Public Adjuster for Water Damage Insurance Claims in Long Island
Water damage can be deceptive. What looks minor on the surface often hides extensive damage within walls and floors. We ensure nothing gets missed.
Why you shouldn't accept the insurance company's first estimate on your water damage claim
Long Island public adjusters explain why the insurance company's first estimate on a water damage claim is usually low, and what to do before you accept it.
The $74,000 Water Claim That Started at $18,600
I handled a water loss where a supply line failed inside the wall and sent water through a large portion of the first floor and into the basement.
The insurance company's first estimate came in at about $18,600.
At first glance, the estimate didn't look ridiculous. They had drywall. They had some flooring. They had painting. They even had a few cabinets listed.
The problem was everything they didn't include.
Once I went through the house room by room, there were continuous flooring issues, additional drywall damage, insulation, trim, cabinetry that couldn't realistically be repaired in place, electrical work associated with opening the walls, and a substantial amount of necessary detach-and-reset work.
There was also damage that wasn't obvious during the initial inspection. Once materials were removed, the extent of the water migration became much clearer.
I rebuilt the estimate based on the actual repair sequence rather than just adding a few missing items to the carrier's estimate.
The completed scope came to approximately $74,000.
That's one of the biggest mistakes I see homeowners make after a water loss: assuming that because the insurance company wrote an estimate, the estimate represents the entire loss.
Sometimes the most expensive damage is what isn't on the first estimate.
— Kevin Godfrey, Licensed Public Adjuster (NY #PA-1156995). Details anonymized; every claim is different and past results don't guarantee future outcomes.
Why You Need a Public Adjuster for Water Damage Claims
Water damage is one of the most common, and most undervalued, property insurance claims. Insurance companies often try to limit claims to only visible damage, ignoring the water that has seeped into walls, subfloors, and insulation.
Hidden water damage leads to mold growth, structural weakening, and ongoing problems if not properly addressed. We use moisture detection equipment and work with remediation specialists to document the full extent of damage.
As your public adjuster, we ensure your claim includes all necessary repairs, not just a quick surface fix that leaves problems lurking behind your walls.
Types of Water Damage We Handle
Common Water Damage Insurance Issues on Long Island
Long Island's climate creates specific water damage challenges. Cold winters lead to frozen pipes, nor'easters bring flooding, and aging infrastructure means many homes have plumbing that's decades old.
Many Long Island homes also have basements that are prone to flooding and older roofs that may leak during heavy storms. We understand these local conditions and ensure your claim reflects the true scope of necessary repairs.
Water Damage Checklist
- Stop the water source if safe to do so
- Document all damage with photos and video
- Remove standing water if possible
- Don't dispose of damaged items without documentation
- Call us before accepting any insurance offer
Water Emergency?
Quick action is critical with water damage. Call us immediately to protect your claim and maximize your settlement.
Call 516-410-0164Areas We Serve
We handle water damage claims throughout Long Island including:
See More Areas We CoverBuilding + Contents
We Handle the Building Claim and Build Your Contents List
Most homeowners lose money on contents because no one has time to list every damaged item. We handle both sides of the claim, so nothing gets left out.
Building claim: full scope of walls, floors, cabinets and hidden moisture, priced at real Long Island rates and negotiated with your insurer.
Contents inventory: a room-by-room list of damaged belongings at replacement cost, built with our inventory service kevin.co.
Water Damage Claim Denied or Underpaid? Find Your Insurer
Quick answers
Key Facts for Long Island Homeowners
- Do you check for hidden moisture?
- Yes. Every water damage job gets a thermal imaging scan and moisture meter readings, so wet walls, floors and cabinets don't get left out of the claim.
- What is the maximum fee a public adjuster can charge in New York?
- 12.5% of the claim settlement under New York State law. Long Island Public Adjusters charges 6–12% on a sliding scale, with no upfront cost.
- Is Long Island Public Adjusters licensed?
- Yes. New York State Public Adjuster License PA-1156995, with 22+ years of claims experience.
- Who does a public adjuster work for?
- Only the policyholder. The insurance company's adjuster works for the insurer.
- What areas do you serve?
- All of Nassau County and Suffolk County, plus the five New York City boroughs.
Our methods
How We Inspect Your Damage
The insurer's estimate is only as good as its inspection. Ours is built to find what theirs leaves out.
1. Thermal imaging
On every water and fire job we scan walls, ceilings and floors with a thermal camera to find hidden moisture you can't see.
2. Moisture readings
We confirm what the camera shows with moisture meter readings and record them, so wet areas are documented, not guessed.
3. Photo documentation
Every damaged area is photographed and labeled room by room, so the insurer can't say an item wasn't damaged.
4. Line-by-line Xactimate estimate
We write our own estimate in Xactimate — the same software insurers use — priced at real Long Island rates.
5. Side-by-side comparison
We compare our estimate to the insurer's line by line and show every missing item and low price, then negotiate the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions about Water Damage Claims
Get answers to common questions about water damage insurance claims.
Don't Let Hidden Water Damage Cost You
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