Flooding incidents are becoming increasingly common in the UK, with Storm Barat causing havoc throughout the UK and causing significant damage to properties and disrupting lives. However, following the right steps can help you get things back on track. Concept Claim Solutions is an expert insurance claims management company with over 20 years of experience in helping people recover from storm damage and flooding.
Below are some practical tips from the experts at Concept Claim Solutions to guide you through the process:
Notify Your Insurer and Friends & Family
The first thing to do is to inform your insurance company that your property has been flooded. Even if you are unsure about the extent of the damage, your insurer can guide you on potential alternative accommodation, emergency funds, and the next steps in your claim.
Additionally, it’s important to let your family, close friends, and your employer know that you are safe and where you are. This way, they won’t worry about you and can provide you with support. However, it’s important to wait until it is safe to return to your property. This will ensure that you don’t put yourself in danger and that you can assess the damage properly
Once Back in Your Property
Contact your insurance company once you regain access to the property. You will need to arrange for a loss adjuster to visit and obtain authorization for any costs incurred. Keep in mind that the insurers may be overwhelmed with calls during such times, so be prepared to wait. To save time and reduce stress, consider appointing Concept Claim Solutions, as they will handle all communications with the loss adjuster and your insurer on your behalf, saving you a great deal of time.
Make Your Own Record of the Flood Damage
It’s critical to take photos and videos of the flood damage and create a list of everything that was damaged. Do not throw anything away until you have permission to do so, as all items may be required as evidence to support your claim. When you appoint Concept Claim Solutions, they will attend the property, survey the insurance-related property damage, and provide a detailed report of their findings. The report will include the reasons for the damage and claim, and a schedule of recommended repairs (schedule of work/detailed quote), including the financial costs, that will be sent to the insurer
Clear Away the Damaged Items
Clear away the damaged items, but keep possession of any items that you intend to claim against your insurance. Contact your local council to inquire about a collective refuse collection scheme. Check your mortgage deed, lease, or call the lender to obtain consent for any repairs or replacement of parts of the property
Organize the Process of Drying Out and Repair/Replacement
Organize the process of drying out and eventual repair/replacement. If your insurer is covering part or all of the cost, the loss adjuster will be your main point of contact. Although decisions on the claim are the sole responsibility of the insurance company, who will usually still remain in contact with you, it is the loss adjuster who you will deal with on a regular basis.
Do not commission works until the insurer has agreed. If you are not insured, you can start work immediately. At Concept Claim Solutions, they will negotiate with your insurer and strive to gain you a fair settlement so that you can get your home back to how it was before the flood
Find Reliable Contractors
Finding reliable contractors after an extreme weather event can be a challenge. It is crucial to conduct thorough research before appointing any contractor to ensure they have the appropriate credentials. Instead of worrying or struggling to get quotes from contractors, Concept Claim Solutions will provide the contractors and project manager the repairs
Get Help
Handling a home or commercial property insurance claim can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Concept Claim Solutions, they represent your best interests, and you only pay the policy excess when you use their contractors to complete the repairs.
