Homeowners Insurance Claim Denied, Delayed or Underpaid? We Can Help.
Barnes Corley helps New York homeowners pursue what their policy owes after fire, water, storm, wind, flood, mold and other property damage. We review the policy, document the full loss, and press the insurance company for fair payment.
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Help With Every Stage of a Homeowners Claim
From the first notice of loss to final payment, we help homeowners at every stage of a disputed property damage claim.
Denied & Underpaid Claims
We help homeowners with nearly every type of property insurance loss, including flood damage claims, water damage, wind, frozen pipe and pipe burst claims, collapse, fire, vandalism, theft, and more.
Read MoreProperty Damage
If you've had a loss and you're uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to bring a claim against the party responsible for the damage. Our property damage lawyers can pursue negligence and third-party claims when insurance falls short.
Read MoreHomeowners Liability Coverage
We help homeowners whose liability coverage was denied when someone else makes a claim against them, including disputes over the insurer's duty to defend and indemnify. Insurance companies often fail to appreciate the broad scope of their duty to defend and indemnify.
Read MoreExamination Under Oath
When an insurance company demands an Examination Under Oath, it means they are investigating a basis to avoid coverage. Do not go into an EUO without legal counsel by your side.
Read MoreCounsel to Public Adjusters
We act as coverage counsel when a claim handled by a licensed public adjuster turns into a coverage dispute. We are attorneys, not public adjusters.
Learn MoreBuilt for Homeowners With Property Damage Claims
Insurance companies have adjusters, engineers and lawyers. Homeowners deserve someone on their side too.
Homeowners
Single-family and two-family homeowners with denied, delayed or underpaid property damage claims.
Condo & Co-op Owners
Unit owners caught between their own policy and the building's master policy.
Seasonal & Second-Home Owners
Owners facing vacancy, late-notice and heat-maintenance arguments on homes that sit empty part of the year.
Owners of Rented Homes
Owners of rented homes and two-families with damage, lost-rent and occupancy questions under their homeowners or dwelling policy.
Public Adjusters
Coverage counsel when a homeowner's claim moves into a coverage dispute or an Examination Under Oath.
Paperwork and Contract Review for Restoration Contractors
Our primary work is helping New York homeowners with property insurance claims. We also help restoration contractors draft and review the documents that surround that work.
That includes work authorizations, certificates of satisfaction (COS), subcontractor agreements, homeowner payment disputes, direction-to-pay style documents and related contracts. Before we agree to represent anyone, we run a conflict check and will not represent both sides of the same claim.
Homeowners Claims We Handle
What Happens After You Call
Free Claim Review
Send us your denial letter or claim details for a no-cost preliminary evaluation.
Policy & Claim Analysis
We assess your policy, the insurer's position, and the strongest path forward.
We Advocate With Your Insurer
Through documentation, negotiation and appraisal, we hold the carrier to its policy obligations.
Working Toward Full Payment
We seek full, fair payment under your policy. Results depend on the facts and the policy, and no outcome is guaranteed.
Nearly Every Type of Homeowners Property Loss
From a burst pipe in January to a hurricane in September, we help homeowners with nearly every kind of property loss, working with public adjusters, contractors and other professionals throughout New York.
The map shows our primary service area: all of Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk), Queens and New York City. We also help homeowners throughout New York State. The map does not mark office locations.
What to Do After Property Damage to Your Home
The first few days after a loss shape the whole claim. These steps help protect it.
Make the home safe
Get everyone out of danger, then stop the source of damage if you can: shut off water, tarp a roof, board a window.
Document everything
Photograph and video every room and the cause of the loss before cleanup begins.
Prevent further damage
Make reasonable temporary repairs and start drying. Keep every receipt.
Notify your insurer
Report the claim promptly and follow up in writing. Ask for a full copy of your policy.
Track every conversation
Keep a log of calls, names and dates, and save every email and letter.
Get a second opinion
If the insurer's estimate seems low, or the claim is denied, request a free claim review.
Resources for Homeowners
What to Do After Water Damage in Your Home
Stop the water, document everything, start drying, and report the claim in writing. The first 48 hours shape the whole claim.
Read the guideHow to Document a Homeowners Insurance Claim
A complete, organized claim file is the strongest tool a homeowner has. Here is what to collect and how to keep it.
Read the guideUnderstanding Your Homeowners Insurance Policy
Your declarations page, coverage sections, endorsements and exclusions, explained in plain language.
Read the guideWhy Homeowners Insurance Claims Get Underpaid
Missing line items, heavy depreciation, patch-only repairs and the wrong deductible are the usual culprits.
Read the guideServing Homeowners Across All of New York State
Local pages for every town and city in Nassau and Suffolk County, and help for homeowners statewide.
Common Homeowner Questions
Is there a fee to have my denied claim reviewed?
No. Barnes Corley offers a no-fee preliminary review of your insurance claim denial. Send us a brief description of your claim and a copy of the denial letter, and an attorney will follow up to schedule a consultation.
Can I recover for my loss if I don't have insurance?
In many cases, yes. Even without insurance, or with insufficient coverage, you may be able to recover by establishing negligence on the part of another party, or under another contractual theory of liability. It's important to discuss your loss with an attorney promptly so your rights are preserved.
What kinds of insurance claims do you handle?
We help homeowners with property damage claims of nearly every type: fire and smoke, puffback, water damage and burst pipes, wind, hurricane and storm damage, flood, collapse, mold, theft and vandalism, and damage caused by a neighbor's or contractor's work.
What fee arrangements are available?
Fee arrangements depend on the type of matter. In many claims against insurance companies or third parties, contingency fee arrangements are available. Some matters are handled on an hourly basis. We'll discuss your options during your consultation so you can make an informed decision.
How can a lawyer help if my claim was already denied?
A denial is not always the final word. We provide a no-charge claim evaluation, and even if a claim has been declined — or reviewed by another attorney — we may be able to offer a different strategy. Because policies set strict deadlines for disputing a claim, it's important to call without delay.