Is your building claim taking ages to settle? If you’ve ever faced property damage, you’ll know just how stressful it can be - and when your insurance repairs are delayed it can feel like you’re stuck in limbo. But don’t worry! Understanding your rights and knowing your options can help you navigate the process a lot more smoothly.
What Are Your Rights?
When you file a claim for property insurance repairs, you enter into a contract with your insurer. This means you have specific rights as a policyholder. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Taking Charge: Most insurance policies are vague around whether they will offer a repair service or not. A lot of insurers don’t offer this, so unfortunately the onus is usually on the policyholder to get quotes.
Stay Informed: You deserve to know what’s going on with your claim! Make it a point to ask for regular updates. Most loss adjusters have large caseloads, so if you don’t apply pressure there is a chance your claim could fall through the cracks. Don’t assume that no news is good news!
Second Opinions Are Valid: If you think your insurer's assessment of the damage or repair costs doesn’t add up, it’s completely within your rights to seek a second opinion. This can be especially important in cases involving significant fire or water.
You Can Make a Formal Complaint: All insurers are regulated by the FCA and therefore must have a complaints process in place. If you are still not satisfied, you can refer their claim to the Financial Ombudsman for an independent assessment of how the claim has been handled and the outcome. The problem is that this all takes time and people tend to run out of patience and motivation, which results in them accepting the settlement offered or the outcome. Our advice, is don’t give up!
Why Are Repairs Delayed?
Understanding the reasons behind delays can help you manage your expectations. Here are some common reasons for hold-ups:
Complex Claims: both commercial and home insurance repairs can be complicated. Assessing the damage and determining the necessary repairs might take longer than you’d hope for this reason.
Regulatory Compliance: HSE requirements, building regulation requirements, or reports and inspections may be required by third party professionals such as forensic investigators, structural engineers, fire and flood specialists which can slow things down.
Supply Chain Issues: Shortages of materials or skilled insurance repair builders can lead to delays. The recent pandemic has shown how supply chain disruptions can affect various industries, including property repair.
Insurance Backlogs: After major disasters like flooding or during peak claim seasons, insurance companies may experience backlogs. This can result in longer wait times for claim approvals and repairs.
What Can You Do?
While dealing with delays can be frustrating, there are steps you can take to advocate for yourself:
Keep the Conversation Going: Regularly check in with your insurance company. Staying proactive and communicating can help ensure you’re updated on your claim’s status.
Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all communications with your insurer, along with photos and reports regarding the damage. This documentation can be invaluable if you need to appeal a decision.
Consider Temporary Solutions: Sometimes, making temporary repairs is necessary to prevent further damage while you wait. Talk to your adjuster about what options you have for short-term fixes.
Get Professional Help: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider consulting an independent loss assessor or your own specialist insurance repair contractor attorney who specialises in insurance claims. They can provide guidance and support throughout the process, and will be working on your behalf, not your insurers.
Know When to Speak Up: If your claim is taking longer than it should to settle, don’t hesitate to escalate your concerns. Ask for a copy of their complaints procedure and make a formal complaint.
Understanding your rights and options when facing home insurance repair delays can empower you to handle the situation more effectively. While it’s easy to feel frustrated during these challenging times, being informed and proactive can make a significant difference in your experience. Remember, you’re not alone—many property owners encounter similar challenges and there are resources available to support you. Explore our knowledge centre for more tips and guidance.
Contact Action Insurance Repair today to find out how we can help you recover and restore your property after an incident. Call 01254 665 333 or email info@actioninsurancerepair.co.uk.