Underinsurance in UK Property Claims: How to Avoid Being Underinsured
Why property underinsurance happens, how rebuild costs differ from market value and what homeowners, landlords and businesses should review when setting insured values.
These independent loss adjuster reviews describe the experiences of homeowners, landlords and business owners who asked ILA for help with a property insurance claim. They cover different circumstances, including complex damage, disputed decisions, insurer communication, settlement concerns and the practical pressures of managing a claim.
Clients are supported by our experienced loss adjusting and claims team, with the appropriate people involved according to the circumstances and complexity of the claim.
To understand more about the support available, read how our insurance claims management service can help with evidence, communication, negotiation and reinstatement.
Every insurance claim is different. Some clients contact us shortly after the damage occurs, while others approach ILA after experiencing delays, a rejected claim or an offer that does not appear to reflect the loss.
Our insurance claim process explains how we review the circumstances, assess the available evidence and support policyholders through the different stages of a claim.
The feedback below provides an honest account of the communication, advice and practical assistance clients received from ILA. You can also explore our detailed insurance claim success stories to read more about individual claims and the challenges involved.
Very Happy With The Total Outcome
"Glenn and Sue have been fantastic throughout our claim which has taken 11 months, although it has been a very stressful period it has been relatively easy to communicate with Glenn or Sue who have always reassured me as time went on. Above all we are very happy with the total outcome of our claim and can highly recommend ILA."
Took All The Pressure Off
"Thoroughly investigated my issues with my insurers and loss adjusters. Took all the pressure off of our team, kept us informed on every step along the way. Suggested corrections to the loss adjusters, which were accepted, and finally achieved a settlement figure almost twice the amount originally offered."
Life Savers
"I was at my wits' end trying to navigate an insurance claim, with everyone involved being obtuse and evasive. Chris answered my pleas and was on the situation immediately. I hope I never have to use a service like this in the future - but if I do, 110% I would use ILA in a heartbeat."
Took Our Worries Away. Thank you
"We were really struggling with our insurance claim until we decided to use ILA. Glen and Sue took charge of the claim and took the worry away from us. Thank you both for your help and support throughout the process."
Glenn Has Been Really Great!
"Glenn has been really great! The insurer was being a nightmare and dragged the case on for months, but in the end, with Glenn’s help and guidance, we received the payout needed to rectify the damage. Without Glenn, we would have only received 20% of the actual costs to restore the damage!"
Tremendous Outcome
"Glenn and Sue at ILA are superb at engaging, on your behalf, with insurance companies and their Loss Adjusters. They take ownership of the situation for you and work with you to deliver a tremendous outcome. If your insurance claim has stalled, I would recommend you contact Glenn and Sue at ILA - you will be in exceptionally capable hands."
Highly Recommended!
"defective roof installation, and an insurer that was continually shifting the goalposts and withholding funds.
Bringing Glenn on board helped me respond to my insurance in a way I never thought of. He has a masterful understanding of insurance policy wording, FCA regulations, and the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) framework. Glenn strategically anticipates the insurer's tactics and builds bulletproof, robust arguments to counter them. He took the time to understand the extreme toll this situation was taking on my family and provided clear, honest, and highly effective tactical guidance at every single step.
Sue Young was equally exceptional, ensuring seamless communication and keeping the momentum going whenever time was of the essence. Her efficiency and professionalism made the entire process so much easier to navigate.
If you have a difficult property claim or an insurer that is refusing to fulfil their obligations, you need this team in your corner. Glenn and Sue provide absolute peace of mind and elite-level expertise.
Although I have still to receive a response from my insurance, I feel confident that every strategic option has been considered for my case, Glenn has given me the best possible chance of success, and peace of mind that we've done everything we could, with no stone left unturned.
Even after the work was done, Glenn and Sue responded to other questions I had prior to sending my complaint to the insurer, in order for the response to be as solid as possible, which is also very much appreciated."
Excellent and Speedy Advice
"I received excellent and speedy advice from Michael at ILA - I was hesitant to call in but feel so much better that I did, highly recommend!"
The Most Helpful and Dedicated Team
"ILA team have been the most helpful and dedicated team working on our behalf during what was a very difficult insurance claim.
They successfully claimed all money back due from AXA after 6 official complaints and one FOS. They are one of my most very professional company I have ever had the pleasure to work with."
Wonderful From Start to Finish
"Glenn and Sue in the office were extremely professional, reassuring whilst giving a wonderful, friendly service during a personally difficult time.
Very thorough in the site assessment and good follow-up in sorting the admin side of the situation. Can't recommend them highly enough."
Friendly and Competent Staff.
"The company is run with friendly and competent staff."
Fantastic Company to Work With
"Fantastic company to work with. After having a claim rejected for a fallen tree on our house, I had given up all hope of getting anywhere! However, Chris was extremely helpful in fighting this for us and taking to the Financial Ombudsman to get it overturned and payment made - certainly a win win, would highly recommend!"
Very Knowledgeable and Capable
"Our loss adjuster, Michael, was very professional and provided clear communication from the onset.
A very knowledgeable and capable individual, Michael visited our site on several occasions and provided detailed risk management reports for insurers.
The claim was ultimately settled in quick time, with minimal complications, as a result of Michael's attention to detail and dedication."
Very Professional Throughout
"Glenn and Sue were very professional throughout and helped me win my claim against Zurich insurance for a bathroom leak. They arranged everything and kept me updated throughout. Was very grateful to have them on my side. Thank you, guys."
Brilliant Team
"We were at the end of our tether with the communication problem with the insurance and their appointed assessor. We contacted ILA and got an independent assessor Glenn Weatherall and his assistant, they couldn't do enough for us. They were very professional in every way. Thanks again Glenn and Sue."
Outstanding Service and Professionalism
"I recently had the pleasure of working with Glenn and Sue at Independent Loss Adjusters following a challenging insurance claim, and I cannot recommend their services highly enough. From the very beginning, they demonstrated exceptional professionalism, in-depth industry knowledge, and genuine care for my situation.
They took the time to explain every stage of the process clearly, handled all communication with the insurance company efficiently, and ensured that every detail of my claim was properly assessed and represented. Their attention to detail and persistence resulted in a settlement that was both fair and far more comprehensive than I could have achieved alone.
What impressed me most was their empathy and commitment - they truly advocated on my behalf and made a stressful situation far more manageable. The level of transparency, integrity, and expertise they brought to the table was outstanding.
I would not hesitate to recommend their services to anyone needing a professional, trustworthy, and results-driven loss assessor. They are an absolute asset to their profession and have restored my faith in the process."
Ultimate Professionals
"I cannot recommend Michael and his team highly enough. From the outset I was impressed with their knowledge, transparency and what appeared to be a genuine motivation and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for their clients.
I sought the support of ILA to help with my elderly mother's insurance claim in respect of a water escape causing significant damage to her bathroom and kitchen rendering her home uninhabitable for a considerable period of time. Following my efforts to manage the insurers protracted process, those various obstacles presented, and insulting settlement offer it was clear that I needed support from the team at ILA.
Glenn was allocated our case at which point I felt a huge weight being lifted off my shoulders; he assumed responsibility for all communications and negotiations with the insurers, keeping me informed at of progress being made at each stage, with the support of Sue; he was polite, professional and compassionate in his interactions with myself whilst setting clear expectations of potential outcomes. I am pleased to say that a significantly increased settlement was agreed, and all works were successfully completed, and mum is now settled back in her home.
I cannot thank the team at ILA enough and would highly recommend them to those needing assistance with the complex world of insurance."
Don’t Use The Insurance Loss Adjuster, Get Your Own
“We experienced a house fire in August 2024, which completely gutted the property. I wasn’t sure if I really needed or wanted my own Loss Adjuster; the insurance company confirmed I’d have my own appointed by them. I didn't feel comfortable with the idea the insurance company would be marking their own homework, and initially called ILA (and others) the day after the fire for some advice. ILA certainly presented themselves as the most professional of all the companies I spoke with, and 24 hours later, they’d provided Harvey and a colleague with a 360-degree photography camera (this would prove a game changer in the upcoming claim).
All dealings with ILA were fantastic, timely, compassionate and steadfast in fighting for your rights, above those of the Insurance Companies. I dread to think how badly the outcome could have been had I stuck with the insurance companies own Loss Adjuster. Chris and Emma progressed the claim throughout and ensured our contents claim was settled to the level of cover we’d purchased. The room mapping photography proved instrumental when the insurance company started to play the inevitable games that they play.
If I could offer advice to anyone going through such traumatic events as a house fire. Please look to protect your own interests and employ your own loss adjuster. ILA’s fees were a sound investment when I consider what they managed to recoup via my buildings and contents claim. I hope to never need the services of a Loss Adjuster again, but if circumstances occur, I’d make Chris and ILA my first call."
Tell us what happened and where your claim stands. The initial conversation is free and without obligation. We’ll ask a few questions and explain whether ILA may be able to help. You can call us or complete the form; we’ll contact you using the details you provide.
If you choose ongoing support, we’ll explain the service and fee before work begins. Our general fee is 10% plus VAT of the overall settlement. Where you appoint ILA’s recommended contractors for the agreed reinstatement works, our fee is generally covered through that contractor route. The position depends on your claim and the proposed work.
What Happens After You Request a Callback?
When we speak, we’ll ask a few initial questions about the damage, your insurance policy and the current position of your claim.
You don’t need to have every document ready. The first conversation is simply to understand what has happened and whether we may be able to help.
If you’d prefer to speak to us directly, call 0800 002 5178.
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