A burst pipe had caused considerable water damage throughout this Irlam property and having never made a claim of this nature before, the family were confused and apprehensive about the process.

The first encounter with their insurance company was in the form of their appointed Loss Adjuster.

From the outset the Adjuster grossly underestimated the seriousness of the damage and as a result undervalued the claim. He spent a very short time in the house, dismissed the family’s concerns and advised that they would send one of their builders round who would simply ‘patch up’ the walls. The insurance company insisted on fans being placed in the property straight away but failed to carry out a drying plan and assessment.

The works were valued initially by insurers at around £16,000.00. Their proposal had various omissions and the Loss Adjuster refused the family any reconsideration. The family were in a complete state of upset, thinking that they were bound to their insurers’ contractors proceeding with the limited proposed works.

Harris Balcombe were appointed following the family’s online research into Loss Assessors.

Harris Balcombe used their own independent panel of contractors, surveyors and restoration specialists to provide an assessment on the escape of water.

As insurers viewed the claim to be ‘low value’ the appointment of a building surveyor was initially declined but HB Technician; Rosie O’Neill, persisted and made them see that a surveyor on this claim was imperative. A full schedule of works was drawn up and revealed the level of inaccuracies and omissions from the Loss Adjuster’s first assessment.

Harris Balcombe also had an independent restoration company attend and assess the property to propose a drying programme.

On this occasion a cash settlement was negotiated for the client at just under £70,000.

The family have stated that “we would not be in the position we are now if it wasn’t for Harris Balcombe.” They are now able to get their home repaired and continue with their lives.