Independent Loss Adjusters Lewisham

Clear Help With A Lewisham Property Claim

If property damage has affected your home, rental property or business in Lewisham, Independent Loss Adjusters can help when the proposed repair only deals with part of a floor, fitted unit, tiled area or other matching finish. Before deciding what repair is appropriate, it is useful to establish exactly what is damaged and whether a suitable match is available.

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 damage, policy wording and proposed reinstatement before important claim decisions are made.

Start By Identifying Exactly What Is Damaged

A matching issue is easier to understand when the damaged and undamaged areas are clearly separated.

Depending on the claim, record:

• the particular tiles, flooring, units, fittings or items that are damaged;
• where the damaged area begins and ends;
• whether the same finish continues into another room or area;
• the manufacturer, range, colour or product details where known;
• photographs showing the damaged and adjoining areas; and
• any contractor information about repair or replacement availability.

This gives a clearer basis for considering whether the damaged part can be repaired, replaced or reasonably matched.

Know Who The Loss Adjuster Is Representing

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.

An Exact Replacement May Not Always Be Available

Some products change over time or are discontinued. Even where the same range still exists, colour, finish or manufacturing variation may make an exact match difficult.

If a contractor says the existing item cannot be matched, ask for the reason to be recorded. Useful evidence may include supplier correspondence, product information, photographs or details of the closest available alternative.

Do not assume that an unavailable match automatically means every adjoining undamaged item must be replaced. The policy wording, the relationship between the items and the individual circumstances need to be considered.

Check What The Policy Says About Matching Items

Policies can deal with matching pairs, sets, suites and undamaged items in different ways.

Check the buildings or contents wording for terms relating to matching items, pairs, sets, suites or undamaged parts. Then compare those terms with the particular area or items involved in your claim.

The Financial Ombudsman Service publishes guidance on matching sets and replacement disputes. Its approach depends on the policy wording, what forms part of the set, how much is damaged and the circumstances of the complaint.

Flooring Can Raise Questions About Where A Matching Area Ends

Floor coverings may continue through one room or several adjoining spaces.

If only part has been damaged, identify whether there is a natural division such as a doorway, threshold or change in material. Also check whether a suitable repair or replacement product is actually available.

The relevant question is not simply whether two areas look similar. It is whether they form part of the same matching installation and how the particular policy deals with undamaged areas.

Kitchens And Bathrooms Can Involve Matching Units Or Finishes

Partial damage to kitchen units, bathroom fittings, wall tiles or floor tiles can produce a similar issue.

Record the particular damaged items and identify whether they can be repaired or replaced individually. If a matching product is unavailable, obtain evidence of the closest alternatives and any practical effect on the surrounding installation.

The appropriate claim position will depend on the policy wording, extent of damage and circumstances rather than a general rule that every undamaged item must also be replaced.

Water Damage Often Creates Partial Repair Questions

An escape of water may affect part of a floor, ceiling, kitchen, bathroom or decorated area while leaving adjoining sections undamaged.

Drying or careful opening-up can also reveal additional damage after the first inspection. If the affected area changes, update the photographs, reports and proposed repair scope.

Our guidance on escape of water insurance claims explains some of the evidence, drying and reinstatement issues that may need consideration.

Supporting Policyholders Across Lewisham

We support policyholders across Lewisham town centre, Hither Green, Ladywell, Lee Green, Brockley, Crofton Park, Catford, Bellingham, Deptford, New Cross, Forest Hill and Sydenham.

A property claim may involve a home, flat, rental property, shop, office or other commercial premises. Whatever the property type, the repair position should be considered against the actual damage, policy wording and available evidence.

Landlords Should Record Existing Fixtures And Finishes

For a landlord or buy-to-let owner, inventories, inspection photographs and maintenance records may help establish what fitted items or finishes existed before the damage.

If a tenant owns damaged belongings, keep those separate from the landlord’s building or insured contents claim.

If loss of rent or another financial loss is also being considered, keep that evidence separate from the physical repair issue. Whether a particular financial loss is covered will depend on the policy wording, limits and circumstances.

Business Damage May Involve Property And Trading Losses

For a Lewisham business, damage to flooring, fittings, stock or equipment may affect the ability to operate normally.

Where relevant business interruption cover applies, the financial consequences normally require different supporting evidence from the physical repairs.

Our business interruption claim guidance explains some of the policy terms, financial records and calculations that may need consideration.

If Your Lewisham Claim Is Already Underway

You do not need to have contacted Independent Loss Adjusters before repair or settlement discussions started.

If the insurer has already proposed replacing only part of a matching area, gather the policy wording, photographs, repair scope, quotations and any evidence about product availability.

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.

If Part Of The Repair Is Rejected

Ask the insurer to identify which particular repair or replacement item is not being accepted and why.

If the decision relates to matching items or undamaged parts, identify the policy wording being relied upon and how the insurer has applied it to the particular property.

A partial rejection does not automatically mean the insurer’s decision is wrong. However, understanding the reason gives you a clearer basis for deciding whether further evidence, clarification, a complaint or professional assistance may be appropriate.

Our rejected insurance claim checklist explains what to review before deciding how to respond.

Free Initial Advice And Clear Fee Information

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.

Questions Lewisham Policyholders Often Ask

What if replacement tiles or flooring do not exactly match?
Check the policy wording and obtain evidence of what replacement products are available. Whether additional undamaged areas need consideration will depend on the terms and circumstances.

Does the insurer always have to replace the whole matching set?
No. There is no automatic rule that every undamaged item must be replaced. The policy wording, extent of damage, relationship between the items and available alternatives all matter.

What if the manufacturer has discontinued the product?
Ask the supplier or contractor to confirm this where possible and identify the closest available alternative. That information can then be considered alongside the policy terms and repair proposal.

Can you help after my Lewisham claim has already started?
Potentially, yes. We can discuss the stage reached, review the available information and explain whether our service may be suitable.

Speak To Independent Loss Adjusters About Your Lewisham Claim

If the damaged and undamaged parts of a room or fitted area are being treated differently and you are unsure how the policy applies, you can request free, no-obligation initial claim advice.

Tell us what has been damaged and what repair has been proposed. We can then discuss whether Independent Loss Adjusters can assist.

You can also call 0800 002 5178.