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Top 10 Tips for Filing an Insurance Claim!
Make Your Claim Count - Top Tips For a Smooth Insurance Process.
Written by Darren Carter. Last Updated on October 12, 2026
A Homeowner, Landlord & Business Owner Guide.
Filing an insurance claim can feel difficult, whether you are a homeowner, landlord or business owner. Policy wording, evidence requirements, repairs and insurer communication can all add to the work involved.
Good preparation can help create a clear record of what happened and what information has been provided. It can also make it easier to understand the insurer’s position as the claim progresses.
Be Proactive and Informed Whilst Filing Your Insurance Claim
Insurance claims can involve technical terminology, documents, inspections and discussions about repair costs or settlement options. Understanding the process can make those stages easier to manage.
The ten tips below explain practical steps that can help you organise the evidence, communicate clearly with the insurer and understand important decisions during the claim.
1. Understand Your Policy Inside Out
Before filing a claim, review the relevant policy wording, schedule, excesses, limits and exclusions. This can help you understand the cover and identify information the insurer may need.
If the wording relating to an existing claim is unclear, ask the insurer to explain its position. Independent claim support may also be useful where there is a dispute or a complex interpretation issue.
2. Act Fast and Notify Your Insurer Immediately
Check the notification requirements in your policy and tell the insurer about the loss as soon as reasonably possible.
A significant delay can sometimes affect the evidence available or make the circumstances harder to establish. However, late notification does not automatically mean that a claim can be rejected. The effect will depend on the policy wording and circumstances.
3. Document Everything with Photographs and Videos
Visual evidence is one of the most powerful tools for proving your claim. Take detailed photographs and videos of the damage before making any temporary repairs. Capture different angles to ensure that all affected areas are well-documented. Also, take time-stamped images and videos to validate the date and time of the damage. This documentation is crucial when disputes arise about the extent or cause of the damage.
4. Keep a Record of All Communications
Maintaining clear documentation of all conversations with your insurer, adjusters, and contractors is essential. Keep emails, letters, and notes of phone calls, including dates and names, to avoid miscommunications and disputes. If possible, follow up on phone conversations with an email summary to create an additional written record of what was discussed.
5. Secure Your Property and Prevent Further Damage
Take reasonable steps to make the property safe and prevent further damage where you can do so safely. This may include covering an exposed area or arranging necessary emergency work.
Photograph the damage before work starts where practical. Keep receipts, invoices and details of emergency measures, as the insurer may need this information when considering the claim.
6. Get Professional Estimates for Repairs
Where repair costs are uncertain or disputed, estimates from suitably experienced contractors can provide useful evidence.
Compare the insurer’s proposed repair scope with the damage identified and the work reasonably required. If there is a material difference, ask how the insurer reached its figures and provide supporting estimates where relevant.
7. Be Honest and Accurate in Your Claim
Provide accurate and honest information about the loss and the damage you are claiming for. Do not deliberately exaggerate quantities, values or repair costs.
A genuinely fraudulent claim can have serious consequences. Under the Insurance Act 2015, an insurer is not liable to pay a fraudulent claim and may have other remedies available.
8. Understand the Role of the Insurance Appointed Loss Adjuster
An insurer may appoint a loss adjuster to investigate the circumstances, assess the damage and report within the insurer’s claims process. However, loss adjusters can also be appointed by policyholders.
The important questions are who appointed the professional, who they report to and whose claim they are engaged to support. An insurer-appointed loss adjuster is not appointed to represent the policyholder, but that does not by itself imply unfairness or bad faith.
If you want policyholder-side support, you can appoint your own claims professional. Our guide to what “independent” means in an insurance claim explains the distinction in more detail.
9. Don’t Accept the First Offer Without Review
An initial settlement offer may be reasonable, but review how it has been calculated before deciding whether to accept it.
Check the repair scope, supporting figures, policy terms and any deductions. If something appears to have been missed or the amount does not reflect supported costs, ask the insurer for an explanation and provide relevant evidence.
Our guide to reviewing a low insurance settlement offer explains the next steps in more detail.
10. Seek Assistance from an Independent Loss Adjuster
If the claim is complex, substantially disputed or difficult to manage, you may wish to consider policyholder-side professional support.
An Independent Loss Adjuster appointed by the policyholder can review the evidence, policy wording and settlement position and communicate with the insurer where appointed to do so. The outcome will still depend on the policy, evidence and circumstances of the claim.
How Independent Loss Adjusters Can Help with Insurance Claims
A large or complex property insurance claim can involve detailed evidence, repair information, policy wording and repeated communication with the insurer.
When Independent Loss Adjusters is appointed, we work for the policyholder rather than the insurer. Depending on the claim, our support can include:
- Damage and evidence review: Reviewing the available information about the loss, damage and repair requirements.
- Settlement review: Considering proposed repair scopes or settlements against the policy wording, available evidence and supported costs.
- Claim administration: Helping organise photographs, reports, repair estimates and other information relevant to the claim.
- Insurer communication: Communicating with the insurer and responding to claim queries where we are appointed to do so.
- Disputed or complex claims: Reviewing areas of disagreement and identifying information or evidence that may need further consideration.
Professional support does not guarantee that a claim will be accepted or that a settlement will increase. The outcome will depend on the policy wording, evidence and circumstances of the claim.
Our Insurance Claims Management page explains ILA’s service, scope and applicable fees in more detail.
When Should You Use An Independent Loss Adjuster?
Not every insurance claim requires professional representation. Independent support may be worth considering where:
- The claim has been rejected and you want the decision and evidence reviewed
- There is a significant disagreement about the proposed settlement
- The damage is extensive or the claim requires complex evidence
- You are finding the claims process difficult to manage
- The claim has become substantially delayed and the reason is unclear
Practical Support When an Insurance Claim Becomes Difficult
Good records, clear communication and a basic understanding of the policy can make an insurance claim easier to manage. However, these steps cannot guarantee that a claim will be accepted or that a particular settlement will be reached.
If a property insurance claim becomes complex, delayed, disputed or difficult to manage, Independent Loss Adjusters can provide policyholder-side support.
We can provide free initial insurance claim advice and explain whether ILA may be able to help with the claim. The initial conversation is free and does not commit you to appointing us.
If you choose ongoing claims management, the scope of service and applicable fees will be explained before you proceed.
Call 0800 002 5178 or use the callback option below.
Darren Carter
Head of Marketing & Technology, Independent Loss Adjusters
Posted by Darren - Over 15 years' experience in online marketing within the insurance claims sector and works with ILA's loss adjusters and claims professionals to turn practical claims knowledge into clear, useful guidance for policyholders.
Customer Testimonials
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.
“We were really struggling with our insurance claim until we decided to use ILA. Glen and Sue took charge of the claim and took the worry away from us. Thank you both for your help and support throughout the process.”
“Thoroughly investigated my issues with my insurers and loss adjusters. Took all the pressure off, kept us informed on every step along the way. Suggested corrections to the loss adjusters, which were accepted, and finally achieved a settlement figure almost twice the amount originally offered.”
“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.”
“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!”
“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.”
“What can I say about this Company, nothing but AMAZING. We felt like they were our friends, totally on our side. The communication is just fantastic and they just keep going and going to the end.”
These testimonials describe individual clients’ experiences. Outcomes depend on the policy wording, evidence and circumstances of each claim.
More Insurance Tips and Advice
Essential Tips for Successful Home Insurance Claims
Practical home insurance claim guidance covering preparation, evidence, insurer notification, damaged items, policy excesses and key considerations before deciding whether to make a claim.
Claiming on Contents Insurance Tips
Practical contents insurance claim tips covering how to record damaged or stolen belongings, evidence ownership and value, and avoid common problems while the claim progresses.
Is Your Insurance Claim Becoming Difficult?
Claim rejected, delayed, under investigation or offered a settlement you’re unsure about? Our guide covers what to check next, underinsurance and help with an existing claim.
Explore Common Claim Problems
Loss Adjuster Support
Understand the difference between insurer-appointed and independent loss adjusters, what each role involves and when independent claim support may be appropriate.
Loss Adjuster Guides
Guidance on Making a Claim
Practical guidance on preparing, documenting and progressing an insurance claim, including what to do when questions, delays or disputes arise.
Making a Claim Guides
Insurance Terminology
Clear explanations of common insurance terms, policy wording and claims terminology to help you understand correspondence, decisions and the claims process.
Insurance Terminology GuidesCLEAR, PROFESSIONAL CLAIM SUPPORT
Why Policyholders Speak to ILA
A difficult claim often involves policy wording, technical evidence, repair costs and several parties. Our Loss Adjusters help policyholders understand the position and approach the next step with clearer information.
Policyholder-Focused
ILA is appointed by homeowners, landlords and businesses, not by the insurer handling their claim.
Experienced Claims Team
Our team brings experience across insurance claims, loss adjusting, damage assessment and settlement review.
Evidence-Led Guidance
We review the policy, correspondence and available evidence before explaining what appears clear and what may need further work.
FCA Authorised
Our regulated status supports clear information, appropriate conduct and fair treatment throughout the customer journey.
Independent Loss Adjusters Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for insurance distribution activities.
Need Clearer Direction on Your Claim?
Tell us what has happened and where the claim currently stands. We will review the initial information and explain whether ILA may be able to help.
Every claim depends on its individual circumstances, supporting evidence and policy wording. No particular outcome can be guaranteed.
PROPERTY DAMAGE CLAIMS
Help with Property Damage Claims
Different types of damage bring different questions about evidence, repairs and cover. Choose the claim type below to see how ILA may be able to help.
Flood Damage Claims
We can help assess water damage, organise the evidence and present the claim under your policy.
Flood Damage Claim Help
Fire Damage Claims
We review the damage, repair scope and reinstatement costs to help you understand the claim position.
Fire Damage Claim Help
Business Interruption Claims
We assess the interruption, financial records and policy position when insured damage affects trading.
Business Interruption Help
Malicious Damage Claims
We review the damage, circumstances and evidence after vandalism or deliberate damage.
Malicious Damage Claim Help
Impact Damage Claims
We can assess collision or impact damage and review the repair evidence and settlement position.
Impact damage claim help
Theft Insurance Claims
We help organise supporting evidence and review the claim position after burglary or theft.
Theft Claim HelpRequest Free Initial Insurance Claim Advice
Tell us what happened and where your claim stands. The initial conversation is free and without obligation. We’ll ask a few questions and explain whether ILA may be able to help. You can call us or complete the form; we’ll contact you using the details you provide.
If you choose ongoing support, we’ll explain the service and fee before work begins. Our general fee is 10% plus VAT of the overall settlement. Where you appoint ILA’s recommended contractors for the agreed reinstatement works, our fee is generally covered through that contractor route. The position depends on your claim and the proposed work.
What Happens After You Request a Callback?
When we speak, we’ll ask a few initial questions about the damage, your insurance policy and the current position of your claim.
You don’t need to have every document ready. The first conversation is simply to understand what has happened and whether we may be able to help.
If you’d prefer to speak to us directly, call 0800 002 5178.
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