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 254 reviews Nikhil Nair29/07/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a really great experience with this company. Declan was friendly and reassuring right from the first call, which made a stressful situation much easier to handle. He gave solid advice throughout, and everything ended up being really straightforward in the end. Would definitely recommend! Sean McKay23/07/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Declan was very professional and made the process stress free from start to finish Roland Graydon22/07/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. After discovering an underground leak in our kitchen, we contacted The Leak Doctor, who quickly and efficiently located and repaired the issue. They recommended PCLA to handle our insurance claim on our behalf. From our first call to PCLA, the process was seamless. Declan promptly got in touch to arrange a visit and assess the overall damage. He arrived as scheduled, conducted a thorough assessment, and took down our insurance details. Declan managed all communication with the insurance company and organised a follow-up visit with their assessor. The entire process, from discovery to resolution, was handled professionally and completed within just five weeks. We were very impressed with the efficiency and support throughout. 2424doc17/07/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Extremely satisfied dealing with this company, Matthew put me at ease from the first call I made. The stress of a home accident was lessened, good advice given and in the end it was all very straight forward! Highly recommend Ruairi Mallon22/06/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic service. Claim was sorted in no time. Would highly recommend Ryan McFaul04/06/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. After discovering a leak under the floor we didn’t know where to turn.We were put in touch with Jordan at PCLA who was extremely prompt,efficient and professional.He removed any stress from the situation and dealt with everything on our behalf.Couldn’t recommend him enough. Tony Mckinney28/05/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. PCLA were excellent to deal with for our claim. Jordan kept us up to date throughout the process until everything went through, taking all the hassle out of our hands. Thoroughly recommended. Finbarr Kelly16/05/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. PCLA were very good from the start of our claims process and keeping us well informed throughout the process. Our Loss assessor Jordon helped take away all the dealings with the loss adjuster and insurance company as myself and my wife work full time. Paul McCaugherty14/05/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We engaged pcla and namely, Declan Gilmore after storm Eowyn, Declan went over and above to take care of this matter on behalf of Clan na gael clg Lurgan. he gave a professional, efficient service and we highly recommend Declan and associates to anyone requiring these type of services. Andrew Wilson06/05/2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service highly recommended
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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.