If you are in the unfortunate position of having to make an insurance claim, then it is a good idea to get some advice.

Insurance companies don’t want to pay out and so when they have to, they will pay the minimum that they can get away with. If, for example, you are making a claim as a result of the damage caused to your property after a flood or fire, then if you can it is a good idea to get some independent advice. If you know a builder, or someone who is experienced in dealing with this kind of restoration work, then seek their advice on how much it is going to cost to repair the damage. You might be surprised by just how much your insurance company is prepared, or not prepared, to pay out.

Making an insurance claim is a stressful business and involves a lot of forms as well as lengthy phones calls with your insurance company, and again, this does not necessarily mean that you are going to get the pay out that you hoped for.

One way of making an insurance claim, is to employ a loss assessor. Loss assessors work independently from your insurance company, so they only have your interests at heart and want to make sure that you get the maximum settlement that you are entitled to.

Many loss assessors will provide you with a free initial assessment of the damage and how much you can expect to obtain from your claim. In addition, they also understand the small print in your insurance policy and therefore are well versed in ‘handling’ insurance companies.

Loss assessors represent you and want to protect your interests, but also reduce the time and effort that you have to spend chasing up a claim. Once they have successfully negotiated your claim, they will also arrange for surveyors, emergency cleaners, engineers and builders to come in and restore your home or office.

There is no catch to employing a loss assessor – they merely take a small percentage of your settlement.

If you are interested in employing a loss assessor then there are many loss assessors that can assist you with your claim. Remember that it is a good idea to appoint your loss assessor as early as possible, as a loss adjuster will want to meet with you soon after the claim to arrange a meeting to discuss the financial settlement. Having a loss assessor there, gives you independent representation, and someone there who understands the technicalities of the claim. In addition, a loss assessor takes the stress out of making an insurance claim.