When disaster strikes—a broken sprinkler, a burst pipe, or a fire—most developers and landlords expect insurance to step in quickly. But builder’s risk and property claims are rarely straightforward. Policies are filled with technical requirements, hidden exclusions, and financial traps that can cost millions if not handled correctly.
Claims Are Never as Simple as They Seem
That’s where Seltser & Goldstein comes in. As Public Adjusters, we represent you—not the insurance company. Our role is to uncover overlap or coverage abuse, push back against underpayment or denial, and negotiate compensation based on today’s construction realities, not outdated receipts.
What a Public Adjuster Really Does
We advocate exclusively for policyholders—builders, developers, landlords, and management firms—so you don’t leave money on the table. We translate policy language into a recovery strategy, negotiate real-world costs, protect your financial position, and manage liability or subrogation delays.
Hidden Obstacles in Builder’s Risk Claims
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Carrying Costs: Financing charges and loan obligations continue even while projects are stalled.
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Architectural & Engineering Fees: New designs are often required after damage changes the project scope.
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Co-insurance Penalties: If your insured value doesn’t match the true project cost, payouts can be cut dramatically.
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Protective Safeguards: Denials and coverage delays may occur if doors weren’t locked or fences weren’t maintained.
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Inflation & Pricing: Year-old receipts don’t reflect skyrocketing labor and material costs.
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Subrogation Pitfalls: If a subcontractor causes the loss, insurers often stall while pointing fingers.
Top 5 Builder’s Risk Claim Pitfalls
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Carrying costs pile up even when construction stops.
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Co-insurance reductions for underinsuring projects.
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Safeguard misses (doors, fencing, security) trigger denials.
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Old receipts don’t match today’s pricing and scope.
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Subrogation finger-pointing stalls recovery.
Pro tip: A Public Adjuster keeps every dollar on the table.
Case in Point: One Pipe, One Project, Full Recovery
A sprinkler contractor struck a pipe mid-project, flooding a new residential development. The carrier pushed to rely on outdated receipts, ignoring inflation and a changed scope. We negotiated updated pricing, secured reimbursement for new architectural services, addressed co-insurance exposures, and coordinated subrogation against the responsible contractor.
The result: a full, timely recovery that kept the schedule intact.
The Bottom Line
Insurance claims for builders, developers, and property owners aren’t about paperwork—they’re about strategy. With Seltser & Goldstein, you gain an advocate who knows the traps, fights for every dollar, and ensures your investment is fully protected.
Before you settle, let us review your claim. We’ll make sure nothing is left on the table.