Public Adjuster for Water Damage Claims in New Paltz, New York

Water damage can cause significant destruction to your property, leading to costly repairs and potential health hazards. At JF Public Adjusters, we specialize in navigating the complexities of water damage claims to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve. Our experienced team is dedicated to advocating for your rights, meticulously documenting damage, and negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf. Trust us to handle your water damage claim with expertise and care, helping you restore your property and peace of mind.

(917) 272-8793

The Common Causes of Water Damage

BURST OR LEAKING PIPES

WATER HEATER LEAKS

APPLIANCE LEAKS

ROOF LEAKS

SUMP PUMP BACK UP

HVAC LEAKS

Filing a claim for water damage to your New Paltz, NY home or business?

Don’t let you insurance company push you around. JF Public Adjusters advocate for your rights, securing you the settlement that you’re entitled to. Contact us today for a free consultation and on-site inspection.

Level the Playing Field

Partner With The Property Damage and Insurance Claim Experts

We Manage Your Claim From Start to Finish
You Benefit From Our Years of Industry Experience
We Handle All The Details and Negotiations
We Deal With The Insurance Companies
We Get You The Full Settlement That You’re Owed
We Get Paid A Portion Of Whatever We Recover

Frequently Asked Questions About Water Damage and Water Damage Insurance Claims

What should I do immediately after discovering water damage in my home?

First, ensure safety by turning off the water source and electricity. Document the damage with photos and videos. Call professionals such as a plumber, mitigation company, and/or restoration company to assess and mitigate further damage. Then, contact your insurance company to report the incident.

Does a standard homeowners insurance policy cover all types of water damage?

Homeowners insurance typically covers water damage that is sudden and accidental, such as burst pipes or overflows. However, it usually does not cover damage resulting from neglect, poor maintenance, or flooding from natural disasters unless you have separate flood insurance.

How do I file a water damage insurance claim?

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the damage. Provide detailed information and documentation, including photos and videos of the damage. An adjuster will be sent to assess the situation. Be sure to keep records of all communications and receipts for any emergency repairs.

It is advisable that you hire a public adjuster to help you manage the claim and ensure you maximize your claim settlement.

What documents do I need to provide for my water damage claim?

You’ll need to provide photos and videos of the damage, receipts for emergency repairs, estimates for repair costs, and any correspondence with contractors.

Your insurance company may also ask for plumbing invoices or invoices for any recent repairs, especially if a broken appliance caused the water damage.

A word of warning when sending repair estimates to your insurance company: in many cases, your insurance company will review the estimates and remove or dispute items on the estimates. From experience, we have seen estimates reduced to only 20% of the original amount. The homeowner, who is not knowledgeable about construction, building codes, or the insurance process, usually ends up settling the claim for much less than the estimate. If this happens to you, you could end up out of pocket tens or hundreds of thousands. A public adjuster is your best bet in ensuring you receive a fair settlement.

How long does the claims process take for water damage?

The timeline for settling a water damage claim can vary widely, depending on the severity of the damage and the responsiveness of your insurance company. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Prompt documentation and regular communication can help expedite the process. Some claims are so complex that managing them are almost a full-time job. In these cases, you could benefit from using a public adjuster who can stay on top of your claim and move it along to a fair and speedy resolution.

Can I make repairs before the insurance adjuster inspects the damage?

It’s essential to document the damage thoroughly before making any repairs. Temporary repairs to prevent further damage (mitigation) are typically allowed and recommended. Keep receipts for any temporary repairs, as these costs may be reimbursable.

What is the difference between water damage and flood damage in insurance?

Flood Damage
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) defines flood damage as a temporary condition involving the partial or complete inundation of normally dry land. This can affect two or more acres or properties, one of which must be the policyholder’s property. Flooding can occur due to several scenarios:

Overflow of inland or tidal waters
Rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source
Mudflows
Land collapse or subsidence along the shore of a lake or similar body of water due to erosion or wave activity

Water Damage
Water damage, in contrast, typically falls under homeowners insurance coverage but depends on the specifics of the policy. Water damage generally occurs when water impacts the home before it touches the ground. Examples include:

Severe rainstorms penetrating the roof and damaging the interior
Burst pipes soaking ceilings and floors
Toilet overflows damaging bathroom flooring
Broken windows from hailstorms allowing water entry

Key Differences
The primary distinction between flood damage and water damage lies in their origins and the extent of their impact. Flood damage involves natural sources like overflowing rivers or heavy rains that inundate a large area, affecting multiple properties. If your neighborhood is collectively dealing with water issues from such natural events, it is likely a flood damage scenario requiring flood insurance.

Conversely, water damage typically arises from internal issues within the home, such as broken pipes or appliance malfunctions, and generally does not affect surrounding properties. If your home has water damage while your neighbors’ homes remain unaffected, it is likely an issue of water damage, which might be covered under your standard homeowners insurance policy.

What if my water damage claim is denied?

If your claim is denied, review the denial letter carefully to understand the reason. You can appeal the decision by providing additional evidence or documentation.

Consulting with a public adjuster or an attorney who specializes in insurance claims can also be helpful.

Our advise is to consult a public adjuster at the beginning of the claim to avoid wasting time. We have had clients come to us months after filing a claim, after having just received a denial letter. Depending on their circumstances, we could help overturn the denial, but the claim would be several months behind than if they had used a public adjuster to begin with.

How can I prevent water damage in my home?

Regular maintenance, such as inspecting and repairing plumbing, cleaning gutters, and checking the roof for leaks, can help prevent water damage. Installing a sump pump, using water leak detectors, and ensuring proper drainage around your property are also effective preventative measures.

Does my insurance policy cover mold resulting from water damage?

Mold coverage varies by policy. Some policies may cover mold remediation if it results from a covered water damage event, while others may exclude it. It’s important to review your policy details and consider additional mold coverage if needed.

Can I hire my own contractors for repairs?

Yes, you can hire your own contractors for repairs. It’s crucial to get multiple estimates and choose reputable, licensed professionals. Provide your insurance company with the contractor’s estimates and documentation for approval.

A word of warning when sending repair estimates to your insurance company: in many cases, your insurance company will review the estimates and remove or dispute items on the estimates. From experience, we have seen estimates reduced to only 20% of the original amount. The homeowner, who is not knowledgeable about construction, building codes, or the insurance process, usually ends up settling the claim for much less than the estimate. If this happens to you, you could end up out of pocket tens or hundreds of thousands. A public adjuster is your best bet in ensuring you receive a fair settlement.

What should I do if the water damage is extensive?

For extensive water damage, contact a professional restoration company immediately to mitigate further damage. Inform your insurance company promptly and provide detailed documentation. A public adjuster can also assist in managing large claims and negotiating with your insurer.

Will my insurance premium increase after a water damage claim?

Filing a water damage claim can potentially lead to an increase in your insurance premiums. The extent of the increase depends on the insurer, the severity of the claim, and your claim history. It’s important to weigh the benefits of filing a claim against potential premium hikes.

What is a public adjuster and how can they help with my water damage claim?

A public adjuster is an independent insurance claims professional who represents policyholders, not insurance companies. They can help by assessing the damage, preparing and filing your claim, and negotiating with the insurance company to ensure you receive a fair settlement.

JF Public Adjusters offer a free claim review, consultation and on-site inspection. We strongly advise that you avail of this risk-free and obligation-free service. Following your consultation with our public adjuster, you can make an informed decision on whether or not hiring a public adjuster would benefit you.

How do I know if I need a public adjuster for my water damage claim?

Consider hiring a public adjuster if your claim is complex, the damage is extensive, or you feel the insurance company is not offering a fair settlement. Public adjusters have expertise in insurance claims and can often secure higher settlements for policyholders.

JF Public Adjusters offer a free claim review, consultation and on-site inspection. We strongly advise that you avail of this risk-free and obligation-free service. Following your consultation with our public adjuster, you can make an informed decision on whether or not hiring a public adjuster would benefit you.