Many issues need to be addressed, such as:
- Where do you stay while repairs are being carried out?
- How long will it take?
- Do you have to use the insurance company’s surveyors and contractors?
- Who decides what work has to be done?
- How will you know if the work is being carried out correctly?
- Who will prepare the contents and compensation claims?
- How will you know you’re getting what you’re entitled to?
- Who will co-ordinate the claims and deal with the daily telephone calls, meetings with the insurance company, loss adjuster, surveyor, contractors, suppliers etc?
Unless you appoint a claims consultant like OCAD, you as the policyholder are responsible for all of the above – and a lot more besides.
Don’t forget – the loss adjuster works for the insurance company and is only interested in looking at the costs once they have been presented to him. He is not responsible for preparing your claim. Even if outwardly friendly and helpful, the loss adjuster reports to the insurance company and must settle the claim as economically as he can. Unless you happen to be an insurance expert yourself, you simply won’t know whether what he is telling you is correct or not, or whether are getting what you’re entitled to. Even if you’re able to reach agreement with the loss adjuster, it is becoming increasingly common for the insurance company to reject their recommendations and try to adjust the claim downwards.
Engaging specialists like OCAD to look after your interests is the only way you can be truly sure that your property is reinstated correctly, and that you receive your full entitlement in all respects.
