Questions about NH Insurance Claims and Public Adjusters

A public adjuster is a licensed insurance professional who works exclusively for you — the policyholder — not the insurance company. When you experience property damage from a fire, water loss, storm, or other covered event, your insurance company sends their own adjuster to assess the damage. That adjuster's goal is to protect the insurer's bottom line.

A public adjuster levels the playing field. They document every aspect of your loss, review your policy for all available coverage, prepare a detailed claim on your behalf, and negotiate with your insurance company to ensure you receive the maximum settlement you're entitled to.

The key difference is who they represent. An insurance company adjuster is paid by and represents the interests of the insurance company. Their job is to assess your claim according to the insurer's guidelines.

A public adjuster is hired by and works solely for the policyholder. They are paid a percentage of your final settlement, which means they are financially motivated to maximize your payout. At Global Patriot Adjusters, we have helped NH clients recover settlements that were 300–500% higher than initial insurer offers.

For most moderate to large claims, yes. Policyholders represented by a public adjuster consistently receive significantly higher settlements than those who handle claims on their own.

Insurance policies are complex legal documents and insurance companies have experienced teams working to minimize payouts. A licensed public adjuster knows how to read your policy, identify every covered item, document hidden damage, and present the claim in a way the insurer must take seriously. For small claims under $5,000, the calculus may be different — but we offer a free consultation so you can make that determination with no obligation.

Public adjusters work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. The fee is a percentage of the final insurance settlement — so there is no out-of-pocket cost to you, and no fee is charged if there is no recovery.

Because our fee comes out of the settlement the insurer pays, and because we typically recover far more than clients would receive on their own, most policyholders come out well ahead even after our fee. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your specific situation.

Yes. You can hire a public adjuster at any stage of the claims process — even after the insurance company has made a settlement offer you believe is too low. If your claim has been underpaid, denied, or is still open and in dispute, a public adjuster can step in and advocate on your behalf.

In some cases we can help reopen a closed claim if new damage was discovered or the original settlement was clearly inadequate. The sooner you bring in a public adjuster the better — but it is rarely too late to seek help.

Yes. Public adjusters in New Hampshire must be licensed by the NH Insurance Department. The state requires public adjusters to meet education, examination, and continuing education standards in order to hold a license. Always verify that any public adjuster you hire holds a valid NH license before signing any contract.

Global Patriot Adjusters is fully licensed in New Hampshire (License # 2073184). You can verify any adjuster's license status at the NH Insurance Department website.

New Hampshire's climate creates a specific set of common property insurance claims. The most frequent include:

Winter storm damage — ice dams, roof collapses, frozen and burst pipes, and structural damage from heavy snow loads. Water damage — from burst pipes, plumbing failures, and ice dam infiltration. Fire damage — residential and commercial fires from heating equipment, electrical issues, and other causes. Wind and storm damage — from nor'easters, thunderstorms, and high winds. Flood damage — particularly in areas near rivers and low-lying regions of the state.

Global Patriot Adjusters has extensive experience handling all of these claim types across New Hampshire.

In most cases, yes — standard NH homeowners insurance policies cover damage caused by ice dams, including water infiltration into ceilings, walls, insulation, and interior finishes. However, insurers often apply narrow interpretations and may attempt to limit the scope of coverage.

Ice dam claims can be complex because damage is often hidden — water can travel far from the ice dam before it appears as a stain or wet spot. A public adjuster will perform a thorough inspection to document all resulting damage, including mold, structural issues, and damage to personal property, ensuring nothing is left out of your claim.

Most standard NH homeowners insurance policies cover sudden and accidental water damage resulting from frozen or burst pipes. However, coverage typically requires that the home was properly heated and maintained — if the heat was turned off or the home was vacant without proper precautions, your insurer may deny the claim.

Burst pipe claims can result in extensive damage to flooring, walls, ceilings, cabinetry, and personal property. A public adjuster ensures all damage is properly documented and that you are compensated for the full scope of the loss, not just the visible surface damage.

Taking the right steps immediately after a storm can protect both your safety and your insurance claim:

1. Ensure safety first — Do not enter a structurally compromised building. 2. Document everything — Take extensive photos and video of all visible damage before any cleanup or repairs. 3. Prevent further damage — Take reasonable steps to prevent additional loss, such as tarping a damaged roof, but do not make permanent repairs until the claim is documented. 4. Contact your insurance company — Report the claim promptly. 5. Call a public adjuster — Before giving a recorded statement or accepting any settlement offer, consult with a public adjuster. The earlier we are involved, the better the outcome.

In New Hampshire, most property insurance policies include a contractual deadline — often referred to as a "suit limitation clause" — which typically requires that any legal action against the insurer be brought within one to three years from the date of loss. This deadline is separate from and often shorter than the general civil statute of limitations.

It is critical that you review your specific policy for these deadlines and act promptly. If you believe your claim has been underpaid or wrongfully denied, contact Global Patriot Adjusters as soon as possible. We always recommend consulting an attorney for specific legal advice on your situation.

If you believe your insurance settlement is too low, you have several options. First, you can hire a public adjuster to review your claim and negotiate a higher settlement directly with the insurer. Second, most policies include an appraisal clause — a formal dispute resolution process where each party selects an appraiser and a neutral umpire settles disagreements. Third, you can file a complaint with the NH Insurance Department. Finally, you may have the option to pursue legal action through an insurance attorney.

The most effective first step is usually engaging a public adjuster — it is often faster and less expensive than formal dispute processes and produces excellent results in the majority of cases.

Flood damage is generally not covered by standard homeowners insurance policies. In New Hampshire, flood coverage is typically provided through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), administered by FEMA, or through private flood insurance policies.

If you have flood insurance, report your claim to your flood insurance carrier as quickly as possible. Document all damage thoroughly before any cleanup. A public adjuster experienced with flood claims can help you navigate the NFIP's specific documentation requirements and ensure you recover the maximum amount available under your policy.

After ensuring everyone is safe and the fire department has cleared the scene, contact your homeowners or commercial insurance carrier to open a claim. They will assign an adjuster — but remember, that adjuster works for them, not for you.

Before any cleanup, document all damage with photos and video. Preserve any damaged personal property for the adjuster's inspection. Do not authorize any demolition or major repairs until the claim is properly documented. A public adjuster can manage the entire claims process on your behalf, ensuring all structural damage, smoke and soot damage, water damage from firefighting efforts, and personal property loss are fully accounted for.

Standard NH homeowners insurance typically covers sudden and accidental water damage — such as a burst pipe, appliance malfunction, or overflow from a bathtub. It generally does not cover damage from gradual leaks or maintenance neglect, sewer or drain backup (unless a rider is purchased), or flooding from natural sources.

Water damage claims are among the most frequently underpaid because insurers often limit coverage to visible damage and miss hidden issues like moisture inside walls, subfloor damage, mold, and compromised structural members. A thorough inspection by our team ensures the full extent of the loss is documented and claimed.

Mold coverage in NH homeowners policies is often limited. Most standard policies will cover mold damage only if it is the direct result of a covered water loss — such as a burst pipe. Mold that develops from long-term moisture, humidity, or a slow leak is typically excluded.

Mold can develop quickly — within 24 to 48 hours of a water event. It is important to document mold thoroughly as part of your claim if it results from a covered event. Our public adjusters are experienced at identifying and documenting all mold-related damage to ensure it is included in your settlement.

Yes. A claim denial is not always the final word. Insurance companies sometimes deny claims based on incomplete documentation, policy misinterpretations, or technicalities that can be challenged. A public adjuster can review your denial letter, assess whether it was appropriate under your policy, and help you build a case to dispute it.

We have successfully helped NH policyholders overturn denials and recover significant settlements. If your claim has been denied, call us before accepting the decision — the consultation is free.

In some situations, yes. If new damage has been discovered that was not included in the original claim, or if you believe the original settlement was significantly inadequate, there may be grounds to reopen or supplement the claim. This is subject to your policy's time limitations and the specific circumstances of your loss.

Contact Global Patriot Adjusters to discuss your situation. We will review your original settlement and policy terms and advise you on what options may be available.

Absolutely. Commercial property claims are often more complex than residential claims and can involve business interruption losses, inventory damage, equipment, tenant improvements, and more. Commercial insurance policies are typically more involved, with multiple coverage layers and sublimits that require careful analysis.

Global Patriot Adjusters has extensive experience with commercial property claims across New Hampshire, including retail, restaurant, multi-family, and office properties. We work to ensure every covered item — including business income loss — is fully accounted for in your settlement.

Insurance companies are for-profit businesses, and their adjusters are trained to assess claims in a way that minimizes payout while remaining defensible under your policy. Common reasons for a low initial offer include: incomplete damage documentation, the use of low-cost repair estimates, depreciation deductions that reduce actual cash value, overlooked hidden damage, and restrictive policy interpretations.

This is exactly why a public adjuster is so valuable. We prepare our own independent, detailed estimate of the loss and negotiate from a position of knowledge. Our NH clients routinely receive settlements two to five times higher than the initial offer after our involvement.

The appraisal clause is a formal dispute resolution mechanism found in most homeowners and commercial property policies. If you and your insurance company cannot agree on the amount of loss, either party can invoke the appraisal process. Each side selects a competent, independent appraiser. If the two appraisers cannot agree, they select a neutral umpire. A decision agreed to by any two of the three parties is binding.

The appraisal process can be an effective alternative to litigation. Global Patriot Adjusters can represent you in the appraisal process and help ensure your appraiser presents the strongest possible case for your claim.

New Hampshire insurance regulations require insurers to acknowledge receipt of a claim within a reasonable time and begin investigating promptly. Insurers are generally expected to acknowledge a claim within 10 business days and to complete their investigation and make a coverage decision within a reasonable period — typically 30 days for straightforward claims.

If your insurer is being unreasonably slow, a public adjuster can help apply appropriate pressure and, if necessary, assist you in filing a complaint with the NH Insurance Department's Consumer Services division.

A proof of loss is a formal, sworn statement that details the extent of your loss and the amount you are claiming under your policy. Many NH insurance policies require a signed proof of loss within a specific timeframe — often 60 days after the loss — as a condition of coverage.

Filing an inaccurate or incomplete proof of loss can jeopardize your claim. A public adjuster can prepare a thorough, accurate proof of loss on your behalf, ensuring all damage is captured and all amounts are properly supported.