If you’re facing property damage for the first time, it can often feel like a minefield of confusing paperwork, policies and frustrating delays. Whether it’s a burst water pipe or a major flood or fire, knowing what to do – and more importantly, who to call first – can make all the difference in how smoothly your property insurance claim is handled.
To help you get started, we’ve put together this handy guide to getting your property claims on the right track, all with the help of All Property Claims!
How We Handle Property Claims: Our Step-by-Step Guide
- Call APC First
First things first: instead of calling your insurer, you should speak to us. This is an important first step as, once you speak to your insurer, you’ll be locked into their process which doesn’t always work in your favour. The claim instruction might automatically commence, meaning you may not have the opportunity to speak with a claims management company down the line. You could also accidentally say something on a recorded call that weakens your claim without realising it.
By calling APC first, we can assess your situation, advise you on your rights and step in to handle every part of the process. We’re invested in protecting your interests right from the start.
- Assessing the Damage
As soon as you instruct us, we’ll arrange for one of our experienced surveyors to visit your property and carry out a full inspection of the damage. We won’t just look at the surface issues, we’ll check for hidden or secondary damage too – including things like damp, mould or structural concerns that insurers often overlook.
During the visit, we’ll take detailed photographs, measurements and statements from occupants in order to prepare a full damage report, and begin creating an itemised list of everything affected. We’ll also review your insurance policy in detail to make sure we understand exactly what you’re covered for, as well as what your insurer should be paying out for.
- Insurance Policy Review
Once we’ve assessed the damage, we’ll go through your insurance documents to make certain that you’re getting everything you’re entitled to. This includes checking your policy for exclusions, limitations and small print that might affect your payout. We’ll also make sure any extra benefits – such as temporary accommodation or emergency repair costs – are claimed for where relevant.
This stage is where many people go wrong on their own, simply because they don’t understand the technical language of insurance policies. But don’t worry: we do!
- Handling Your Claim
With all the evidence gathered and your policy reviewed, we’ll take care of submitting your claim to the insurer. That means you don’t have to worry about calling them, filling in forms or trying to explain the damage. We’ll take over all communication and make sure the claim is submitted clearly and correctly, with all necessary supporting documentation.
You’ll have one point of contact at APC, and we’ll keep you updated as your claim progresses.
- Negotiation with the Insurance Loss Adjuster
Your insurer will usually send out a loss adjuster to look at the damage and make recommendations, but remember: they work for the insurer, not for you! Their job is to limit how much the insurance company pays out.
When you work with APC, we’ll meet the loss adjuster at your property, walk them through the damage and challenge any undervaluations or unreasonable conclusions. We’ll also present our own independent valuations and technical evidence to support your claim. Our job is to make sure you receive a full and fair settlement that reflects the real cost of restoring your home properly, not just patching it up.
If required, we will also negotiate alternative accommodation for you, or if you’re a landlord, for loss of rent.
- Arranging Repairs
Once your settlement is agreed, we’ll handle the entire reinstatement process. That means organising skilled contractors to carry out the repair works, managing the project from start to finish and making sure the work is done to the highest standards – not just the cheapest quote!
Whether your property needs drying, decontamination, redecoration or full structural restoration, we’ve got it covered. You don’t need to chase builders, get quotes or lift a finger, as we can do it all for you.
- Closing the Claim
Once all the work is done, we’ll close the claim with your insurer and make sure everything has been completed to your satisfaction. We’ll provide any final paperwork you need and stay in touch to offer support if anything else arises.
What Documents Do You Need to Provide?
When APC handles your property insurance claim, we’ll take care of most of the paperwork for you, but it helps if you can provide:
- Your insurance policy schedule and policy number
- Photos or videos of the damage
- Proof of ownership for high-value items (receipts, invoices and valuations)
- Any emergency repair receipts
We’ll compile everything into a professional, evidence-backed claim.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
We often see homeowners making the same avoidable mistakes. One of the most common is contacting the insurer first, which can limit your options and start the process off on the wrong foot. Others include underreporting the damage (especially hidden issues like damp or mould), accepting low settlement offers without question and misunderstanding the small print of their policy.
By coming to APC first, you avoid all of these problems. We’ve seen it all before, and we know how to get the outcome you deserve.
Why Choose All Property Claims?
Working with a claims management company like All Property Claims means we’re not like insurers – we’re on your side, and we know how to fight for what you’re owed.
We manage all types of home insurance claims, including water pipe leak claims, mould damage, storm and flood recovery and structural repairs. From the first call to the final coat of paint, we handle it all.
And what’s more, if we take on your case, there’s no cost to you. We’ll only proceed if we’re confident we can get you the right result, and you’ll never be left out of the loop.
Get Started with Your Property Claim Today
If your home has been damaged and you need to make an insurance claim, make the smart move: speak to All Property Claims first.
You’ll get expert support, zero stress and a fully managed claims and repair service from a team that’s 100% on your side. Get in touch with us today for more information on how we can help.