When a Marlborough property claim raises questions about the insured value, repair cost or amount being considered by the insurer, Independent Loss Adjusters can provide policyholder-side support. We help Marlborough homeowners, landlords and businesses who want their own loss adjuster or loss assessor to review the claim position before important decisions are made.
You may be starting a new claim or dealing with one that has become delayed, disputed, rejected or underpaid. In some cases, the insurer may also raise underinsurance or question whether the sums insured were sufficient.
The right response depends on the policy wording, available evidence and individual circumstances. Therefore, it helps to understand exactly what is being questioned before accepting a reduction or other claim decision.
Before focusing on a settlement figure, check the policy schedule and the section of cover affected by the damage.
Depending on the claim, this may include:
Also check endorsements, excesses and any conditions that may change how the cover operates.
If you are unsure how the different stages fit together, our guide to the property insurance claim process explains how policy review, evidence, valuation and settlement discussions may form part of a claim.
Underinsurance may become apparent only after a claim has been reported. For example, the insurer may say that the building, contents or another insured value was lower than required by the policy.
Do not assume that a proposed reduction is automatically correct. Equally, a lower sum insured should not be dismissed without checking the policy and valuation evidence.
Ask the insurer to explain:
Independent Loss Adjusters can review the calculation, policy wording and available valuation evidence. We can then help identify whether further clarification or supporting information may be appropriate.
For buildings insurance, the relevant figure is often based on the estimated cost of rebuilding rather than the property’s sale price. The two figures can be very different.
A rebuild estimate may need to consider demolition, site clearance, construction costs, professional fees and other reinstatement expenses. Property age, construction and alterations can also affect the estimate.
Our rebuild cost assessment guidance explains why standard calculators may be less suitable for older, altered, non-standard, commercial or more complex properties.
For homeowners reviewing cover before a loss occurs, the ABI/BCIS rebuild cost calculator can provide general guidance for suitable properties. However, a calculator does not establish whether an underinsurance reduction made during a particular claim is correct.
A property may have changed since the insurance was first arranged. Extensions, conversions, additional buildings or substantial alterations can affect the information relevant to an insured value.
If the insurer raises this point, establish when the work was completed and whether the insurer or broker was given relevant information. Keep plans, invoices, valuations and renewal documents where available.
The issue is not simply whether the property changed. The policy wording, questions asked when cover was arranged or renewed, and information provided at the time may all be relevant.
This is why the history of the insured figure can matter as much as the figure appearing on the latest schedule.
Some policies contain an Average Clause. Depending on its wording and the circumstances, this may allow an insurer to reduce a claim proportionately where relevant property is underinsured.
If an Average Clause is raised, ask for the exact clause, the insurer’s valuation and the calculation being used.
Our guide to the Average Clause and underinsurance explains why the policy wording, sum insured, valuation evidence and circumstances in which the figure was established should all be checked.
Do not assume that a standard percentage calculation applies to every policy. The actual position depends on the wording and evidence relevant to the individual claim.
Buildings and contents should not automatically be treated as one valuation issue. If the insurer questions the contents sum insured, establish what category of property is affected and how the proposed value has been reached.
Useful records may include photographs, inventories, receipts and other evidence of ownership or replacement cost. However, the information needed will depend on the type and scale of the loss.
For a partial claim, it may also be important to understand whether the insurer is assessing only the damaged contents or considering the adequacy of the overall contents sum insured.
A landlord may have separate cover for the building, landlord contents and loss of rent. A business policy can involve buildings, stock, equipment, machinery and interruption cover.
If underinsurance is raised, identify which part of the policy is affected rather than treating the entire claim as one calculation.
For commercial policyholders, our business insurance claim support includes reviewing insured values, reinstatement costs and underinsurance calculations against the policy wording and available evidence.
The same incident may affect several sections of cover, but each section can have different limits, definitions and conditions.
If the insurer reduces or rejects part of a claim because of underinsurance or another valuation issue, ask for the decision and supporting policy wording in writing.
Then separate the underlying questions. Is the disagreement about the rebuild figure, the information provided when the policy was arranged, an Average Clause, the damage itself or another policy term?
Our rejected insurance claim decision guide explains how to compare an insurer’s reason with the relevant policy wording, facts and supporting evidence.
A decision should be considered on its own circumstances. Independent Loss Adjusters can help review the available information before you decide whether further evidence or a more detailed response is appropriate.
An insurer may appoint a loss adjuster to investigate damage, review evidence and assess the claim within its own claims process.
A policyholder can appoint their own Loss Adjusters or loss assessor support. When appointed, Independent Loss Adjusters work from the policyholder’s side and can assist with claim evidence, insurer communication and settlement discussions where appropriate.
Knowing who appointed each professional helps you understand whose claim position they are assessing and where independent policyholder support may be useful.
We support property insurance claims across Marlborough, including the town centre and Manton.
The surrounding area also includes rural, older and more individual properties. However, a property’s age or location does not itself determine the insurance position. The policy, construction, insured values and individual claim circumstances all need to be considered.
If your property is outside Marlborough itself, we can confirm whether it falls within our wider service area when you contact us.
We provide free, no-obligation initial insurance claim advice. This allows you to explain the claim and understand what type of support may be relevant before deciding whether to appoint us.
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 position depends on the policy wording, the insured value, the circumstances in which it was established and any clause the insurer relies upon. Ask for the proposed calculation and policy basis in writing.
Is my home’s market value the same as its rebuild value?
Usually they are different concepts. Market value reflects the property and its location, while a rebuild estimate considers the cost of reconstructing the insured building and associated reinstatement expenses.
What if I extended the property after taking out the insurance?
Gather information about the work and check what was disclosed when the policy was arranged or renewed. Whether the change affects the claim will depend on the policy and individual circumstances.
Can you review an Average Clause calculation?
Yes. We can review the relevant policy wording, insurer calculation and available valuation information. We can then identify points that may need clarification or further evidence.
Can you help if underinsurance is only one part of a larger claim?
Yes. We can review the wider property claim as well as the specific valuation issue. The support required will depend on the policy, damage, evidence and current stage of the claim.
If underinsurance, an Average Clause or another valuation issue has made your Marlborough claim harder to understand, it is sensible to establish the basis of the insurer’s position before making the next decision.
For free, no-obligation initial insurance claim advice, request a callback from Independent Loss Adjusters or call 0800 002 5178. We can discuss the current position and explain whether our service may be suitable for your claim.
Get Clear Initial Advice Before You Decide What To Do Next
If your property insurance claim has become delayed, disputed, underpaid or difficult to manage, you can ask Independent Loss Adjusters for clear initial advice before deciding what to do next.
Call 0800 002 5178
Feedback From Clients Who Needed Claim Support
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 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.”
“Extremely professional, reassuring whilst giving a wonderful, friendly service during a personally difficult time. Very thorough in the site assessment and good follow-up.”
“And then we found Chris Thompson at ILA. What a relief. He took everything on with a smile, compassion and confidence. His expertise was invaluable in terms of negotiating with our Loss Adjuster.”
“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!”
“ILA have been fantastic throughout this process. I would highly recommend them.”
“From the first call they just knew what they were doing. They were easy to talk to, always kept me updated and nothing ever felt like too much trouble.”
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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