The recent wave of storms and flooding that have swept across the United Kingdom has left many homeowners grappling with the devastating aftermath of property damage. As communities come together to repair and rebuild, one crucial aspect that can alleviate the financial burden on affected individuals is the ability to make successful insurance claims.
In this article, we’ll explore the types of damage that may be eligible for claims, the significance of filing a claim and the invaluable assistance that property damage experts can provide in navigating the intricate process, allowing you to focus on making repairs to your home with one less stress to worry about.
Understanding Eligible Damage
The aftermath of storms and floods often leaves homes with a myriad of damages, ranging from structural issues to personal belongings. To ensure that you maximise your insurance claim, it's crucial to understand what types of damage are typically eligible for compensation.
Structural Damage
Roofs: High winds and heavy rainfall can lead to roof damage, such as missing shingles or structural compromise. In turn, this can let rainwater inside your home, causing additional water damage.
Walls and Foundations: Floodwaters can erode soil around foundations, leading to structural instability and cracks in walls. In addition to this, winds were reported to have reached up to 70mph in some areas of the UK, with others experiencing up to 94 mph winds; in such strong gusts, trees can blow over and loose objects (e.g. wheelie bins, debris etc.) are easily blown around, which can cause further damage to walls if they are impacted by these.
Windows and Doors: Strong winds and debris can cause damage to windows and doors, compromising the security and insulation of your home. Again, falling trees can also damage your windows and doors by impact, just as we mentioned they can with your walls.
Interior Damage
Flooring: Flooding can result in irreparable damage to carpets, hardwood floors and other types of flooring. If you do experience flood damage to your floors, then it’s vital that any affected areas are stripped to allow the underneath of the flooring to be dried properly, rather than simply surface drying - something which many insurers are often quick to avoid.
Electrical Systems: Water exposure can damage electrical wiring and appliances, posing a significant safety risk. If you experience significant water damage, ensure you turn off electrics at the plug and/or the fuse box to minimise risks of electrocution before the damage is assessed and addressed by a professional.
Personal Belongings: Homeowners can claim for the replacement or repair of personal belongings damaged during the storm or flood. This includes both exterior items, such as your car, that may have been damaged, as well as interior items.
Additional Expenses
Temporary Accommodation: If your home becomes uninhabitable, insurance policies may cover the costs of temporary accommodation. Whilst some damage may be contained to a certain area of a property and does not significantly affect your ability to stay there, other damage may pose a health and/or safety risk, making it imperative that you arrange alternative accommodation whilst repairs are carried out.
Removal and Cleanup: In some policies, the cost of removing debris and cleaning up after a storm or flood may also be covered, although it’s worth checking your particular policy to confirm whether or not this will be covered.
The Importance of Filing a Claim
Making a timely and accurate insurance claim is vital for homeowners looking to recover from the financial setback of property damage. Here are some compelling reasons why filing a claim should be a top priority.
Financial Relief
One of the primary reasons why promptly filing an insurance claim is essential for homeowners dealing with storm and flood damage lies in the financial relief it provides. These natural disasters can wreak havoc on homes, causing structural damage, interior harm and even the loss of personal belongings.
Without the financial assistance from an insurance claim, homeowners may find themselves grappling with the overwhelming burden of repair and replacement costs. On top of that, you’ll also have the stress and hassle of retrieving quotes from various contractors who may or may not agree to undertake the necessary repair works, not to mention you’ll want to ensure these are reliable and will get the job done both properly and promptly.
The coverage provided by insurance policies serves as a crucial lifeline, offering the necessary funds to expedite the restoration process and alleviate the financial strain that often accompanies such disasters, with the only cost you’ll have to cover being the excess on your policy.
Preventing Further Damage
Another critical aspect that underscores the importance of filing a timely insurance claim is the prevention of further damage to your property. Once your home has been subjected to the destructive forces of a storm or flooding, delays in the claims process can lead to additional deterioration. Swift action, on the other hand, not only halts the progression of damage but also minimises the risk of incurring additional expenses. By promptly reporting the extent of the destruction to your insurance provider, you contribute to the preservation of your property and a more efficient recovery process.
Policy Protection
Filing an insurance claim in the aftermath of a storm or flood is not merely a matter of convenience; it is a contractual obligation that ensures the protection of your policy. Insurance policies come with terms and conditions that dictate the timeframe within which claims must be reported. Failing to adhere to these guidelines may result in the denial of your claim, leaving you without the financial support you desperately need. Timely reporting, therefore, is not just a procedural requirement, but a proactive measure to safeguard your entitlements under the terms of your insurance policy.
Peace of Mind
Perhaps one of the most significant advantages of filing an insurance claim promptly is the peace of mind it affords homeowners during the challenging recovery period. Knowing that you have initiated the claims process and that financial assistance is on the way can alleviate the constant worry about mounting expenses.
This peace of mind allows homeowners to focus their energy on the crucial task of rebuilding and recovery, fostering a sense of stability amid the chaos caused by the storm or flood. It transforms the daunting prospect of rebuilding into a manageable and structured process, enabling homeowners to navigate the challenges with resilience and confidence.
The Role of Building Insurance Experts
Whilst filing an insurance claim in the event of flood or storm damage is important, navigating this intricate process can be overwhelming, especially when faced with the complexities of storm and flood damage and the jargon involved in your policy documents.
Dealing with insurers yourself can be frustrating, especially when it’s in their best interest to cut corners and prioritise speed over quality when dealing with your claim. As professional property damage experts, we are well-versed in the nuances of insurance claims here at Simon Levy, and our assistance can significantly enhance the likelihood of a successful and maximised claim.
Listed below are some of the ways utilising our assistance can enhance the likelihood of your claim being accepted, the speed with which it is processed and the chances of maximised compensation.
Assessment and Documentation
Our experts will conduct thorough assessments of the damage to your property, documenting every detail meticulously. We know what to look out for and will ensure that all damage to your property that is eligible to be claimed for is noted. This comprehensive documentation serves as crucial evidence during the claims process.
Policy Understanding
Insurance policies are often laden with jargon and complexities. As professionals, we possess a deep understanding of insurance policies, ensuring that you as the homeowner fully comprehend your coverage and entitlements, as well as ensure that your insurer effectively adheres to these.
Negotiation with Insurers
Our property damage experts are skilled negotiators who will advocate on your behalf. We will engage with insurance companies and their instructed insurance adjusters to agree on the damage and secure the best possible settlement, ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your losses.
By letting us deal with your insurers on your behalf, this is one less stress for you to worry about and frees up your time to focus on other pressing issues, such as getting your home back in order.
Accelerated Claims Process
The expertise of our professionals expedites the claims process. Our knowledge allows for swift and accurate submission of necessary documents and omits unnecessary back-and-forth correspondence with insurers, subsequently reducing delays in you receiving compensation.
Maximised Compensation
By leveraging our experience, we are able to identify all eligible damages and ensure that nothing is overlooked. This meticulous approach results in you receiving the maximum compensation available under your policy, reducing the financial burdens you face significantly.
Insurance Claim Advice from Simon Levy Associates
By understanding the types of damage eligible for claims, the importance of timely filing and the benefits of seeking professional help, you can position yourself to make the most of your insurance coverage. As property damage experts, we play a crucial role in this process, ensuring a thorough assessment, policy comprehension, effective negotiation and, ultimately, the maximisation of your compensation.
Get in touch with us today for expert advice on and help with making your
property damage insurance claim.
