essential for legal proceedings.
An inspector is examining a theft claim and notices that a window was broken from the inside out. What does this finding MOST likely indicate?
Answer: The break-in was staged — a genuine forced entry would break glass inward
Glass fragments falling outside the structure indicate the force was applied from inside, suggesting the window was broken to simulate forced entry rather than to gain access.
Which NFPA standard serves as the primary scientific and technical reference for fire and explosion investigations in the United States?
Answer: NFPA 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations
NFPA 921 is the nationally recognized guide that establishes the scientific methodology and best practices for conducting fire and explosion investigations.