Frequently Asked Questions

We work on a contingency basis, which means you don't pay anything upfront. Our fee is a percentage of your final settlement, so we only get paid when you do. This aligns our interests with yours—we're motivated to secure the maximum settlement possible. There are absolutely no hidden fees or surprise charges.

As soon as possible! The sooner we can begin working on your claim, the better. We can help document the damage properly from the start, guide you through initial steps like securing your property, and ensure you don't inadvertently say or do anything that could hurt your claim. Contact us immediately after a fire, flood, storm, or any property damage.

We handle all types of property damage claims including fire damage, water damage, storm and wind damage, tornado and hurricane damage, hail damage, frozen pipe bursts, roof damage, flood damage, and more. Whether it's residential or commercial property, we have the experience to help you maximize your recovery.

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of your claim, the extent of damage, and how cooperative your insurance company is. Simple claims might be resolved in a few weeks, while more complex cases can take several months. We work diligently to move your claim forward as quickly as possible while ensuring you receive the maximum settlement you deserve.

Absolutely! Many of our clients come to us after they've already started the claims process but realized they need professional help. We can step in at any stage—whether you've just filed, received a lowball offer, or are stuck in negotiations. We'll review what's been done so far and take over to maximize your settlement.

Yes! Once you hire us, we become your advocate and handle all communication with the insurance company. This protects you from saying anything that could inadvertently harm your claim and ensures that a professional with decades of experience is negotiating on your behalf. You can focus on getting your life back to normal while we handle the insurance company.

Insurance claim denials are more common than they should be, but they're not always final. We can review the denial, identify weaknesses in the insurance company's reasoning, gather additional evidence, and fight to overturn the decision. Many denied claims can be successfully appealed with the right documentation and professional advocacy.

While we're based in Ballston Spa and primarily serve the Capital District (Saratoga, Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Warren counties), we do take cases in surrounding areas as well. Contact us to discuss your specific location—if we can help, we will. If we can't serve your area, we'll try to refer you to someone who can.

We handle the heavy lifting, but your involvement is still important. You'll need to provide us with information about your property and the damage, review and approve settlement offers, and make final decisions about your claim. We keep you informed throughout the process but take care of all the complex negotiations, paperwork, and communication with the insurance company.

We ARE public adjusters—professionals licensed to represent policyholders in insurance claims. What makes us different is our local expertise, family-owned approach, and 30+ years of combined experience. Unlike large national firms, you'll work directly with experienced professionals who know the Capital District, care about your outcome, and treat you like family.

Yes! If your property is uninhabitable due to damage, your insurance policy likely covers temporary living expenses (often called "loss of use" or "additional living expenses"). We can help you understand this coverage and ensure you're properly reimbursed for hotel stays, rental housing, meals, and other necessary expenses while your home is being repaired.

Insurance policies can be complex and full of fine print. During your free consultation, we'll review your specific policy to determine what's covered and what's not. Most homeowners policies cover sudden and accidental damage like fire, wind, hail, and certain water damage. Even if you're unsure, it's worth having us review your situation—you might be surprised by what your policy covers.

Lowball settlement offers are common. Insurance companies are businesses looking to minimize payouts. We can review the offer, prepare a detailed counter-estimate showing the true cost of repairs, and negotiate aggressively on your behalf. In many cases, we can secure significantly higher settlements than the initial offer—often enough to more than cover our fee.

This is a common concern, and the answer varies. Some claims may affect your premiums, while others might not, depending on your insurance company, your claims history, and the nature of the damage. However, you pay insurance premiums for a reason—to be protected when disaster strikes. Don't let fear of a premium increase prevent you from filing a legitimate claim for significant damage. We can discuss this concern during your consultation.