A vacation home along the Jersey Shore suffered significant water damage after a burst pipe during the winter off-season. The property remained unoccupied for several weeks, allowing water to spread extensively throughout the home.
Initial Insurance Assessment
The insurance carrier attempted to limit coverage, citing delayed discovery and partial policy exclusions. Their initial estimate totaled $64,000 and focused only on visible flooring and drywall damage, overlooking the true extent of the loss.
After being referred by a local contractor, the homeowner engaged ProMaxx to reassess the situation. Our investigation uncovered widespread moisture intrusion beneath flooring and inside wall cavities, subfloor warping and structural compromise, early-stage mold growth, damage to custom cabinetry, and insulation failure throughout multiple rooms. Using moisture mapping and thermal imaging, we documented the full scope of hidden damage.
To strengthen the claim, we challenged the carrier’s coverage limitations through detailed policy interpretation and demonstrated the damage was sudden and accidental—not gradual. Our scope included full tear-out and dry-out costs, along with documented loss of use tied to seasonal rental income.
The initial insurance offer of $64,000 was ultimately increased to a final settlement of $198,750—an increase of 210%. This case highlights how water damage, especially in coastal properties, often spreads invisibly, making early involvement from a public adjuster critical to maximizing the claim.
Property Type:
Elevated coastal single-family home, approximately 2,400 sq ft, built 2008
Location:
Ocean City, New Jersey
Incident Date:
February 3, 2025
Cause of Loss:
Burst pipe in second-floor bathroom due to freezing temperatures during off-season vacancy, resulting in prolonged water intrusion
Occupancy:
Seasonal vacation home; unoccupied at time of loss, with homeowner displaced from rental use for approximately 5 months during repairs
If your home has been damaged and need to file a claim, don’t go through the insurance claims process alone. We work with all insurance companies. We should be your first stop before the insurance company.
Contact ProMaxx Public Adjusters today for residential damage claim review.
No upfront costs. No risk. Just results.
ProMaxx Public Adjusters
Phone: (445) 214-7528
Email: promaxxadjusting@gmail.com
Licensed in PA, NJ, DE, MD
PA Lic # 1012273
NJ Lic # 3001412428
DE Lic # 3001626166
MD Lic # 3002260934