Phillip Maltaghati Licensed Public Insurance Adjuster at United Public Adjusters & Appraisers, Inc. In 2005, we were introduced to the insurance industry by an invitation to assist property owners with damage assessments after Hurricane Katrina. After seeing how insurance companies handled claims for their policyholders which often led to delay, underpaid, or denied claims; we saw a need for more professional public adjusters in the Tr-State area. For this reason, my partner ( brother Michael) and I saw an opportunity to help property owners while operating a full service, self-performing and transparent public adjusting company. Our firm(licensed in 2008) is unlike others as we understand the complexities of real estate ownership/management, construction repair costs, insurance policy interpretation, and how to provide proactive claims management. With this understanding and our commitment to policyholder advocacy, communication and transparency; we ensure our clients claims are properly paid and expedited within the shortest period of time. As you know, Hurricane Katrina was (19) years ago and we have been involved with many Hurricanes(Irene, Sandy, Irma, Henri, Ida, Ian), other natural disasters( winter storms, Macrobursts, Microbursts, Nor’easters) and everyday claims from Fire, Water, or building collapses. During this time, we have represented and managed over $100 million dollars’ worth of claims (building, personal property, and business interruption) from various perils. Due to managing property damage claims for various clients including Real estate investors, developers, property managers, Condominium and Co-op boards, Condo/Co-op unit owners, homeowners and business owners; we are now licensed in 19+ states. Our extensive experience with handling both large residential and commercial properties has allowed our firm to continuously help those affected by complex insurance claims. Regarding the insurance claims adjusting industry as a whole, many companies still operate like dinosaurs which means they are set in their old ways. As we all know, poor claims handling only hurts the policyholder from getting a fair and fast claim settlement. Regarding our company resources, every employee is a licensed public adjuster and we use technology to assist with properly documenting, assessing, and managing property damage claims in our coverage areas. In addition, we utilize outside resources which include architects, engineers, and Forensic CPA’s. We are firm believers that great communication whether by email or verbal allows our clients to make informed, but fast decisions. At the end of the day, we are on the same team and our goals should always be inline. Our recipe for proper claims handling leads to successful claim recoveries which is in everyone’s best interests! As to compensation, public adjusters only get paid when you get paid. No recovery, No fee. Regarding my personal volunteer experience, I served on the board(including President for a Year) of a 800+ unit, 57 Story condominium in Midtown East, NY for 3 years. Additionally, I serve as Vice President of the Executives Association of NYC. Lastly, I am the Vice President of the Bronx Advisory Board for the Madison Square Boys & Girls Club which has clubhouses in Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. Most recently, I have been on the committee for past 2 years for the Annual Tunnel to Towers New York Golf Classic which was great success. Lastly and more importantly, I am active member of the Queens Chamber of Commerce. Thank you for the opportunity.
Benjamin J. Palancia joined the Albert Palancia Insurance Agency in 2001 after achieving a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science & Spanish from the University at Albany. Ben specializes in general liability and workers compensation insurance for contractors, restaurants and commercial buildings and is also an expert in professional liability insurance. Ben holds licenses in many states as a Property & Casualty Insurance Agent & Broker and is also licensed as a Life & Health Broker. As a long-standing and devoted member of the community, Ben remains active in many charities. He is a Past President of the Mount Kisco Rotary Club and is a founding member of the Mount Kisco Rotary Foundation. In 2012, Ben received the honor of being named a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow. Ben is also the President of the Country Children’s Center board of directors, based in Bedford Hills, NY and serves on the executive board of the Board of Directors of the Boys’ & Girls Club of Northern Westchester. Located in Mount Kisco, NY. Locally, Ben coaches two American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) soccer teams and one Somers Youth Sports Organization (SYSO) football team. Additionally, Ben was named as one Westchester’s “Forty under Forty” Rising Stars in 2013 by the Business Council of Westchester. Ben resides in Somers, NY with his wife, Joanna and children, Benjamin, Jr, Nicholas and Julianna.