When temperatures plunged below freezing this past February, thousands of homeowners, landlords, condominium associations, and commercial property owners throughout New York and New Jersey suffered burst pipes, water damage, business interruption losses, and extensive property damage.
Now it’s June.
The temperatures have risen. Cleanup crews have come and gone. Many property owners expected their property damage claim to be resolved with their carrier months ago.
Yet for many policyholders, the claim process is far from over.
At United Public Adjusters, a trusted public adjuster in New York as well as a public adjuster New Jersey home and business owners rely on, we continue to hear the same story from property owners across the region:
- Insurance claims remain unresolved months after the loss.
- Carriers continue requesting additional documentation.
- Policyholders are being asked to participate in recorded statements, Examinations Under Oath (EUOs), and submit Sworn Statements in Proof of Loss.
- Repair estimates are being challenged, reduced, or delayed.
- Multiple third-party vendors have become involved in the claims process, creating confusion and slowing progress.
Why Are Freeze-Related Insurance Claims Taking So Long?
The February freeze event generated an enormous volume of insurance claims throughout the Northeast. In many cases, insurance carriers have acknowledged that they were overwhelmed by the number of losses reported.
Unfortunately, many property owners are now paying the price for those insurance claim delays.
Instead of receiving prompt claim resolutions, policyholders often find themselves caught in a lengthy review process that can stretch for months after the damage occurred. These ongoing insurance claim delays can place significant financial strain on homeowners, landlords, and business owners alike.
The Growing Complexity of Property Insurance Claims
Today’s insurance claims process frequently involves numerous parties, including:
- Third-Party Administrators (TPAs)
- Carrier-retained independent adjusters
- Engineering firms
- Environmental consultants
- Insurance consultants
- Managed repair vendors
While these parties may participate in the adjustment process, it is important to remember that they do not represent the policyholder.
Their role is to assist the insurance company in evaluating the claim.
As more parties become involved, communication often becomes fragmented, timelines lengthen, and property owners are left trying to navigate a complex process without an advocate focused exclusively on their interests. This is especially true when handling a complex commercial property insurance claim or large-scale property damage claim.
What Property Owners Should Know
If your property suffered damage during the February freeze and your insurance claim is still delayed, disputed, under investigation, or significantly underpaid, you are not alone.
Many policyholders are experiencing:
- Delayed claim decisions
- Requests for repetitive documentation
- Disputes over repair scope and costs
- Extended investigations
- Settlement offers that may not fully reflect the extent of the damage
Whether you are dealing with a residential loss or a commercial property insurance claim, understanding your rights under your insurance policy is critical, especially when months have passed and repairs remain incomplete.
How a Public Adjuster Can Help
Unlike insurance company adjusters and third-party consultants, public adjusters work exclusively for policyholders.
As a qualified public adjuster in New York, or a public adjuster New Jersey property owners trust, the team at United Public Adjusters & Appraisers can help:
- Review your insurance policy
- Document damages
- Prepare and support your claim
- Negotiate with the insurance company
- Pursue a fair settlement based on the facts of the loss
Whether you are pursuing a residential property damage claim or a complex commercial property insurance claim, UPA’s experienced representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
The freeze event may have occurred months ago, but for many property owners, the fight to recover what they are owed is still ongoing.
If your claim remains delayed, disputed, or unresolved, United Public Adjusters can help you understand your options and advocate for the settlement you deserve. Speak with our representatives today!
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