Public Adjuster

FWIW, the other day there was a story in the paper about that: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/11/realestate/reconsidering-flood-insurance-after-hurrican-sandy.html?smid=pl-share

There're whole streets in Zone-B Brooklyn with those half-below-ground levels that the insurers consider basements and don't cover. They were built high to keep the main level out of the water.

Supposedly those adjusters you hire yourself work on contingency, so if you don't get anything extra they don't get paid.

SO i guess most adjusters wouldnt come in during the appeal phase? They probably would still take a % of the entire claim no matter what phase they arrive at...I read that article yesterday.

I have heard that yes, adjusters can get you substantially more money. that said, this was pre-sandy so who knows what kind of scams and pushbacks the insurance agencies will come up with now to avoid paying out these claims.

We used a P.A. to handle our claim a few years ago and were extremely happy with the results.Most are ins. industry veterans,so they know how the process works from the inside.Find a reputable one and you should do better than fighting by yourself.They are licensed by N.Y.State,and if I recall correctly, are allowed to charge a % fee between 7 and 15% of the final settlement, so clearly it is in there interest to get you the best possible outcome.They also help with the paperwork,which is a big plus as well.Be smart and get a P.A; they will more than pay for themselves.

Thanks.....can they convince insurance company that a partial lower level is not a basement? :) Can you recommend someone in the NYC / Brooklyn area?

JH,
According to Dept. of Buildings, any space that is even one step below sidewalk level is considered a basement,regardless of how it is used,or what is called.I regret to say this, but In my opinion,you don't have any chance of winning, so I do not want to refer my PA a case that appears to be lost,from day one. Sorry. Maybe you can find a hungry PA,who has sees an angle to work,but I don't.

"what it is called" "who sees an angle to work"