Do you have damage at home and you need to make an insurance claim?
You may have already spoken to your insurer, or you may be at the very start of the process, working out what to do next. Most homeowners in Coleraine do not know they can appoint their own expert before the claim begins, before the insurer sends anyone to assess the property, before any scope of works is agreed, and before any figure is put on the table. That is what PCLA does.
We are independent loss assessors. Our surveyors attend properties across Coleraine and the wider Causeway Coast area in person. Our job is to make sure your claim is properly prepared from the start.
Thinking about making a claim? Speak to PCLA first.
Fair claims start here.
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PCLA acts exclusively for the homeowner. Our work on a claim covers three things:
Assess the claim.
We attend your property, look at the cause and extent of the damage, and review the policy position. We tell you what the claim is likely to involve, what your policy may cover, and where the points of difficulty are likely to be.
Evidence the damage.
We document the damage with photographs, moisture readings, and technical reports. Where hidden damage is suspected — under floors, behind plasterboard, inside wall cavities — we carry out the survey work needed to establish the true extent before any scope of works is agreed.
Negotiate the settlement.
We prepare and submit the claim, handle all correspondence with your insurer and any loss adjuster they appoint, respond to queries, and negotiate the settlement on your behalf.
You do not manage paperwork, meet the insurer’s assessor, or negotiate the figure. We handle that for you.
A homeowner in Coleraine contacted us after a leak from a mains pipe in the kitchen caused water to spread throughout the property. By the time the source was identified, the damage had extended well beyond the kitchen into the utility room, hallway, bathroom, and cupboard areas.
This is a pattern we see frequently in mains water leaks. Water escaping under pressure does not stay in one place. It travels through flooring, along wall bases, into hidden voids, and through openings that are not always obvious. Damage often becomes visible in rooms some distance from the original source, and what appears at first to be a contained problem can prove significantly more extensive once a proper survey is completed.
We attended the property, carried out a thorough assessment of all affected areas, traced the path of the water through the building, and prepared a detailed scope of reinstatement works covering the full extent of damage — including flooring, plasterwork, joinery, decoration, and concealed moisture within the structure.
The claim was settled for £16,081.47.
Case details shared with permission of the policyholder.
Tell us what happened.
We’ll call you back within 30 minutes to explain what you’re entitled to—no fee, no pressure.
You don’t need to deal with the insurer. That’s what we’re here for.
Coleraine has a varied housing stock, from Victorian and Edwardian terraces in the town centre to post-war housing estates and more recent private developments across the borough. The River Bann runs through the town, and parts of the surrounding area — including low-lying land towards Portstewart and the Bann estuary — can be affected by surface water in periods of heavy rainfall. Each property type, and each claim type, can raise its own set of complications.
Mains pipe and internal pipe failures. Mains water leaks are among the most frequently misunderstood claim types. The visible damage is rarely the whole picture. Water under pressure finds its way through floor construction, along pipe runs, and into wall cavities before it becomes apparent. Insurers — through their own loss adjusters — will assess the visible damage; a thorough survey that traces the full extent of spread is what determines whether the scope of works reflects the actual reinstatement required.
Hidden and slow-developing damage. In older properties with solid floors, timber suspended floors, or original internal plastering, moisture can sit undetected for weeks. By the time damage becomes visible, the structural and decorative elements affected may be far more extensive than the initial inspection suggests. If hidden damage is not properly documented before any scope of reinstatement is agreed, it may be difficult to include it in the settlement later.
Storm damage to traditional roofs and chimneys. Properties in Coleraine and along the north coast can be exposed to significant wind-driven rain and storm events. Storm damage claims often raise the question of whether damage was caused by the storm or was pre-existing — establishing the cause clearly, with date-stamped evidence, matters when dealing with insurers on these claims.
Subsidence and ground movement. Parts of the Causeway Coast area have localised ground conditions that can contribute to movement in older structures. Subsidence claims are among the most technically complex claim types, often involving long timescales, specialist engineers, and ongoing monitoring. Early independent involvement can help ensure the claim is scoped and managed appropriately from the outset.
We handle property insurance claims for homeowners, landlords, and commercial property owners across Coleraine and the surrounding area. Claim types include:
If your claim type is not listed here, contact us and we will tell you whether we can help.
The earlier you involve a loss assessor, the more useful they can be. The best point to make contact is before you report the claim to your insurer, or at least before any assessment or survey has taken place on the insurer’s behalf.
Once a loss adjuster has attended and an initial scope of works has been agreed, it becomes harder to revisit areas that were not properly documented at the outset. If you contact us before that stage, we can ensure the damage is fully recorded, the claim is properly prepared, and you are in the best possible position from the start.
If a claim is already under way, or if you feel the settlement offer you have received does not reflect the full extent of the damage, we may still be able to help. Contact us and we will advise you on the position.
PCLA works on a No Win, No Fee basis. There is no upfront cost to appointing us. Our fee is a percentage of the final settlement, agreed with you before we begin. If the claim does not succeed, you do not pay.
This means you can appoint your own expert from the start without having to find funds before the claim is resolved.
We attend homes and businesses in Coleraine, Portstewart, Portrush, Ballymoney, Castlerock and Kilrea.
We aim to visit properties in Coleraine within 24-48 hours from your first contact. For urgent situations such as leaks or fire, we often offer same-day attendance. Fast response is key to protecting your claim and ensuring all damage is properly recorded.
A loss adjuster is appointed by your insurer to assess the claim on their behalf. A loss assessor is independent and acts for you, the policyholder. You are entitled to appoint your own loss assessor — the difference between a loss assessor and a loss adjuster is an important one to understand before your claim begins.
Our fee is 10% plus VAT of your final insurance settlement, and this is only paid if your claim succeeds—it’s not charged upfront. The first survey is free and without obligation. PCLA operates on a “no win, no fee” basis, so there’s no risk to you if your claim doesn’t go ahead.
No. Appointing a loss assessor like PCLA typically speeds up the process. We manage all paperwork, communicate directly with insurers, and use our expertise to avoid delays and common mistakes—helping you get the full settlement faster.
Yes. You can use a loss assessor at any stage, even after the insurer’s adjuster has attended. Remember, loss adjusters act for the insurer, while PCLA works solely for you, ensuring your interests are put first and your claim is maximised.
Policyholders who go it alone often receive settlements 20–40% lower than those who use a professional. Without expert help, you may miss out on damages the policy covers, undervalue losses, or accept less than you are due.
Yes. Our clients typically secure settlements at least 40–60% higher than those who manage claims themselves. We know how to document every aspect of your loss and negotiate with insurers for the best possible outcome.
Make the area safe and prevent further harm, then contact PCLA before your insurer. We offer free advice right away and can attend promptly to help document everything correctly—helping you avoid costly mistakes and strengthen your case from the start.
Your home’s been damaged — now your insurer’s making things harder?
After a leak, storm, or fire, dealing with the insurer can be just as stressful as the damage itself. Calls drag on, offers feel uncertain, and you’re left wondering if you’re being treated fairly.
Many Coleraine homeowners tell us the same story — delays, confusion, and claims that stall for months. Without someone on your side, the process can take over your life and still leave you short.
PCLA handle your insurance claim from start to finish. We assess the damage, deal with your insurer, and secure the full settlement you’re entitled to — so your home can be restored properly.
We’re a local Northern Ireland firm, trusted by homeowners across Coleraine and the North Coast. And with our No Win, No Fee promise, there’s no risk in finding out how we can help.
Book your free property claims survey today. One local visit. Full peace of mind. We’ll take it from here.
FCA regulated • No Win, No Fee • 270+ five-star reviews