Dealing with building home insurance claims and property damage can be daunting, especially when you’re already facing the stress of a leaky roof, burst pipe, or even a fire damage claim. But with the right help, your claim doesn’t have to be a nightmare. At All Property Claims, based in Wimbledon and serving homeowners nationwide, we specialise in property claims management, making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
This guide explains why homeowners typically make property insurance claims, explores the usual challenges and outlines practical steps you can take – from documenting damage to working with tradespeople and your insurer. Our goal? Help you stay in control and ensure a fair settlement.
Why You Might Need to Make a Home Insurance Claim
Understanding why you need to claim helps you know what to expect:
- Accidental Damage: A falling tree, stray cricket ball through the window or burst pipe on holiday.
- Storm or Flood Damage: Heavy rainfall, flash floods or burst gutters causing seepage.
- Fire or Smoke Damage: Kitchen fire, electrical sparks or extinguishing water aftermath.
- Theft or Vandalism: Forced entry, vandalised property, stolen contents.
- Subsidence or Structural Issues: Foundation movement, cracked walls or tilting floors.
Each type of damage comes with its own paperwork, repair requirements and potential policy complications – especially with something like a fire damage claim, which often involves heightened scrutiny and detailed evidence.
Common Frustrations with Home Insurance Claims
Many homeowners find themselves overwhelmed by:
Complex & Inconsistent Documentation
Insurance forms can read like legal briefs. Missing or incorrect info can delay or jeopardise your claim. Phrases like “up to the policy limit” or “age deductibles” often cause confusion.
Delayed Insurer Response
Once you’ve lodged a claim, expect an average of 10–14 days before a loss adjuster contacts you. Some insurers are prompt; others are less so. Flat channels, limited phone hours and unhelpful chatbots don’t help either.
Unsure DIY or Professional Repairs
Who should tackle the damage? DIY repairs might void your claim, but contractors can charge more or take weeks to start – often after assessing your insurer’s repair protocols.
Contractor Stinginess
Approved contractors may be rushed or cut corners. Independent quotes are often needed, meaning you’ll negotiate the difference between quotes, actual cost and insurer’s settlement.
Disputes Over Settlement Amount
Insurers might undervalue items or undervalue your structural repairs. “Temporary repairs only” tactics – like boarding up rather than replacing windows – often leave homeowners unhappy.
How All Property Claims Makes It Easier
As your property claims management partner, we take the stress off you:
- We Check Policies for You: We review your terms and confirm your entitlements before a claim’s even filed.
- We Handle the Paperwork: We gather evidence, complete forms correctly and submit everything quickly.
- We Coordinate Loss Adjusters & Contractors: We allow you time to recover, while we liaise with the insurer and tradespeople.
- We Challenge Low Offers: If the insurer’s offer doesn’t cover fair repair or replacement, we negotiate or escalate as needed.
- We Provide Clear Updates: You’ll know exactly what’s happening and what’s left to resolve.
A Step-by-Step Guide for Homeowners
When something goes wrong at home – whether it’s a leak, a flood or a fire – the last thing you want is to get bogged down in forms, chasing insurers and managing tradespeople. That’s where All Property Claims comes in.
Here’s how it works when you bring APC on board:
Step 1: Contact APC as Soon as the Damage Occurs
Give us a ring or fill out our quick online form. The sooner you get in touch, the better as we can often prevent further damage and make sure nothing is missed when it comes to your claim.
We don’t charge for our initial assessment, and if we take your case on, our full service is completely free to you.
Step 2: We Come to Your Property and Assess the Damage
One of our experienced surveyors will visit your home and do a thorough damage assessment. Whether you’ve had a leak in the loft, flood water in the kitchen or fire damage in the lounge, we’ll identify the full extent of the problem.
We won’t just glance at the surface, we’ll spot what insurers often try to ignore.
Step 3: We Review Your Insurance Policy and Tell You What You’re Owed
Insurance documents can be confusing, and insurers don’t always volunteer what you’re entitled to. That’s where we come in.
We’ll study your policy line by line and explain in plain English what your policy should cover, including things like alternative accommodation, full reinstatement and not just patch repairs.
Step 4: We Handle All Communication with Your Insurer
You don’t need to speak to your insurer again. Seriously.
We’ll take over all contact, arrange all meetings with the loss adjuster (who works for the insurer, by the way – not you) and fight your corner to get the best possible settlement.
We’re not afraid to challenge unfair decisions or low offers. After all, APC works for you, not your insurance company.
Step 5: We Push for a Fair Settlement, Not the Bare Minimum
Insurers are known for trying to keep payouts low. It’s not personal, it’s just how they work. But APC knows their tactics inside out.
We’ll negotiate hard to get you the settlement you actually need to put things right properly – not just temporarily. We won’t let them get away with fobbing you off with token repairs or cutting corners.
Step 6: We Carry Out All the Repair and Restoration Work
Once your claim is agreed, APC doesn’t disappear. We’ve got a full team of trusted contractors and tradespeople ready to go – from drying and decontamination to plastering, painting and flooring.
You won’t need to chase builders, find your own quotes or manage any part of the project. We handle the lot and make sure the job is finished to a high standard.
Step 7: You Move Back into a Fully Restored Home
We don’t close your case until your home is properly repaired, and you’re happy with the result.
No missed snags. No patch jobs. Just a clean, complete finish that gets your life back on track.
And remember: If APC takes on your case, this service costs you nothing.
You won’t pay us a penny as we recover our fees directly from the insurance claim settlement. That means we only win if you win. We’re incentivised to fight your corner and push for the maximum, not the minimum.
When to DIY and When to Call the Pros
It’s great to fix minor issues, but large or risky damage deserves professional attention:
DIY-Friendly Work
- Replacing small broken window panes
- Turning the mains off to stop a leak
- Capturing photos or videos for documentation
Call in the Experts
- Major fire damage claims
- Structural failure from burst pipes
- Suspected subsidence or timber rot
- Full roof repairs
- Replacement of specialist items (e.g. bespoke tiles or heritage features)
- Claims involving business interruption or temporary accommodation
As trained and accredited property claims management professionals, we guide homeowners through both situations, knowing what fix is DIY-safe and what needs an expert.
Why Choose All Property Claims?
- Expertise: Decades managing property insurance claims, including complex fire damage claims
- Personalised Service: Every Wimbledon homeowner gets our dedicated attention
- Transparent Fees: We don’t charge unless you get a settlement
- Trusted Network: Certified builders, loss adjusters and valuer contacts
- Full Service: From paperwork to final invoice approval – handled for you
Navigate Your Property Insurance Claim with Confidence
Handling property damage and building home insurance claims doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right guidance and expert support, you can:
- Maximise your settlement
- Avoid delays and lowball offers
- Get thorough, professional repairs
- Have peace of mind again
To get started, get in touch with our helpful team today.