Independent Loss Adjusters Solihull

Clear Insurance Claim Help For Policyholders In Solihull

If property damage in Solihull has led to an insurance claim, Independent Loss Adjusters can help you understand the position before important decisions are made. We support homeowners, landlords and businesses with claims involving fire, flood, escape of water, burst pipes, storm, impact, theft, malicious damage and, where relevant, business interruption.

We act for the policyholder rather than the insurer. You can ask us for help when damage has just happened, while the claim is progressing, or later if it has become delayed, disputed, rejected or difficult to understand.

If you want an overview of what may happen after a claim is reported, our guide to the insurance claim process explains the main stages and how Independent Loss Adjusters may become involved.

What To Do When Property Damage Has Just Happened

Your priority should be safety and preventing further avoidable damage where it is reasonable to do so.

Once the immediate situation is under control, record the affected areas before substantial cleaning, removal or permanent repairs change the property. Photographs, videos, relevant invoices, contractor information and notes about what happened may all be useful.

Emergency work may sometimes be necessary to make the property safe or reduce further damage. Keep a record of what was done and why, together with any supporting invoices or photographs.

Loss Adjusters And Loss Assessors In Solihull

An insurance company may appoint a loss adjuster to inspect the property, investigate the circumstances and assess the claim as part of its claims process.

A loss assessor is commonly appointed by the policyholder to help prepare, present or progress the claim. The useful distinction is therefore who made the appointment and whose position that professional is representing.

Independent Loss Adjusters act for policyholders rather than insurers.

Property Insurance Claims We Help With

We assist with a broad range of insured property damage, including:

• fire and smoke damage;
• flood and other water damage;
• escape of water and burst pipes;
• storm and weather-related damage;
• impact damage;
• theft and burglary; and
• malicious damage.

The relevant claim position will depend on the policy wording, documented damage, available evidence and individual circumstances.

Before Permanent Repairs Change The Evidence

Permanent repairs can alter or remove evidence of the original damage. Therefore, make sure the affected areas have been adequately recorded before substantial reinstatement begins where this is practical.

If materials need to be removed for safety, drying or urgent work, photograph their condition first where possible. Keep estimates, invoices and contractor information as the work develops.

If additional damage becomes apparent during opening-up or drying, record when it was identified and retain any new photographs, reports or repair information.

Water, Fire And Other Damage Can Develop Differently

An escape of water may initially appear limited to one room, but drying or opening-up can reveal damage to adjoining areas, floors, walls or fitted units. Our escape of water insurance claim guidance explains some of the evidence, drying and reinstatement issues that may need consideration.

Fire damage can extend beyond the area reached by flames. Smoke, soot, firefighting water, damaged contents and temporary accommodation may also become relevant. Our fire insurance claim support provides further guidance for homeowners, landlords and businesses.

Flood, storm, impact, theft and malicious damage can raise different questions again. The evidence should reflect what actually happened rather than assuming every property claim follows the same pattern.

Support For Homeowners, Landlords And Businesses

For homeowners, the immediate concerns may include repairs, damaged possessions and whether the property can still be occupied.

A landlord may also need to coordinate tenant access, building repairs and evidence relating to insured loss of rent. The precise position will depend on the landlord’s policy and circumstances.

For a business, damage may affect premises, stock, equipment and normal trading. Where appropriate cover applies, our business interruption claim guidance explains the financial records and policy issues that may need consideration alongside the physical damage.

If The Repair Scope Or Settlement Is Unclear

Before agreeing permanent repairs, check what work the insurer or its contractor is proposing. Compare the scope with the documented damage and any relevant contractor information.

If a cash settlement is offered, identify what the figure is intended to cover. Check the repair scope, VAT treatment, policy excess and any other deductions or limits that have been applied.

A difference between an insurer’s figure and a contractor’s estimate does not automatically mean either figure is wrong. The useful first step is to identify where the scopes, quantities, assumptions or costs differ.

If the position remains difficult to understand, independent claim support can help you review the available evidence and the insurer’s explanation before you decide what to do next.

If Underinsurance Or An Average Clause Is Raised

An insurer may raise underinsurance if it considers the relevant sum insured or declared value to be lower than required. Depending on the policy, an Average Clause or another provision may then affect the calculation.

Ask for the policy wording, valuation basis and figures being relied upon. Do not assume that a reduction is automatically correct or incorrect before understanding how it has been calculated and what evidence supports the position.

If The Claim Is Delayed Or Rejected

If progress appears to have stopped, ask what information, report or decision remains outstanding and what should happen next. Keep important requests and responses in writing where practical.

If all or part of the claim is rejected, ask for the reason and relevant policy wording in writing. Our rejected insurance claim guidance explains what to review before deciding how to respond.

A rejection does not automatically mean the insurer’s decision is wrong or that it can be overturned. However, understanding the reason given can help you decide whether clarification, further evidence, a complaint or professional review may be appropriate.

If You Decide To Make A Complaint

You can complain directly to your insurer yourself without appointing Independent Loss Adjusters.

If an eligible complaint remains unresolved after the insurer’s complaints process, you may be able to refer it to the Financial Ombudsman Service yourself free of charge.

The Financial Ombudsman Service guidance on home and buildings insurance complaints provides independent information about eligible property insurance complaints and the complaint process.

Property Claim Support Across Solihull

We support homeowners, landlords and businesses in Solihull town and across the wider borough, including Olton, Elmdon and Shirley.

Our operational coverage also includes areas such as Knowle, Dorridge, Hockley Heath, Chelmsley Wood and Meriden. These are established communities within the wider Solihull Borough, while Solihull remains the primary local focus of this page.

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.

Solihull Property Claim Questions

Can I get initial advice before I notify my insurer?
Yes. We can discuss what has happened and explain what information may be useful before you report the damage. You should still check any notification requirements in your policy.

Can emergency work begin before the insurer visits?
Work needed to make the property safe or reduce further damage may sometimes be necessary. Where possible, record the condition first and keep evidence of the work and costs.

What if more damage is found during drying or repairs?
Record when the additional damage became apparent and retain photographs, reports and contractor information that help explain it.

What if the insurer’s repair figure is lower than my contractor’s?
Compare the work included in each assessment and identify where the scopes, assumptions or costs differ before deciding how to respond.

Can Independent Loss Adjusters review a rejected Solihull claim?
Potentially, yes. We can review the insurer’s stated reason, relevant policy wording and available evidence before explaining whether our involvement may be suitable.

Speak To Independent Loss Adjusters About Your Solihull Claim

If your Solihull property claim is new, already underway or becoming difficult to understand, Independent Loss Adjusters can discuss the current position and whether our service may be suitable.

For free, no-obligation initial insurance claim advice, request a callback or call 0800 002 5178.