Straight answers to common questions about underpaid, denied and disputed insurance claims. GB Claims LLC is a licensed public adjuster serving New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.
Quick answers
What does a public adjuster do?
A public adjuster is a state-licensed professional who represents you, the policyholder, on a property insurance claim — never the insurance company. We inspect and document the damage, prepare the repair estimate, file and manage the claim, meet the insurance company’s adjuster, and negotiate the settlement. The adjuster the insurance company sends works for the insurer; a public adjuster works only for you.
How much does a public adjuster cost in New York?
There is no upfront fee. A public adjuster is paid a percentage of what the insurance company pays on the claim, and New York caps that fee at 12.5% of the recovery (11 NYCRR 25.7). If the claim recovers nothing, there is no fee. Many clients find the fee is more than covered by the increase in the settlement.
When should I call a public adjuster?
As early as possible — ideally before the insurance company’s adjuster inspects, so the damage is documented and nothing is cleaned up or thrown out undocumented. It is also worth calling after a low offer, a partial payment or a denial: a claim can usually be reopened or supplemented while it is still within the policy’s deadlines.
Is a public adjuster worth it for a small claim?
Often not for a very small loss, and we will tell you so. A public adjuster earns their fee on claims with real repair scope — fire, water that spread into floors and walls, roof damage, mold after a leak, or any claim where the carrier’s estimate is missing rooms, materials or code upgrades.
Who can help with a fire insurance claim in Rockland or Orange County?
GB Claims LLC, a licensed New York public adjuster based in Suffern (license PA-1988333), handles fire and smoke claims across Rockland County (Monsey, Spring Valley, New City, Nanuet, Suffern, Airmont, Pomona) and Orange County (Monroe, Kiryas Joel, Middletown, Goshen, Newburgh). Call 845-456-6699. After a fire: make the property safe, keep everyone out of damaged areas, do not throw anything away, keep receipts for emergency costs, and call us before giving a recorded statement.
Does homeowners insurance cover water damage and burst pipes?
Sudden water losses — a burst pipe, a failed supply line, an overflowing appliance — are usually covered. Gradual leaks, groundwater seepage and surface flooding usually are not, unless you have the right endorsement or a flood policy. Carriers often label a covered sudden loss as ‘gradual’ or ‘wear and tear’; the actual cause can be shown, and that is where a public adjuster earns the fee.
Does insurance cover mold?
Mold that results from a covered water loss (for example a burst pipe) is often covered, though many policies cap mold remediation at a set amount. Mold from long-term neglect or humidity is usually excluded. The key is tying the mold to the covered event and documenting it before remediation.
My roof claim was denied or underpaid. What can I do?
Get the denial or estimate in writing, do not accept it as final, and have the roof inspected by someone who works for you. Storm and wind damage is frequently written off as ‘age’ or ‘wear’; matching requirements and code upgrades are often left out. We review denials at no charge and pursue a supplement or appeal when the policy supports it.
How do I check that a public adjuster is licensed in New York?
Search the New York State Department of Financial Services license lookup for the firm or the adjuster’s name. GB Claims LLC holds NY Public Adjuster License PA-1988333; the licensed sublicensee is Benzion Goldman. New York public adjusters may not solicit between 6 PM and 8 AM (11 NYCRR 25.3), but you may call us at any time.
What areas does GB Claims serve?
We are based at 71 Lafayette Ave, Suite 203, Suffern, NY 10901 and serve all of Rockland and Orange County, plus Westchester County, Bergen County NJ, Brooklyn, and the rest of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.
Talk to a licensed public adjuster: 845-456-6699 — or request a free claim review.
All answers
- What if my insurance payment is less than the repair estimate?
- How do I request a supplement to my property insurance claim?
- Insurance says my water leak was gradual. Can I challenge the denial?
- What if the insurance estimate misses damage after a kitchen fire?
- Insurance wants to clean smoke-damaged items. When should they be replaced?
- Insurance approved a roof patch. Can I ask for replacement?
- Is a public adjuster worth hiring for my property claim?
- How much does a public adjuster cost?
- Why did insurance deduct depreciation, and can I recover it?
- What if repairs reveal hidden damage after the insurance inspection?
- Will building insurance cover lost rent after a fire?
- My property insurance claim was denied. What should I do next?
- Can I hire a public adjuster after the insurer makes an offer?
- Does cashing an insurance check close my claim?
- What if insurance only pays part of my property claim?
- Can I reopen a closed property insurance claim?
- Will insurance pay contractor overhead and profit?
- Insurance and my contractor disagree on labor prices. What can I do?
- Will insurance pay for a hotel after a house fire?
- How do I claim belongings lost in a house fire without receipts?
- Does homeowners insurance cover a kitchen fire?
- How much will insurance pay after a house fire?
- Smoke odor remains after restoration. Can I ask insurance for more work?
Have an estimate, denial or repair bill you want reviewed? Contact GB Claims at 845-456-6699 or Claims@GBclaims.com. We’re open 24 hours Sunday through Friday and closed Saturday.