Dealing with property damage on Long Island? Whether it’s a burst pipe, fire damage, mold infestation, or puff back from your oil burner, your first instinct might be to call your insurance company. But before you file a claim, there’s one step that can make a major difference in the outcome — calling a licensed public adjuster.
At Summit Public Adjusters, we work exclusively for you, the policyholder — never the insurance company. We’ve helped homeowners and business owners throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties recover millions of dollars in claim payouts they may have otherwise lost.
So when should you hire a public adjuster, and how does the process work? Let’s break it down.
What Is a Public Adjuster?
A public adjuster is a licensed insurance professional who represents policyholders during the claims process. Unlike the insurance adjuster sent by your carrier — who’s focused on protecting their bottom line — a public adjuster fights to maximize your claim payout and ensure that nothing is missed or undervalued.
They handle:
- Full damage inspections and documentation
- Reviewing your policy to identify full coverage
- Creating detailed estimates and submitting paperwork
- Negotiating directly with your insurance company
- Managing the entire claim from start to settlement
In short, a public adjuster levels the playing field between you and your insurance provider.
When Should You Hire a Public Adjuster?
Many people don’t realize they can hire a public adjuster before or immediately after contacting their insurance company. Here are the key situations when bringing in Summit Public Adjusters can make the biggest impact:
1. Fire Damage Claims on Long Island
Fire damage is often severe and emotionally overwhelming. Insurance companies may undervalue structural damage, exclude soot/smoke remediation, or dispute replacement costs. With a public adjuster, every item lost or damaged is carefully documented, and hidden damages are properly accounted for — including odor control, electrical issues, and HVAC cleanup.
2. Water Damage from Burst Pipes, Flooding, or Leaks
Water damage claims can get messy — both literally and financially. Insurance carriers may claim the damage was due to “wear and tear” or maintenance neglect. Summit Public Adjusters documents the timeline of the incident, locates hidden damage (inside walls, insulation, etc.), and negotiates for full repair and remediation coverage.
3. Oil Burner Puff Back Claims in the Winter Months
Puff backs are common in Long Island homes during colder months — often caused by a malfunctioning oil burner. These events send smoke and soot throughout the property, damaging walls, ceilings, furniture, and HVAC systems. Many insurers try to downplay puff back damage or only approve minimal surface cleaning. We fight for full restoration, including duct cleaning, air quality remediation, and repainting or replacing damaged surfaces.
4. Mold Damage and Remediation Claims
Mold is a serious health hazard and can be costly to remove. Insurers may argue that mold is a result of long-term neglect. Our adjusters work to prove when mold growth is a result of a covered water loss, such as a burst pipe or flood, and negotiate for full mold remediation services — including removal, replacement, and air testing.
5. High-Dollar or Complex Claims
If the damages to your home or business are extensive, or if you own a commercial property, navigating the claim alone can result in major financial losses. Public adjusters are especially valuable when dealing with large-scale damage, insurance disputes, or unclear policy language.
Why Choose Summit Public Adjusters?
Summit is trusted across Long Island, with deep experience navigating local insurance policies, building codes, and contractor estimates. When you work with us, you get:
- A licensed public adjuster assigned to your case
- Free consultation and no upfront fees — we only get paid if you do
- Faster claims processing and larger settlement offers
- Complete peace of mind
Our team serves residential and commercial clients throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties, including towns like:
- Huntington
- Massapequa
- Smithtown
- Commack
- Islip
- Babylon
- Patchogue
- Ronkonkoma
- Garden City
- Plainview
Wherever you are on Long Island, we’re here to advocate for you.
How the Process Works
- Free Consultation – We review your damage and policy.
- Inspection & Documentation – We document every detail to support your claim.
- Estimate Preparation – We prepare a detailed loss estimate.
- Claim Submission – We file your claim and handle communications.
- Negotiation & Settlement – We negotiate with the insurance company to maximize your payout.
Final Thoughts
Insurance companies have teams of experts working for them. Shouldn’t you? If you’re facing property damage on Long Island, hiring Summit Public Adjusters can be the smartest financial decision you make.
Let us take the pressure off and fight for the compensation you deserve. We’re local, responsive, and ready to go to work for you.