When you make a claim on your home insurance, your insurance company will follow a number of steps to reach a decision on how much compensation you should be paid. Before being able to make you an offer for the damage caused, they will need to investigate the claim and assess the total loss caused. This will include a number of steps such as validating the claim, investigating the damage caused and calculating the costs incurred because of the damage and will usually involve a Chartered Surveyor.
Our surveyors can be appointed by the home owner to act for them and the Insurer and will be sent to assess the damage to your building before any repairs are carried out. The surveyor does not work directly for the insurance company will provide impartial guidance on any action needed. Ultimately it is up to you as the homeowner who works on your property. For a truly independent representation, we would always recommend a policyholder appoints their own surveyor.
Our role is to carry out a physical inspection of the damaged property. After visiting the property to assess the loss and action needed to repair or replace the damage, the surveyor will prepare a ‘schedule of works’ report. Once the surveyor has compiled their report, they will present this to the insurer. The surveyor will put the ‘schedule of works’ out to tender and contractors will be given the opportunity to bid for the work. As long as the contractor’s bid is competitive, the homeowner is able to appoint the firm they feel most comfortable with.
There is no obligation to appoint your own surveyor, but doing so can give you peace of mind, ensuring that the insurer is abiding by their obligations and that the work carried out at your property is of the highest standard.
Get in touch to find out how one of our experienced Chartered Surveyros can handle your insurance claim for you and take some of the stress off of your shoulders. Contact us to find out more.
