Some London homeowners still struggling to get their property reinstated following the damage caused by July’s London floods have found a new way of getting their voice heard, by appointing their own loss assessor.
Three months on from the devastating impacts of the sewage and hazard-filled surface water that entered properties in many parts of London, including areas such as Holland Park, Chelsea, Kensington, Maida Vale, Notting Hill, Croydon and parts of East London, hundreds of homeowners have been unable to start to get their lives back to normal, because their insurer has not sent out a loss adjuster to inspect the damage.
The majority of those in this position are becoming increasingly distressed and desperate. Some, however, have realised that they have the legal right to appoint their own representative in their property insurance claim and that this service can cost them nothing, if they work with Property Claim Assist.
Far from being ambulance chasers, Property Claim Assist are dedicated loss assessors who work for the policyholder within a property insurance claim, to handle all negotiations, offer an expert view on the repairs required and work towards a fair settlement for the insured.
Appointing a loss assessor is second nature to our American counterparts but, in this country, the right to instruct a loss assessor is something insurers plays down. Luckily, some homeowners in Maida Vale became aware of their legal right and brought Property Claim Assist in to help them. Unlike many who suffered property losses in July, they are now having their claims progressed and have the peace of mind of knowing all damage will be addressed, not just the cosmetic damage on which the insurer’s representative, the loss adjuster, might choose to focus.
One Maida Vale property owner, Mr Elwell, says: “When my basement flooded on July 12, 2021, I found my entire kitchen and family room flooded with dirty, black water to a depth of two feet, well up the walls. The water had entered the property via the drains and toilet, due to sewer drains not being able to handle the amount of rainwater entering from street level. The flat was left severely damaged and contaminated by the dirty water and sewerage.
This was extremely distressing, but then I found it impossible to get a response from my insurer. Nobody came out to inspect the damage, so that I could at least start to move forward. It was only when I came across Property Claim Assist and realised that I had the right to appoint my own loss assessor to help me with my property insurance claim, that things started to happen, and my property issues started to be addressed. The drying out process finally began and I knew that the damage was being inspected and dealt with in a totally professional manner and as speedily as possible. I also had someone to talk to, who listened, supported me, handled all the negotiations and took the stress away. The insurer had no option but to act once I had my own representation. They could no longer ignore my requests for help. I can’t thank Gary enough for what he has done for me.
“Without Property Claim Assist, I do not know where I would be and would urge anyone else in my situation, or who has suffered other property losses, to appoint their own loss assessor, to act as their representative in their claim.”
Speaking about the situation, Property Claim Assist director, Simon Colburn, states: “Even we, who have seen most things in this industry, are shocked by the lack of response from insurers and loss adjusters. It is evident how much our involvement means to our clients and clear they have found a light at the end of their property loss tunnel. We know there are many more homeowners who will not know they can appoint their own loss assessor and others worried about the cost. The truth is that, if we can work with our trusted contractors on the repairs, it actually costs the property owner nothing for our service.”
The need for quick action is now crucial, with many homes having not been professionally dried out and cleaned up, as they should have been, had insurers acted. Property Claim Assist is helping its clients with these aspects but also ensuring the claim settlement addresses invisible structural damage and mould growth. Furthermore, it is aiming to prevent insurers forcing an unfair settlement on policyholders, by cutting corners to save on claims payouts.
“Our message to London homeowners who have not had their claim progressed, or who are dissatisfied with what has happened so far, is to let us step in and take over. The time to keep placing blind trust in insurers to do the right thing is over and the time to take up the legal right to have your own property claim negotiator is now,” says Property Claim Assist director, Gary Rogers.
