How to Protect Your Building, and Your Wallet, From Water and Fire Claims

Sponsored By Brownstone Agency, Inc.

The Brownstone Agency, Inc. has been providing quality and affordable insurance coverage for brownstone, townhouse, and multi-family owners, and condo and co-op boards since 1973.

Created By Brownstoner

If you own a multi-unit building anywhere in New York City, you’re always one leak or small fire away from a big bill. The brokers at Brownstone Agency are seeing an increase in water and fire claims tied to older plumbing and aging electrical systems in New York City buildings.

They’ve been in business since the 1970s, so they know that water damage can start in places you don’t look every day. One broker explained that new claims often start on the top floor, when the toilet bowl or the sink is overflowing. By the time water from an upper unit reaches the lower floors, it’s a severe water damage claim.

Fires are just as worrying. Many start due to outdated wiring hidden behind walls, where owners can’t easily see problems until it’s too late.

You can’t replace every pipe or wire at once, but you can cut risk with a few steady habits:

• Check under every sink and around every toilet on a set schedule, ideally once a month. Look for stains, soft wood, loose fittings, or any sign of past leaks.
• Use every plumber visit as a mini inspection. If they are visiting for one issue, have them check all nearby connections.
• Have an electrician inspect your system if your building is older or heavily loaded with AC units, space heaters, or added appliances.
• Install basic water sensor devices under sinks, near boilers, and in basements. Early alerts can turn a major loss into a quick fix.

Staying ahead of these problems helps in two ways: you avoid big repair jobs, and you protect your claims history, which matters when it’s time to renew.

Brownstone Agency’s three-year prepaid policy gives you another layer of protection, as you can lock in your rate for three years. In a market where many owners are seeing steady increases, pairing good maintenance with a stable, multi-year premium can give you real breathing room.

Contact Brownstone Agency today.