If you’re part-way through a home insurance claim and something doesn’t feel clear, a second opinion can help you decide what to do next.
PCLA offers a free initial claim review that typically starts with a phone call to understand your situation and check whether we can genuinely add value. If there appears to be merit in the claim (based on the circumstances, the level of cover in the policy, and the damage), we’ll arrange a free on-site property damage survey.
What you’ll get: a straightforward view of where you stand, what’s missing (if anything), and your best next step.
No pressure: if we can’t help, we’ll tell you and explain what to do instead.
Request your free claim review
Who this free review is for
This is designed for Northern Ireland policyholders who:
- Have already reported a claim (or are about to) and want to avoid missteps
- Have received questions from the insurer/loss adjuster and aren’t sure what evidence matters
- Have been given (or expect) a settlement offer and want to sense-check what it covers
- Feel the claim is stalling, becoming unclear, or getting harder to manage alongside work and life
- Want a calm, practical assessment before deciding whether to proceed alone or get help
When it may not be the right fit
In some situations, a formal review may not add much. For example:
- You’re simply looking for a repair quote rather than help with an insurance claim
- There is no insurance claim (and you’re not planning to make one)
- You’re not comfortable sharing basic documents (policy schedule, insurer emails, photos)
If you’re unsure, submit the form anyway and include what you have. We’ll tell you quickly what’s worth sending next.
Mid-claim sense-check (Northern Ireland)
Is this normal friction, or a sign you’d benefit from a second opinion?
Every claim is different. This is a simple way to separate common admin friction from situations worth pausing to check.
Normal friction
- They ask for more photos or a short timeline.
- You’re told a site visit will be arranged, but dates depend on availability.
- You get a request to clarify what happened, or when it started.
- An estimate is discussed before anything is formally agreed.
- There’s a short quiet spell while information is being reviewed.
Needs attention
- You’re asked the same questions repeatedly, with no clear next step.
- Long gaps with no update after you’ve supplied what was requested.
- Key parts of the damage aren’t being recorded or acknowledged in writing.
- You’re asked to accept something that doesn’t clearly state what it covers.
- The “cause” discussion keeps shifting, and you’re not sure what evidence would settle it.
- You feel you’re guessing what the insurer or loss adjuster needs from you.
What we’ll do during the review
How it works (Northern Ireland)
The free claim review, step by step
We keep this straightforward: a free phone call first, then (where it adds clarity) a free on-site damage survey. You’ll finish with a clear next step.
Initial phone call
Free- We listen to what’s happened and where the claim is.
- We check what feels unclear or is causing delay.
- We confirm what would be useful to review next.
Evidence and documents check
Free- We review key messages and what you’ve already supplied.
- We identify obvious gaps or confusion points.
- We prioritise what matters most next (so you’re not chasing everything).
On-site property damage survey (where useful)
Free- If a visit will add clarity, we arrange a survey of the damage and indicators of hidden damage.
- We help make sure the damage is described clearly and consistently.
Clear next-step outcome
- You’re on track: here’s what to do next.
- Claim needs strengthening: here’s what’s missing and why it matters.
- We can support you (optional): we explain what that would involve.
What we won’t do (so expectations are clear)
To keep the review straightforward and honest, it helps to be explicit about boundaries. During the free review, we won’t:
- Promise a particular outcome, settlement amount, or timeline
- Provide legal advice
- Pressure you to appoint PCLA
- Replace your insurer’s decision-making or policy terms
- Ask you to approve fees “on the spot”
If you choose to appoint us after the review, we will explain fees and the service scope clearly in advance, so you can make an informed decision.
What we need from you
You do not need everything to start. Send what you have and we’ll prioritise what matters.
Minimum (most helpful)
- Your policy schedule (and wording if available)
- Your claim reference number
- Photos/videos of the damage (including wider “context” shots)
- Any insurer/loss adjuster emails or letters that set out what they’ve asked for
- A simple timeline: when it happened, when you reported it, and what has occurred since
Helpful if available
- Builder/plumber reports (even if brief)
- Moisture/drying reports (if any)
- Quotes or estimates (if you’ve obtained them)
- Any settlement offer documents (if issued)
Related Guides:
- Evidence and photos cheat sheet
- NI Home Insurance Claim Starter Pack
What happens after the review
You will come away with a clear “next step” outcome.
Outcome A: You’re on track
We’ll tell you what looks sound, what to keep doing, and what to watch for next.
Outcome B: The claim needs strengthening
We’ll explain (plainly) what’s missing or unclear and what to do next — typically:
- Additional photos or a clearer record of damage
- A more structured timeline of events and communications
- Clarifying reports or evidence around cause and extent
- A cleaner summary of scope (what needs recorded and why)
Outcome C: We can help you take it forward (optional)
If it’s a good fit and you want support, we’ll explain what that looks like, including:
- What we would do next
- How we communicate with you and other parties
- Fees and terms (explained clearly before you decide)
Why policyholders in Northern Ireland ask us for a second opinion
In our experience, people typically seek a review when:
- The claim becomes difficult to manage alongside day-to-day responsibilities
- The evidence requirements feel unclear or repetitive
- The scope of damage is hard to capture in writing (particularly where hidden damage is possible)
- They’re unsure who is acting for whom in the process
Related reading:
- Loss assessor vs loss adjuster vs broker
- Five signs your home insurance claim is in trouble
- Home insurance claim help Northern Ireland: step-by-step guide
Client comments (examples — replace with your Google reviews)
“PCLA explained the process in plain English and helped us understand exactly what the insurer needed. The second opinion alone reduced our stress.”
“We felt stuck and didn’t know what to send next. The review gave us a clear plan and confidence in what we were doing.”
“The on-site survey made a big difference — it helped us document the damage properly and understand what should be included.”
Request your free review
The quickest way to start is to use our form. Once submitted, we’ll be in touch to arrange the initial phone call.
Request your free claim review
Prefer to speak first? Call PCLA today to speak to a Loss Assessor: 028 9581 5318.
FAQs
Is the review really free?
Yes. The initial phone call is free, and where we believe an on-site visit will help assess the damage and scope properly, we can arrange a free property damage survey.
Will I be pressured to appoint PCLA?
No. If we don’t think we can add value, we’ll tell you and explain sensible next steps.
What if I don’t have all the documents yet?
That’s common. Send what you have. We’ll tell you what matters most and what to gather next.
Can you review a settlement offer?
Yes. If you have an offer (or a scope summary), we can sense-check what it appears to cover and what questions you may want to ask next.
Are you a loss adjuster?
No. A loss adjuster is typically appointed by the insurer. PCLA is an independent loss assessor that supports the policyholder.
If I appoint you later, how are fees handled?
If you decide you want support beyond the free review, we explain fees and terms clearly before you commit, so you can make an informed decision.
