You did everything right. You reported the claim, met the adjuster, waited weeks. Then a letter came: denied. Or a check came for a fraction of what your contractor says the repair costs. Many people stop there. They shouldn’t, at least not before someone takes a second look.
GB Claims LLC is a licensed public adjuster for property owners in New York and New Jersey. We review denied, partly denied and underpaid claims on homes and buildings. Send us what you have for a free second opinion on your claim, or call or text 845-456-6699.
Denied and underpaid are different problems
A denial means the insurer says the loss isn’t covered. Common reasons: “wear and tear”, “long-term leak”, “pre-existing damage”, “late notice”, or an exclusion like flood or mold. Sometimes the insurer is right. Sometimes the facts don’t fit the reason given.
An underpayment means the insurer agrees the loss is covered but pays too little. That usually comes from missed rooms or items, low unit prices, depreciation, or a scope that patches what should be replaced. See partly denied claims if part was paid and part denied.
What a second look actually is
- Read the letter and the policy together. A denial letter quotes specific policy language. We check whether that language really applies to what happened.
- Compare the insurer’s estimate to the actual damage. Room by room, line by line. Missing items and wrong quantities show up fast.
- Look at the evidence on cause. Photos, the failed part, a plumber’s or roofer’s notes, moisture readings, weather data. Cause of loss is often the whole argument.
- Tell you honestly what we see. If the insurer got it right, we will say so. If there is a real gap, we explain it and what it would take to close it.
Can a closed claim be reopened?
Often, yes. A claim can usually be reopened with a supplement when damage was missed or found later, for example once walls are opened during repairs. Cashing the first check usually doesn’t close the claim unless you signed a release. Read more on reopening a closed claim, supplement requests and whether cashing the check closes your claim.
Deadlines to watch
Every policy has time limits: to submit a proof of loss, to claim the depreciation holdback after repairs, and to file a lawsuit if it comes to that. Some are much shorter than people expect. Find your policy’s “Suit against us” and “Loss settlement” sections now, not later. If you aren’t sure, send the policy to us and we will point them out.
What to send for a review
- The denial letter or the insurer’s estimate
- Your declarations page and the full policy, if you have it
- Photos of the damage
- Any contractor or restoration estimates
- The claim number and the date of loss
No paperwork? Call anyway. We can start with what you remember. For a deeper look at the appeal process, see our page on denied and underpaid claim appeals.
Where we work
In New York: Rockland County, Orange County and Westchester County, including Suffern, Monsey, Monroe and Middletown. In New Jersey: Bergen County, Passaic County, Teaneck, Englewood and Wayne.
Frequently asked questions
My property insurance claim was denied. Is that final?
Not necessarily. A denial is the insurer’s position, not the last word. It can be challenged with better evidence or a closer reading of the policy, within the policy’s deadlines.
Can I hire a public adjuster after my claim was denied or paid?
Yes. A public adjuster can review a denied or paid claim and, where there is a real gap, reopen it with a supplement or a written challenge, as long as the policy’s time limits haven’t run.
Does cashing the insurance check close my claim?
Usually not, unless you signed a release or a final settlement agreement. Read anything that comes with the check before you sign it.
How do I know if my claim was underpaid?
Compare the insurer’s estimate to a contractor’s estimate and to the actual damage. Missing rooms, missing items, low quantities, low prices and large depreciation are the usual signs.
How long do I have to dispute a denied claim?
It depends on your policy and your state. Policies set deadlines for proof of loss, depreciation holdback and lawsuits. Check them right away, because some are short.
Talk to a licensed public adjuster
Denied or underpaid in New York or New Jersey? Call or text 845-456-6699, or upload the letter and estimate for a free second opinion.
GB Claims LLC – Licensed Public Adjuster. NY License PA-1988333 · NJ License #3004401530 · PA License #1336704 · CT License #3004375850. We work only for the policyholder, never for the insurance company.