A PCLA building surveyor inspecting and recording property damage.
LOSS ASSESSOR SERVICE
PCLA provides an independent loss assessor service for homeowners after substantial property damage. We are appointed by you and represent you, not the insurer.
Our building surveyors inspect the property, document and cost the damage, prepare the claim evidence and represent you through to settlement. Where possible, speak to us before you notify your insurer so we can assess the damage from the beginning.
Real people answer calls 24 hours a day. Inspections, claim queries, meetings and insurer communication normally take place during business hours.
FCA authorised and regulated
Qualified building surveyors
Independent representation for policyholders
Northern Ireland and Scotland's Central Belt
WHAT A LOSS ASSESSOR DOES
A loss assessor is appointed by the policyholder to prepare and manage a property insurance claim. PCLA acts as your representative and manages the claim through to settlement.
We establish what happened, inspect the property and record the damage connected to the insured event. We then prepare the reports, photographs, measurements and costed scope needed to present the claim.
Appointed by the insurer. The loss adjuster assesses and reports on the claim for the insurer.
Appointed by and represents the policyholder. PCLA assesses the damage, prepares the evidence and manages the policyholder's claim.
CONTACT PCLA EARLY
Early appointment gives PCLA the best opportunity to inspect the property and record the evidence from the start. If the property is unsafe or damage is continuing, deal with the immediate emergency first.
We review what happened and explain whether independent representation appears suitable. If appointed, PCLA can prepare the claim and manage insurer communication from the beginning.
We review the stage reached, the available evidence and the work that remains. We explain whether there is a practical role for PCLA before you appoint us.
We can assess the evidence and explain whether the proposed position accounts for the damage identified at the property. Speak to us before accepting an offer.
Substantial damage and no insurer notification yet? Speak to PCLA before you make the claim.
Call Northern Ireland Scotland serviceTHE SURVEY ESTABLISHES THE EVIDENCE
PCLA's loss assessors are building surveyors by qualification. Their survey identifies and records the affected areas so the claim has a clear technical and cost basis.
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We inspect the visible damage and surrounding areas that may have been affected.
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We use photographs, measurements and appropriate reports to document the property's condition.
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We prepare a costed scope of the work needed to reinstate the affected property.
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We bring the survey findings, policy information and supporting records together.
PCLA prepares and presents the strongest legitimate claim supported by the policy wording and evidence. The insurer makes the final decision on policy cover.
HOW PCLA MANAGES A CLAIM
The exact process depends on the property, the cause of damage and the policy.
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We establish what happened, where the property is, what damage is known and whether the insurer has been notified.
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Our building surveyors inspect, measure and document the affected property.
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We prepare the photographs, reports, inventories and costed scope needed for the claim.
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We organise the evidence and present the policyholder's claim clearly.
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After appointment, PCLA handles agreed notification and communication for new and existing claims.
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We assess proposals, negotiate unresolved items and discuss the settlement with you. You decide whether to accept an offer.
IS PCLA RIGHT FOR THIS CLAIM
You do not need to know the value of the claim before speaking to PCLA. We look at the extent of the damage, the evidence required and how much of the claim you would otherwise have to manage yourself.
A small, contained claim may be straightforward to handle directly with the insurer. Tell us what happened and PCLA will explain whether appointing a loss assessor appears proportionate.
PCLA is not an emergency plumber, roofer, electrician or general make-safe service. If the property is unsafe or damage is continuing, contact the appropriate emergency service or contractor first.
PCLA CASE STUDIES
The Newry homeowner contacted PCLA within hours of a burst pipe. The Scotland case shows how PCLA brought together specialist evidence after a major fire. Both are real examples of PCLA's work, although each claim depends on its own damage, evidence and policy terms.
A frozen attic pipe caused severe water damage throughout a Newry home and made the property uninhabitable. The homeowner contacted PCLA immediately.
PCLA attended the property, notified the insurer and arranged the insurer's loss-adjuster inspection. We documented the buildings and contents losses and obtained approval for alternative accommodation. The claim settled at £125,000, comprising £80,000 for building reinstatement and £45,000 for contents.
Read the Newry case study
A serious fire damaged a vacant commercial building in Scotland that was being marketed for sale. The claim involved the policy wording, market value, residual value and whether the building was a total loss.
PCLA brought together forensic investigation, structural engineering and valuation evidence. The claim concluded with a negotiated cash settlement. The settlement figure remains confidential.
Read the Scotland case studyFEES AND APPOINTMENT TERMS
Your initial conversation does not commit you to appoint PCLA. We first establish what happened, what stage the claim has reached and whether the service appears suitable.
No-win, no-fee loss-assessing services are available for most domestic property damage claims. PCLA's standard fee is 10% of the settlement plus VAT. The rate on an individual claim can be higher or lower depending on its size and complexity, and your exact fee is agreed with you in writing before you appoint us.
PCLA explains its fee and terms clearly before appointment.
External specialist costs are unusual. If a complex claim needs specialist input, PCLA discusses the need and cost with you and the insurer before any cost is incurred.
WHO PCLA HELPS
PCLA helps homeowners when property damage affects several rooms, contents or essential services, may extend beyond what is visible, or makes the insurance claim difficult to manage alone.
Independent representation may be suitable when damage affects several rooms, building systems, contents or alternative accommodation. It may also be suitable where the full extent of the damage is not immediately clear.
Support for homeownersPCLA represents residential landlords and freeholders dealing with insured damage to let property. The claim may include the building, common areas, loss of rent or other insured losses, depending on the policy.
Support for landlordsCommercial property claims can involve buildings, equipment, stock, professional evidence and business interruption. PCLA brings the property, policy and financial evidence together and represents the policyholder during the claim.
Commercial claim supportTYPES OF PROPERTY DAMAGE
Choose the type of damage to see how PCLA can assess it and support the claim.
A property claim may also involve damaged contents, alternative accommodation, loss of rent or business interruption. Whether an item is covered depends on the policy and the circumstances of the claim.
See all property insurance claim typesQUALIFICATIONS AND COVERAGE
PCLA's team includes qualified building surveyors and certified insurance practitioners. PCLA has more than 25 years of experience in property claims.
We provide property claim representation across Northern Ireland and Scotland's Central Belt. Tell us where the damaged property is when you call and we will confirm whether we can assist.
Property Claims Loss Assessors Ltd, trading as PCLA, independent loss assessors. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FRN 933781.
Read feedback from PCLA clients about their experience of the claims process.
Read client testimonialsSPEAK TO A LOSS ASSESSOR
If you have discovered substantial property damage, speak to PCLA before notifying your insurer where possible. We will listen to what happened, explain the immediate next steps and tell you whether independent representation appears suitable.
Real people answer calls 24 hours a day. Inspections, claim queries, meetings and insurer communication normally take place during business hours.
