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Making an insurance claim – Insurance Claim Solutions have it covered!
We talk to Paul Edmonds of Insurance Claim Solutions who explains that in the current economic climate, insurance companies are focusing on reducing payouts and investigating legitimate claims.
Making a Claim?
Property Insurance policies are easy to purchase but most of us do not understand that the real value comes when you need to claim. It is at that point that you realise you are on your own and that the insurance company is not on your side.
When you make an insurance claim, typically your insurer will appoint a loss adjuster to act on their behalf and investigate the claim. Their fee is paid by the insurer. The loss adjuster will look at the causes of your claim and the circumstances surrounding it and will consider the exclusions in your policy together with how much you were insured for and the values you have submitted. If necessary, they will engage the services of forensic scientists and other specialists.
How can Insurance Claim Solutions help?
By appointing Insurance Claim Solutions to act on your behalf in the event of an insurance claim they will pro actively deal with all insurance company negotiations, protecting your interests and maximising your entitlement.
“As loss assessors, we represent your interests and act as your professional. The loss adjuster will aim to reduce the amount the insurance company pays. To ensure you do not loose out, each claim is dealt with by an experienced loss assessor and our network of professionally qualified surveyors, engineers and contractors allow us to fully manage your claim from the outset.
Our normal policy is to make a no charge visit to your home or premises to discuss your requirements and make an initial assessment of the claim and damage.”
Paul explains that Insurance Claim Solutions core team all come from a fully qualified insurance background and are regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
My philosophy
“I worked as a senior loss adjuster for ten years. I was tired of declining and adjusting claims, achieving fee targets and service standards. Typically, 7 days after I met a policyholder on a major fire or flood, I lost sight of their needs in a flurry of new claims and visits.
When the documentation did arrive, it was clear that the policyholder had no idea what they could claim for, or how to present it. It was also clear that the limited advice I was able to provide as a loss adjuster was not enough to enable them to structure and control the claim. They had lives to lead and business' to run. As my full time job, this made it both easier and harder.
When I set up Insurance Claim Solutions I wanted to create a company that provided a service to the policy holder and focused on their needs. As a loss adjuster I was unable to do this as I was working for the other side - on behalf of the insurance company. I wanted to use my professional skills and knowledge to ensure that policyholders interests were protected and their claims were fully met.
Small Print
Insurance companies are becoming increasingly strict on the small print in the policy. Often the policyholder’s notification of the claim will be recorded and an innocent remark can often set in motion a chain of events that ends in a decline. It is important to appoint a representative who understands the correct presentation of the claim, to secure acceptance of the claim and early interim payments.
“We recently helped a successful public house in Brighton following a fire in their kitchen. We were on site from 7.30am the following morning, helping and advising the owners on emergency works and the potential problems they might face throughout their claim. It was essential to make sure that nothing was done that may give the loss adjuster cause to turn down the claim or prejudice the insurance company’s position. By the time the loss adjuster arrived we could sit down and confidently discuss the claim which is now being brought to a successful conclusion”.
Mutual respect?
Insurance Claim Solutions understand the details of an insurance policy and the techniques used to avoid liability. From talking to Paul it is clear he understands the nature of the insurance industry very well and is well placed to offer advice on how to achieve the best settlement for you, without unnecessary confrontation.
“It is easy to criticise the loss adjusting profession and use this as justification for the appointment of a loss assessor. In reality, the majority of loss adjusters and loss assessors have a mutual respect that begins with an understanding of the claim process.
Our main issue is that insurance companies have an unfair advantage. They have the resources to employ experts to manage their financial loss. It is essential that both parties are represented professionally as this will ensure fairness. Without a balanced process, loss adjusters will always have an advantage”
Every cloud
It is not all doom and gloom as successful claims can often have a silver lining “It is important to take a step back and see the potential of your claim. By having it expertly represented and maximising your entitlement it need not be a cloud. This is not about trying to submit an inflated or fraudulent claim. The value of the policy is often contained in the small print, much of which is missed by the policyholder.
What should we do if we need to claim?
The most important thing to do is contact us from the outset to avoid making simple mistakes that will cost later!
We have a varied client base – from households to commercial. We work tirelessly and will make ourselves available to answer your queries and questions when they arise.
Our fee structure is tailored to meet customer’s individual needs and covers an end to end claim management service from meeting the insurance company representative to organising contractors. You may however wish to receive a cash sum for your claim, which we can negotiate on your behalf.”
Benefits of appointing Insurance Claim Solutions
- Once Insurance Claim Solutions have been instructed to manage your insurance claim we will carry out the following:
- Organise emergency cleaning, boarding and installation of dehumidifiers
- Meet with the insurance company representative and/or loss adjuster on your behalf
- Present a fully quantified claim to your Insurers based on your maximum entitlement
- Instruct structural engineers and chartered surveyors as necessary to provide professional advice and specifications of works
- Provide building quotations from our approved contractors
- Negotiate and manage your insurance claim from start to finish
- Offer you the maximum support
- Offer you the best settlement option for your circumstances - you may want to carry out alternative works, upgrade your property or receive a cash settlement.
