Property Claim Frequesntly Asked Questions
What does a loss assessor do?
We are public loss assessors, we can act on your behalf for your property damage claim. We will assess the damage and negotiate with your insurance company to obtain your full entitlement per the terms of the policy. We are very successful at what we do and to date there hasn’t been a claim we can identify where the customer hasn’t received a larger settlement after appointing us.
What can you do for me that I can't do myself?
The onus is on you or your appointed assessor to present the claim. As we are Building surveyors and Certified insurance practitioners we can assess damage and interpret insurance policies on your behalf. We remove the stress, increase the speed and most importantly ensure you get your full entitlement in the final settlement.
Why should I use Property Claims Loss Assessors?
Your insurance company appoints a Loss Adjuster to your household claim. You therefore need a professional third party to represent you to ensure that you receive your full entitlement.
If you call out and its not a claim how much do I owe you?
Nothing – its on our website that our first survey is free.
Should I contact a claims assessor before calling my insurance company?
Yes. The normal procedure is calling a Claims Assessor first to represent you. We can then assess the extent of the damage and contact your insurance company on your behalf.
Do claims affect my premium?
A single claim shouldn’t affect your premium. if however, you have more than one claim in a short period of time, this would increase your premium.
How long does it take for a claim to be settled?
From first survey to settlement and then receipt of the cheque six to eight weeks on a standard claim, if there are no complications.
How much do you charge?
Our initial survey is free. Charges are based on a no win no fee basis. Once a claim is settled our professional fee of 10% plus VAT will be included in your settlement cheque.
Do you deal with only large claims?
No. At Property Claims Loss Assessors we are happy to deal with all claims. No claim is too small or too big.
If I must leave my home, will hotel costs be covered?
Alternative accommodation must be agreed with the insurance company in advance. For example, if you live in a 3 bed that is uninhabitable because of damage you are entitled to rent a three bed in your area. If none are available, the insurance company will agree to reasonable hotel accommodation.
Can my tenants claim for their accommodation or contents on my insurance?
If the landlord is the only person with a policy than the answer is normally no, the policy only covers loss of rent for the landlord. If the tenants have their own policy on contents and accommodation, then yes they can claim on their own policy.
Do I have to meet with the insurance company?
Not necessarily as there is a law of agency that allows your appointed assessor to meet the insurance company. On large losses, it’s better to attend but make sure your assessor is with you.
Can I use my own builder?
In general yes but the policy states that the insurance company has the right to send in their own builder. With PCLA on your side we will do everything in our power to ensure you can use your own builder.
How quickly can you get down to me?
Generally, within two working days. However, in practice its normally faster than that, if we can see you the next day we will. Our staffing levels are generally one too many rather than one too few.
I have water damage in my house what do I do?
Call us, we can do a full dampness survey of your house using the latest technology moisture meters. We will find all damage that may not be apparent to the untrained eye.
When can I start the repairs?
Repairs general can be started as soon as the insurance company have inspected the damage and advised that its okay to proceed. On larger losses it may take longer for the insurance company to confirm liability.
Will I ring the insurance company myself?
Its always better if we call them as we can give them our estimate immediately and this will save a lot of time. If you call yourself they may ask you to obtain builders estimates. In the current economic climate that could take a lot of time.
Can I throw out whats damaged?
Only if agreed by the insurance company. If an insurance company pays to replace items then the damaged items belong to the insurance company and they may want to sell them damaged items to a salvage company.
Will I be covered?
We can generally tell you over the phone if your damage is covered by the policy.
Is my insurance company a good insurance company?
We work with all the major companies in the industry. We have a great reputation and relationship with the companies and with their adjustors. If you are filing your claim on your own then there can be good and bad ones, however when you have PCLA on your side then it doesn’t make a difference, we will get your full entitlement no matter who you are with.
