Accidental Damage Insurance Claim
Accidental damage can be defined as “damage that occurs suddenly as a result of an unexpected and non-deliberate external action”.
Some examples could be:
- bursting a pipe while putting a nail through a wall;
- putting your foot through your attic ceiling;
- kids smashing the TV while throwing objects inside the house;
- spilling paint or nail varnish on your carpet or wooden floor;
- leaving taps on causing flooding.
It would be impossible to define everything that would and would not be considered accidental damage on this page, but if you have suffered any damage to your home or contents then call us for free impartial advice where we can tell you if your accidental damage incident is likely to be covered.
When should I call the insurance company after an accidental damage incident?
You should contact PCLA as soon as possible and before you contact your insurance company. As professional loss assessors, it is our job to make sure your claim is submitted properly and as fast as possible. However, If you have already contacted your insurer, PCLA can still be appointed at any stage of the claim.
How do you deal with an insurance company after an accidental damage incident?
PCLA take the stress out of dealing with insurance companies. It’s our job to liaise with the insurance company on your behalf. We’ll keep you up to date on the progress of your claim. You can contact us at any time to discuss your case.
PCLA will notify the insurer of your loss and arrange to meet with their appointed Loss Adjuster. As qualified Building Surveyors, PCLA have the skill and expertise to scope out any damage that has been sustained to your property.
We use this scope to compile fully costed schedules of damage which form the basis of the claim which we use in the negotiation with your insurer. There is nothing for you to do and PCLA take away all the stress of
dealing with your insurer.
How do I make an accidental damage insurance claim?
The easiest way to make an accidental damage claim is to get PCLA to do it for you. Our team manages the claims process on your behalf, so you do not have to.
PCLA will check your insurance policy documents to confirm if you are covered for accidental damage to your buildings and contents Insurance policy. Remember, accidental damage is not typically on most Insurance policies as standard so it is best to leave this to PCLA to check cover is in place.
If you appoint PCLA as soon as possible, we can start building your case and answering your questions. We will present your claim in the best way possible to ensure you receive your full entitlement under the terms of your policy.
How do accidental damage claims work?
The first thing you need to do is appoint PCLA to act on your behalf. PCLA will notify your insurance company to start your claim. Our team of professional loss assessors will handle the entire claims process for you.
What happens when I have an accidental damage claim?
After you appoint PCLA they review your policy and, if cover is in place, will contact the insurance company to notify them of the incident. The Insurer may ask for photos of the incident or a report on the damage, PCLA can provide this if needed. If a Loss Adjuster is appointed by the Insurer, PCLA will liaise with them and present them with all claim details required. PCLA will meet with the Loss Adjuster on site if necessary to go over the circumstances of the loss and damage. PCLA will then negotiate the best possible settlement for you under the terms of your insurance policy.
How do I make sure I get what my policy entitles me to?
Contact PCLA as soon as possible. We will assess the damage to your property, cost the works required and negotiate with your insurer. That is why, with PCLA acting on your behalf, we can ensure you get everything you are entitled to under your insurance policy.
Why are accidental damage claims rejected?
It is important to read the terms and conditions of your insurance policy to understand what is and is not covered. The main reason that accidental damage cases are rejected is because the option to include this on the policy was not taken up. PCLA would always recommend that the accidental damage extension to the policy is included in an insurance policy as it covers a multitude of different incidents that are not covered as standard under most policies.
How long does it take to settle an accidental damage insurance claim?
Accidental damage cases can be one of the quicker claims to settle, if you know and understand the requirements of the Insurance policy. With over 30 years combined of experience in handling accidental damage claims, PCLA have the knowledge to guide you through the process. We remove the burden of making an insurance claim which allows you to focus on yourself.
Should you use a Loss Assessor?
Making an insurance claim can be very time consuming and often frustrating. We’re here to help. As experienced loss assessors we work on your behalf to manage the entire claim process, so you don’t have to, and to ensure you receive everything you are entitled to.
What our client's say
EXCELLENT Based on 245 reviews Aidan McCrossan29/03/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My elderly mother had a water leak recently causing a significant amount of damage, the thought of making a claim and managing that was too much for her. Declan and the team stepped in and fulfilled this role, taking all the stress and work out of it for my mum. We could not be happier with the the service provided both in terms of management and attention to detail with the claim. Aine Moore20/03/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We decided on a loss assesor for helping us deal with leaks in our home & putting it through our house insurance, Declan came highly reccomended to us, he took on the claim and made the process smoother with prompt reply’s & dealing with it all, meaning less stress for us & settled the claim quickly! Highly recommend. AnneMarie McGrade24/01/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Declan was extremely helpful and efficient when sorting my claim - thank you. Robbie Lough20/01/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jordan did a great job dealing with the insurance company after we had a leak in our kitchen. We just handed over the info and he did the rest Marion Matchett19/01/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. While on holiday in September 2024, our water tank burst causing quite a lot of damage to our house. We had been given Jordan Freel's name as an independent assesor, employed by PCLA. From our first point of contact Jordan remained professional, polite, and always contactable. He was very helpful in anyway and helped cut down the stress. Would have no hesitation recommending him to anyone in need of assistance in such matters. gladys steed17/01/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Pleasant and efficient a pleasure to work with Michael Steele09/12/2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Declan was very quick to get in contact and give reassurance. Dealt with things very quickly and organised the on site assessment which was straight forward and dealt with the claim quickly with the insurers to get a agreed claim which was satisfactory Patrick Dornan26/11/2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly recommended for those unsure how to deal with insurance company's. Takes your claim out of your hands and deals directly with the insurance company on your behalf. Thorough professional service throughout and took the stress out of my claim with a successful outcome. Thank you Declan. Brian Slattery25/11/2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Made contact with Jordan regarding escape of water in my home, Jordan arrived a few days later to start the claim, Jordan always kept in contact with us with updates, we received a settlement offer that we were more than happy with. By using PCLA and Jordan this took the pressure of communicating direct with our insurance company as it was done for us, I would highly recommend Jordan to look after your claim. Thanks for everything you have done for us Jordan. Rosemary and Brian. James Gibson11/11/2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Declan was excellent in handling our situation. All questions answered and we were kept informed every step of the way. Would highly recommend.
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Loss Adjusters Belfast
Are you looking for a loss adjuster in Belfast? Do you need help dealing with your insurance company? PCLA can provide you with impartial insurance claims advice.
We offer help and advice for all instances of Commercial or Domestic Property Damage. Use the links below to learn more about how a loss assessor can take the stress out of your insurance claim.