Insurance Claim Rejected? Decision Review Checklist
A practical checklist for reviewing a rejected property insurance claim, including the insurer’s reasoning, relevant policy wording, supporting evidence and possible complaint or review routes.
If your insurer has appointed a loss adjuster, or you need independent help with a property claim in Bristol, it may be useful to understand the available evidence and the insurer’s stated position before deciding what to do next.
Independent Loss Adjusters provides policyholder-side property claim support for homeowners, landlords, buy-to-let owners and businesses. We act for the policyholder rather than the insurer.
You may be preparing a new insurance claim and want guidance before providing detailed information. Alternatively, the claim may have become delayed, disputed or rejected. You may also be concerned that a proposed settlement does not reflect the documented damage or supported repair costs.
Free initial advice is available if you are unsure what information to provide, which questions to ask or whether further support may be appropriate. You can request free initial claim advice before deciding what to do next.
A claim can become difficult for several reasons. The insurer may request further information, the apparent cause may remain unclear, or the proposed repair scope may differ from the work you believe is required.
Before accepting a decision or settlement, ask the insurer to explain its position in writing.
Useful questions may include:
We can review the available correspondence, photographs, reports, repair information and settlement calculations. We can then explain whether further clarification, supporting evidence or an evidence-based response may be appropriate.
A loss adjuster is commonly appointed by an insurance company to investigate, validate and assess a claim.
In contrast, a loss assessor is commonly appointed by the policyholder to help prepare, present and negotiate the claim.
If you are comparing loss adjusters in Bristol with loss assessors in Bristol, consider who appointed the professional, who they report to and how their service is funded.
Independent Loss Adjusters is our company name. When you appoint us, we work for you as the policyholder rather than for the insurer.
Our guide to what independent means in an insurance claim explains why appointment, accountability, professional judgement and fee arrangements matter.
Not every policyholder approaches us after a problem has developed. Initial guidance may also be useful when the damage is serious, the apparent cause is uncertain, or the insurer has requested detailed information.
Keep the first description factual. Record when the damage occurred or was discovered, which areas appear to be affected and any urgent action taken to protect the property.
Avoid guessing about the cause, repair cost or policy cover where further investigation is required. If you do not understand an insurer’s question, ask for clarification before providing a detailed answer.
Where Independent Loss Adjusters is formally appointed, we may help prepare and present the claim, organise evidence and communicate with the insurer within the agreed scope of our service.
The insurer remains responsible for making its own decisions about policy coverage, liability and settlement. Claim outcomes and timescales depend on the policy terms, evidence, damage and insurer response.
Clear records can help the insurer and any appointed professionals understand the circumstances of the claim.
You do not need to have every document ready before asking for initial advice. However, useful information may include:
The FCA Handbook includes ICOBS 8 claims-handling rules for insurers. These include requirements concerning fair and prompt handling, appropriate information and unreasonable claim rejection.
The rules provide a general regulatory reference. The position in an individual claim will still depend on the relevant policy, evidence and circumstances.
Bristol property claims can involve family homes, flats, converted buildings, rental properties, shops, offices, hospitality premises and other commercial units.
Different types of damage require different evidence. However, the claim should remain focused on the relevant policy terms, documented damage and supported costs.
A water damage insurance claim may involve burst pipes, leaks, flooding, hidden moisture, drying and reinstatement work.
A fire damage insurance claim may involve smoke, soot, heat damage, firefighting water, damaged contents and alternative accommodation.
Storm, theft, impact and malicious damage claims may require evidence about the reported event, timing, property condition, ownership and proposed repairs.
We can review the information available and identify points that may require further investigation or clearer explanation. We will not present unsupported assumptions or estimates as facts.
If you own a rental property, the claim may affect repairs, access, rent, tenant communication and the condition of the building.
We support the landlord or property owner where they hold the relevant insurance policy. A tenant’s contents or personal losses would usually need to be considered under their own insurance arrangements.
For commercial premises, our business insurance claim support may include reviewing property damage, equipment, stock, repair information and insurer correspondence.
Where trading or income has been affected, any business interruption element must fall within the relevant policy cover. It should also be supported by appropriate financial records, such as accounts, sales information, continuing expenses and additional costs.
Independent Loss Adjusters provides free initial insurance claim advice, without obligation. This allows you to explain what happened and understand whether ongoing support may be useful.
Where Independent Loss Adjusters manages and negotiates the claim, our standard fee is 10% plus VAT of the relevant settlement amount.
If you choose an ILA-recommended contractor to undertake reinstatement work, the contractor may cover our fee for the proportion of work they complete. However, you remain free to appoint your own contractor.
The free initial advice stage and ongoing claims management service are separate. We will explain the applicable fees and scope of service before you decide whether to appoint Independent Loss Adjusters.
What if the insurer says its offer is final?
Ask the insurer to provide the offer, calculation and reasoning in writing. We can review the proposal alongside the relevant policy terms, documented damage, supported costs and available evidence before you decide whether to accept it or ask further questions.
Can you help if I have not yet submitted detailed claim information?
Yes. We can provide initial guidance about what to record, which documents may be relevant and which questions to ask. We cannot confirm policy coverage or the eventual claim outcome at that stage.
Can landlords ask you to deal with insurer questions?
Yes. Where the landlord, buy-to-let owner or rental property owner holds the relevant policy, we may help review insurer questions, organise evidence and communicate with the insurer within the agreed scope of our appointment.
If you are preparing a new claim, dealing with a delayed response or considering a settlement proposal, it may help to review the available information before responding.
For property claim support in Bristol, call 0800 002 5178 or contact Independent Loss Adjusters.
We will listen to what happened, explain what we may be able to review and outline the next practical step.
Get Clear Initial Advice Before You Decide What To Do Next
If your property insurance claim has become delayed, disputed or difficult to manage, or you are concerned about a proposed settlement, you can ask Independent Loss Adjusters for clear initial advice before deciding what to do next.
Call 0800 002 5178
What Policyholders Say About Working With ILA
When your property claim feels uncertain, it can help to hear from people who have already been through the process. These testimonials show how Independent Loss Adjusters has helped clients deal with insurers, evidence, delays, settlement concerns and the practical steps needed to move a claim forward.
“Michael will do the job to the end he is a professional in his work. Thanks to his team all my problems were solved.”
Jurga Naraskeviciene
“Michael and his team instantly put me at ease, providing exceptional guidance and kick starting the claims process. ILA handled everything with the highest professionalism. Without their assistance, the time taken to reinstate the property would have been severely delayed and extremely stressful.”
Adam Weaver
“Mike and his team are an essential if you have to make a claim against your insurance. I have engaged ILA on a number of occasions and they have delivered every time.”
Bethan
“Chris took a genuine interest in our case and verified all the facts before successfully overturning the insurer’s rejection. Chris continued on our behalf and ultimately successfully managed to recoup both our repair costs and consequential losses.”
Jon Green
“After a fire in our property, Glenn and ILA were fantastic in dealing with our claim. It was very hands off for us, with ILA managing everything right through to cash settlement.”
Steven D
“I’m SO glad we did! Mike was so helpful and went above and beyond to help us with our claim. You’ll have an expert fighting your corner and a lot less stress!”
Abbey Saunders
These testimonials describe individual clients’ experiences. Outcomes depend on the policy wording, evidence and circumstances of each claim.
Need Help With Your Own Claim?
Get free initial insurance claim advice from one of our experts.
Our insurance claim support covers a wide range of property damage claims, from initial claim assessment through to evidence review, negotiation and settlement discussions.
Speak To ILA About Your Claim
ILA supports policyholders across the UK with property insurance claims. Whether the claim involves a home, business premises or rental property, our loss adjusting team can review the position, explain the evidence needed and help you decide the next step.
What Happens After You Request a Callback?
A member of the ILA team will review the information you provide and contact you during normal working hours. We will ask a few initial questions about the damage, the policy and the current position of the claim. You do not need to have every document ready before speaking to us.
For urgent claim enquiries, call 0800 002 5178.
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