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What a Loss Assessor Can Do for Property Owners and Businesses in Newry

Managing an insurance claim can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with devastating property damage or significant interruptions to a business. For residents and business owners in Newry, understanding the role of a loss assessor can make all the difference in navigating the claims process and ensuring fair compensation.

This blog breaks down everything you need to know about working with a loss assessor in Newry, from tailoring claims for unique property contexts to negotiating the best possible outcomes.

Property Claims in Newry

Newry’s property landscape presents distinct challenges when it comes to insurance claims. From its location near the Clanrye River to the prevalence of mixed-use buildings, the city has unique aspects to consider when filing claims.

Flood Risks Near the Clanrye River

Flooding is a major concern for properties in areas like Sugar Island and the lower parts of the city, which lie near the floodplain. Elevation plays a key role in determining flood insurance premiums, and claims from flood damage in these areas often require detailed elevation data and flood risk assessments.

Did you know? Over 100 businesses in Newry were affected by major floods in late 2023, with several still waiting for compensation months later due to complex claim reviews by assessors and insurers.

Challenges for Cross-Border Properties

Newry’s position near the border brings unique complexities for property and business owners with coverage across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Claimants often face challenges related to dual policies, differing legislation, and varying definitions of liability and risk assessment procedures.

High-Footfall Properties

Shops, cafés, and other businesses in Newry’s bustling centre face unique insurance needs, including coverage for wear-and-tear risks and public liability claims. Loss assessors can ensure these businesses are fully covered, particularly when dealing with damages caused by vandalism, fires, or accidents.

Who Actually Represents You in a Claim?

One of the most common misconceptions about insurance claims is the assumption that the insurer’s loss adjuster is there to assist you. While a loss adjuster is employed by the insurer to evaluate claims, they ultimately work to protect their employer’s financial interests, not yours.

Loss Assessors vs Loss Adjusters

  • Loss Adjusters: Appointed by the insurance company, loss adjusters assess the claim from the insurer’s perspective, aiming to minimise payouts wherever possible.
  • Loss Assessors: These independent professionals represent YOU, the policyholder. Their goal is to secure the maximum possible settlement that your policy entitles you to.

Why You Might Need a Loss Assessor

  • They’ll manage all the paperwork, site inspections, and technical details.
  • They negotiate with the insurer on your behalf to ensure the settlement reflects the true extent of the damage.
  • They provide expert guidance on whether the insurer’s offer is fair and what can be challenged.

Handling Claims for Mixed-Use Buildings

Mixed-use properties, such as shops with flats above them, are common in Newry’s city centre. These buildings bring added complexity when both commercial and residential policies are involved.

Common Issues for Mixed-Use Property Claims

  • Policy Coordination: Who claims for shared spaces, like hallways? A loss assessor can help mediate between landlords and tenants.
  • Building vs Content Damage: Differentiating between damage to the structure and personal property is key to ensuring all areas are properly accounted for.
  • Tenant and Landlord Disputes: Assessors are skilled at resolving conflicts over who is responsible for covering specific damages.

Claims for Historical or Heritage Properties

Newry features several listed and conservation-area buildings. Repairing these properties to their original state requires special attention, both in terms of materials and processes.

Key Challenges for Heritage Claims

  1. Authentic Repairs: Historical buildings often require materials like lime render or traditional slate, which can involve higher costs and longer lead times.
  2. Council Permissions: Repair projects may require planning approval, complicating timelines and claim submissions.
  3. Specialist Contractors: Opting for tradespeople with expertise in heritage restoration is often necessary, but insurers may resist the higher price tags.

Role of a Loss Assessor

From advocating for the inclusion of specialist materials to navigating council requirements, loss assessors ensure all aspects of your claim are considered and appropriately valued.

“Material Facts” and How They Impact Claims

One of the most common reasons insurers reject claims is a failure to disclose “material facts.” These are pieces of information that could influence the insurer’s decision to provide coverage or calculate premiums.

Examples of Overlooked Material Facts

  • Flat roofs, which are more prone to damage than pitched roofs.
  • Recent unreported repairs, such as fixing a leaky pipe.
  • Past issues, like subsidence, that were not disclosed at the time of policy inception.

A loss assessor can help identify and correct discrepancies in your policy, potentially preventing disputes or claims denials.

Watch Out for Partial Settlements

Offering partial settlements shortly after a claim is filed is a common tactic by insurers. While these payments can provide immediate relief, accepting them might leave you short-changed in the long run.

Risks of Accepting Partial Settlements

  • Cost Inflation: Repair costs may rise over time, leaving you underfunded to complete the work.
  • Scope of Work: Partial payments are often based on an incomplete assessment of the damage, meaning future repairs could go uncovered.
  • Delayed Final Settlement: Once a partial payment is accepted, negotiating additional funds can become more challenging.

By working with a loss assessor, you’ll have an expert on hand to negotiate the full scope of your claim before agreeing to any payments.

What Oakleafe’s Loss Assessor Newry Clients say:

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Special Cases for Vandalism and Malicious Damage

Unfortunately, public-facing businesses and vacant properties in Newry are often the targets of vandalism and malicious damage. These claims are frequently scrutinised by insurers, who may challenge the evidence provided.

Documentation You’ll Need

  • Police Reports: Always file a police report to establish the malicious nature of the damage.
  • CCTV or Witness Statements: Visual proof or corroborating accounts strengthen your claim considerably.

Loss assessors can ensure your claim is presented with robust documentation, increasing its likelihood of acceptance and timely processing.

Flooding from Drains or Sewers

Sewer backflows and drainage-related flooding in Newry are often subject to disputes between property owners, insurers, and public water authorities.

Shared Responsibilities

  • NI Water: Responsible for maintaining public sewer systems.
  • Property Owners: Responsible for privately maintained drainage systems.

Determining liability can be challenging, but loss assessors bring the expertise needed to clarify these grey areas and ensure the right party takes responsibility.

What a Good Loss Assessor Should Do

If you’re considering hiring a loss assessor in Newry, use the following checklist to evaluate their services:

Essential Tasks of a Loss Assessor

  • Attend site inspections with insurers.
  • Provide a detailed, item-by-item cost breakdown of damages.
  • Negotiate with loss adjusters to secure a fair settlement.
  • Liaise with contractors to validate quotes and ensure repair quality.
  • Submit all required claim documents and follow up until resolution.

A professional loss assessor doesn’t just handle the paperwork—they act as a trusted advocate throughout the entire claims process.

Take Control of Your Claim Today

If you’re facing an insurance claim in Newry, don’t go it alone. Engaging an experienced loss assessor can save you time, minimise stress, and secure the settlement you deserve. Whether you’re navigating the aftermath of a flood, managing a dispute with your insurer, or handling damage to a heritage property, having the right professional by your side makes all the difference.

Take charge of your claim today by contacting an experienced loss assessor in Newry. Focus on recovering and leave the rest to the experts.

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Office Tel: 028 9600 5134

Email: [email protected]

24 Hour line: 0333 210 1999

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