If property damage has affected your home, rental property or business in Leeds, Independent Loss Adjusters can help if questions arise about the amount insured, rebuild cost or value of the property being claimed for. These issues can affect how an insurer calculates a claim, so it is important to understand exactly which figure is being questioned and why.
We act for the policyholder rather than the insurer. If you need independent loss adjuster and loss assessor support, we can help you review the policy, valuation information and insurer’s position before important claim decisions are made.
Underinsurance is not one single issue. An insurer may be questioning the building’s sum insured, contents value, stock, equipment or another insured amount.
Start by asking what figure the insurer believes is incorrect and how it has reached that conclusion.
Depending on the claim, useful information may include:
This helps separate a general concern about underinsurance from the specific figure that may affect the claim.
An insurer may appoint a loss adjuster to investigate and assess the claim within its claims process.
A policyholder can appoint their own representative to help prepare and progress the claim. Therefore, the important question is who made the appointment and whose position that professional is engaged to represent.
Our guide to independent representation during an insurance claim explains appointment, accountability and why a professional title alone does not tell you who someone represents.
For buildings insurance, the relevant insured value may relate to the cost of rebuilding rather than the property’s sale price.
Rebuild cost can include more than the visible building materials. Depending on the property and policy, factors such as demolition, debris removal, professional fees and reinstatement requirements may also be relevant.
If an insurer says the building was underinsured, ask which rebuild figure it is using and what evidence supports it.
Do not assume that a current estate-agent value or purchase price answers the same question.
Some policies contain an average clause. Where it applies, an insurer may use the level of underinsurance when calculating the amount payable for a covered loss.
However, the policy wording and the way the insured value was obtained still matter. Ask the insurer to identify the clause relied upon and provide the calculation.
The Financial Ombudsman Service provides independent guidance on underinsurance and average clauses, including the information insurers may have asked for when the cover was arranged.
An underinsurance allegation does not automatically mean that a particular reduction is correct or incorrect. The policy, application information, insured values and individual circumstances need to be considered together.
A property claim may involve both building damage and damaged contents, but the sums insured and evidence for each can be different.
For contents, the relevant question may concern the replacement value of the items insured under the policy. For buildings, the issue may instead be the reinstatement or rebuild value.
If the insurer raises underinsurance, identify which part of the policy it relates to rather than assuming that one valuation issue affects every part of the claim.
For a landlord or buy-to-let owner, the policy may contain separate sections for the building, landlord’s contents and other insured losses.
Keep the physical damage separate from any loss-of-rent calculation or other financial loss. Each element may have its own limit, wording and supporting evidence.
Records of refurbishment, extensions, conversions or material changes to the property can also be relevant if the insurer questions the basis on which the building was insured.
For a Leeds business, underinsurance may involve more than the premises.
Depending on the policy, separate questions can arise around buildings, plant, machinery, equipment, stock and business interruption cover.
Business interruption also involves its own definitions, limits and indemnity period. Our business interruption claim guidance explains some of the financial records, calculations and policy terms that may need consideration.
We support policyholders across Leeds city centre and areas including Holbeck, Hunslet, Headingley, Hyde Park, Woodhouse, Kirkstall, Armley, Chapel Allerton, Harehills, Roundhay, Bramley, Seacroft and Cross Gates.
The city includes flats, terraced homes, rental property, HMOs, larger residential property, shops, offices, warehouses and industrial premises. As a result, the insured values and evidence relevant to a claim can differ considerably between properties.
Property type or location does not itself establish that underinsurance exists. The policy, insured values, information provided and individual circumstances need to be reviewed.
You do not need to have contacted Independent Loss Adjusters before underinsurance was raised.
If the insurer has already proposed a reduction, gather the latest policy schedule, renewal information, valuation evidence, reports and written calculation.
Our guidance on policyholder-side support with an existing insurance claim explains what information may be useful before deciding whether further professional assistance is appropriate.
Ask the insurer to explain the decision in writing.
If underinsurance is involved, identify:
A reduced or rejected claim does not automatically mean the insurer’s position is wrong. However, understanding the calculation gives you a clearer basis for deciding whether further evidence, clarification or a complaint may be appropriate.
Our rejected insurance claim checklist explains what to review before deciding how to respond.
We provide free, no-obligation initial insurance claim advice.
Where Independent Loss Adjusters manages and negotiates the claim, our standard fee is 10% plus VAT of the relevant settlement amount.
Where you choose an ILA-recommended contractor to undertake reinstatement work, the contractor may cover Independent Loss Adjusters’ fee for the proportion of work they complete.
However, you remain free to appoint your own contractor.
We will confirm the applicable fee and scope of service before you decide whether to appoint Independent Loss Adjusters.
Does underinsurance automatically mean my claim will be reduced?
Not necessarily. The effect will depend on the policy wording, the insured amount, how that figure was established and the individual circumstances. Ask the insurer to explain its position and calculation.
Is my home’s market value the same as its rebuild value?
No. The price a property might achieve on the open market and the cost of rebuilding it are different measurements.
What if I disagree with the insurer’s rebuild figure?
Ask what evidence and methodology were used. You can then compare that with any valuation, rebuild assessment or other relevant information available to you.
Can you help after an underinsurance reduction has already been proposed?
Potentially, yes. We can discuss the policy, insured values, evidence and calculation and explain whether our service may be suitable.
If the insurer has questioned the amount insured or you do not understand how a proposed reduction has been calculated, you can request free, no-obligation initial claim advice.
Tell us what has been raised and what information you have received. We can then discuss whether Independent Loss Adjusters can assist.
You can also call 0800 002 5178.
Get Clear Initial Advice Before You Decide What To Do Next
If your property insurance claim is new, already underway or difficult to understand, you can ask Independent Loss Adjusters for clear initial advice before deciding what to do next.
Call 0800 002 5178
What Our Clients Say After 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.
“Our loss adjuster, Michael, was very professional and provided clear communication from the onset. The claim was ultimately settled in quick time, with minimal complications.”
“We had a very complex insurance claim which Michael and his team worked tirelessly to resolve. We had zero experience in dealing with insurance companies and we would have been lost without them.”
“They leapt into action and took a complex claim on and helped us immeasurably. As soon as they were involved we felt like the tide had turned and we were no longer in such a vulnerable situation.”
“Michael dealt with our case in such a very professional manner, providing excellent advice and valued assistance. What really mattered here was Michael had a real connection to us, offering true empathy to our case and real sincere desire to help us to the best of his ability.”
“Mike and Team are Absolutely Fantastic. We in no way could have managed our insurance claim in the way that he has been able to. For any future claims I would use Mike from the start.”
“He’s extremely dedicated and knowledgable and passionate about getting you a fair deal. He’s also incredibly friendly and supportive.”
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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