Making a claim is stressful enough without wondering how long you'll wait. A straightforward contents claim might settle in a couple of weeks — a major flood or fire claim can take a year or more. Here's what drives the timeline, and how to keep yours moving.
Related: Escape of water claims · Storm damage insurance claims
Every claim moves through the same five stages. Knowing where you are — and what's next — is the first step to keeping things on track.
A loss assessor acts for you — the policyholder — not the insurer. Appoint one early and they shape both the speed and the size of your settlement.
Handle all correspondence with the insurer — chasing progress and escalating delays
Submit a fully evidenced claim at the outset, cutting back-and-forth over documents
Challenge loss-adjuster reports where the scope of loss has been underestimated
Negotiate directly with the insurer on quantum, avoiding prolonged disputes
Surveyor availability, contractor capacity and weather-claim volumes can shift these timelines locally. See our Northern Ireland claim-timeline guide →
Speak to PCLA first — before the loss adjuster visits, and before the insurer sets the scope.
Get a free, no-obligation discussion before the insurer sets the scope. We only get paid when you do.