What “Independent” Really Means in an Insurance Claim
What independence means in an insurance claim, including who appoints, instructs, pays and receives reports from a claims professional, and why potential conflicts matter.
Home › Insurance Tips ›
Insurance Terminology and Education
Plain-English Guides to Insurance Terms and Policy Language
Insurance terminology can make policies and claims harder to understand. This category explains common words and phrases in plain English, from policy limits and excesses to loss adjusters, underinsurance and settlement terminology. Our A to Z guide to insurance claims jargon is a useful place to start.
Clear definitions can help policyholders understand documents, ask informed questions and make better decisions. Our Insurance Policy Fundamentals guides provide further help with cover, exclusions, sums insured and other policy issues.
First Time Homeowners Insurance Guide
Home insurance essentials for first-time buyers, including buildings and contents cover, mortgage requirements, key policy checks and common issues to understand before making a claim.
Do I Need Home Insurance if I Own My House Outright?
Whether mortgage-free homeowners need home insurance, the risks of going without cover and the buildings, contents and leasehold considerations worth checking before cancelling a policy.
Podcast: Understanding Insurance Coverage: The Myth of Unlimited Coverage
Why ‘unlimited cover’ does not mean every home insurance claim is unrestricted, with Michael Williamson explaining policy exclusions, excesses and specific limits worth checking.
Landmark Day for The Consumer Duty Act
What the FCA Consumer Duty requires of financial firms, how it applies to customer support and claims, and why the rules remain an ongoing standard.
A To Z Guide To Insurance Claims Jargon
An A-to-Z guide to common insurance claims jargon, explaining policy and claims terminology used across home and business insurance in more accessible language.
Underinsurance in Building and Home Insurance Claims
How rising rebuild costs can create underinsurance even when property values fall, with an older market-focused explanation of sums insured and buildings cover.
Loss Adjuster Support
Understand the difference between insurer-appointed and independent loss adjusters, what each role involves and when independent claim support may be appropriate.
Loss Adjuster Guides
Guidance on Making a Claim
Practical guidance on preparing, documenting and progressing an insurance claim, including what to do when questions, delays or disputes arise.
Making a Claim Guides
Insurance Terminology
Clear explanations of common insurance terms, policy wording and claims terminology to help you understand correspondence, decisions and the claims process.
Insurance Terminology GuidesNeed Clearer Direction on Your Claim?
Tell us what has happened and where the claim currently stands. We will review the initial information and explain whether ILA may be able to help.
Every claim depends on its individual circumstances, supporting evidence and policy wording. No particular outcome can be guaranteed.