Insurance Claim News

How to Prevent Water Pipes Freezing and Bursting

Peter November 18, 2017

It’s that time of year again when the bookies start speculating about a cold winter. The last big freeze in Ireland was in December 2010. It thawed out on new year’s day 2011 and we were very busy with claims. The majority of problems were pipes freezing in the attic space. As we all know water will expand when it freezes, with enough strength to split or burst a pipe (see

Ideal Homes 2017

Peter November 11, 2017

PCLA recently exhibited at the Permanent TSB Ideal Home Show. With an attendance of over 26,425 high calibre visitors, and a satisfaction rate of 91%, the show was a resounding success overall. Key Facts for October 2017 Permanent TSB Ideal Home Show Attendance 26,425 Exhibitor Satisfaction 91% Demographic ABC1 78% Owner Occupier 85% 1st Buyer 6% Self Build 8% Business Activity Home Extension/Improvement 29% Interior Design & Décor 22% Furnishings

Protecting Your Property – Get it Insured Correctly

Peter April 5, 2017

In Property Claims Loss Assessors ltd (PCLA) the most common problem we have is people being underinsured. This could be as a result of the last recession where people sometimes get mixed up and think the value of your home is what you should insure it for. This is completely wrong you need to insure your house and outbuildings for the full cost of rebuilding. The onus is on you

Water Damage Claims

Peter March 1, 2017

In Property Claims Loss Assessors (PCLA) we deal with water damage claims on a daily basis. Where a house is new or where the house has recently been replumbed we are being advised by Insurance companies that they may take a legal recovery action against the plumber in the case of a water damage claim caused by a leaking pipe. The statute of limitations is a time limit which outlines

The Causes of Fire

Peter February 22, 2017

Its amazing how we all view our homes as safe havens. We (in Property Claims Loss assessors Ltd) come across domestic fires on a regular basis. Thankfully in almost all situations there hasn’t been an injury or loss of life. In 20 years assessing we’ve dealt with two cases involving loss off life. In both cases it was elderly people who became confused when the properties filled with smoke. Hopefully

SelfBuild & Improve Your Home Show – Belfast

Peter January 14, 2017

The SelfBuild & Improve Your Home Show will be in Titanic Exhibition Centre (TEC), Belfast on 17th-19th February 2017. We will have a stand there along with over 250 other exhibitors. It should be a great day with the chance to win prizes towards home improvements, and get expert advice on building, gardening, skills, planning and much more. Anyone who wants to attend the Self Build Show in Belfast 17th

Underfloor Leaks

Peter December 6, 2016

Homeowners may find it difficult to realise they have an underfloor leak. They may hear the tank in the attic refilling all the time. Or they might notice a drop in the heating system pressure gauge. Alternatively there may be a discoloration on the timber floors, floor tiles may be coming loose or boasted (hollow noise when tapped with the back of a knife). Skirting boards coming away from the

Thinking about Business Property Insurance?

Peter October 15, 2016

Insuring your business premises is just as important as insuring your home. Maybe, depending on what kind of business you’re in, it may be even more important. But insuring a commercial property has a few more potential problems and difficulties compared to insuring an ordinary household. In business you may need to consider Buildings, Business Interruption, machinery, equipment, stock, vehicles etc. Engaging an Insurance broker can steer you through taking

Case Study: Insurance Company Decline Storm Damage Claim

Peter August 17, 2016

We received a call two years ago from a distressed client. The chimney on his rented house had suffered serious storm damage and was about to collapse. The night before his tenant was so scared of the noise in the attic (i.e. parts of brick were hitting the ceiling) that she slept downstairs for safety. I advised him to erect emergency scaffolding around the chimney and move the tenant into

I Have Cracks in my Walls What Should I do?

Peter August 17, 2016

When people call us with this question then we see it as potential subsidence. I always ask the following questions in advance of our free visit. Are the cracks on both sides of the wall ie do they go right through the wall? If only on one side then it could be just a crack in the plaster. Are the cracks wider at the top than at the bottom. If