What Was the Most Frustrating Part of Your Home Insurance Claim?

What Was the Most Frustrating Part of Your Home Insurance Claim?

For many homeowners, the stress of a home insurance claim doesn’t come from the damage – it comes from the insurer. This blog explores the five most common frustrations people face, from delays to disputes, and includes a real example from Omagh where PCLA helped a homeowner turn things around.

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When something goes wrong at home – a leak, a fire, a flood – your first thought isn’t about paperwork. You want the damage sorted quickly and fairly. But for many homeowners across Northern Ireland, the real struggle begins after they contact their insurer.

From delays and red tape to confusing offers and poor communication, it’s no surprise that dealing with insurance can often feel harder than dealing with the damage itself.

Five Pain Points Homeowners Keep Facing

Over the years, we’ve helped thousands of Northern Ireland homeowners through the claims process. The same frustrations come up time and time again:

1. Claims that take forever

Weeks without updates. Endless back-and-forth. And still no final decision. Many clients say they spent more time chasing the insurance company than fixing their home.

2. Communication that’s anything but clear

You’re told someone will call. They don’t. You ask for answers – and get silence, or another round of generic emails. A lack of clarity only adds to the stress.

3. Paperwork overload

It can feel like your insurer wants every receipt, photo, and form since the day you bought the house – and if something’s missing, the whole claim slows down again.

4. Fine print exclusions

You think you’re covered… until the loss adjuster shows up and explains why a key part of the damage “isn’t included under your policy.”

5. Inconsistent treatment

We’ve seen two identical claims handled completely differently – simply because different adjusters interpreted the damage in their own way.

At PCLA, we understand that every day you spend dealing with these frustrations is another day your home doesn’t feel like home.

You’re Not Alone – And You Don’t Have to Fight This Yourself

If you’re dealing with property damage in your Northern Ireland home, don’t accept less than you deserve. PCLA’s expert loss assessors can take the burden off your shoulders and ensure you receive the maximum settlement under your policy.

At PCLA, we hear the same story far too often:

We just assumed the insurer would sort it. But they kept delaying and asking for more and more documents. We were overwhelmed.”

That’s why we handle the process from start to finish:

✅ We speak to the insurance company on your behalf

✅ We carry out a full damage inspection – often spotting what others miss

✅ We deal with the paperwork and fight for the full settlement you’re entitled to

✅ We offer a No Win – No Fee service, so you don’t pay unless we improve your outcome

Omagh Couple Secures £42,500 Payout After Leak Misjudged by Insurers

The Situation: The Morrison family in Omagh discovered water leaking from a feed pipe to their sink. By the time they noticed, moisture had already spread through multiple rooms of their home, causing substantial damage to floor coverings and low-level wall plaster in their toilet, hall, kitchen, and utility room.

The Challenge: Their insurance company initially offered a settlement of £25,000, which seemed significant until they received quotes for the actual restoration work needed. After calculating the full extent of repairs, including hidden damage that wasn’t immediately apparent, the Morrisons realised they were facing costs well beyond the insurer’s offer.

PCLA’s Approach: Our team conducted a thorough moisture survey that revealed the true extent of damage, which had spread further than visible signs indicated. We documented every affected area with precise measurements and photographic evidence. Our local experience with similar properties in Omagh helped us accurately value the restoration work needed.

When PCLA arrived, they immediately spotted issues the insurance company’s loss adjuster had missed,” said Mr. Morrison. “They took complete control of the claim, handling all the paperwork and negotiations while keeping us informed at every stage.”

The Outcome: Through detailed documentation and skilled negotiation, PCLA secured a final settlement of £42,500 for the Morrisons – 70% more than the original offer. This allowed them to properly restore their home without cutting corners or paying out of pocket.

What impressed us most was how PCLA handled every aspect of our claim,” Mrs. Morrison added. “We didn’t have to chase the insurance company or worry about missing details. They truly took the stress away during an already difficult time.”

Why Northern Ireland Homeowners Choose PCLA:

  • Local expertise specific to Northern Ireland property values and regulations
  • Comprehensive claim management from first assessment to final settlement
  • Proven track record of maximising settlements for homeowners
  • Stress-free process that lets you focus on your family, not paperwork

Call PCLA today at 028 9581 5318 for your free, no-obligation survey and let our expert loss assessors handle your claim while you get back to what matters most.

Our service operates on a “No Win – No Fee” basis, meaning there’s no financial risk to you. 

We only succeed when you receive a fair settlement offer for your claim.

5 Things Your Insurer Won’t Tell You (But a Loss Assessor Will)

5 Things Your Insurer Won’t Tell You (But a Loss Assessor Will)

When disaster hits, the last thing you want is to get lost in confusing insurance terms and policy exclusions. Many homeowners face this challenge, often unaware of obstacles that can weaken their claims. Issues like unreported risks and the hidden effects of property modifications can all add to the complexity. Continue reading to learn about the five important things your insurer won’t tell you and why hiring a loss assessor might be the smartest move for your home.

Is It Worth Hiring a Loss Assessor for a Small Claim?

Is It Worth Hiring a Loss Assessor for a Small Claim?

Think your home insurance claim is too small to worry about? Many Northern Ireland homeowners only realise the true cost once repairs are underway – and by then, it’s often too late to go back. This post explains why even a minor leak deserves expert attention, and how PCLA helped one Bangor couple boost their claim from £12k to over £18k.

Is Your Air Fryer a Fire Risk? 48% of NI Homes Own One | 1 in 5 Report Safety Issues

Air Fryer Dangers: What Northern Ireland Homeowners Need to Know About Fire Risks and Insurance Claims

As Northern Ireland embraces air fryers for economical cooking, a disturbing trend emerges. With 48% of NI homes now owning these appliances—far exceeding the UK average—the rise in devastating fire incidents is causing alarm. Recent data shows the average air fryer fire claim reaching £29,555, with one catastrophic case causing £80,000 in damage. Discover the hidden risks in your kitchen and learn how to protect your home and family…