Oakleafe Claims,
6A, Phoenix Works,
500 King St,
Longton,
Stoke-on-Trent
ST3 1EZ
Office Tel: 01782 438255
24 Hour line: 03332101999
What Oakleafe’s Loss Assessor Stourbridge Clients say:
What Oakleafe Clients Say:
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Our insurance claim professionals will explain the claim process to ensure you understand your options.
When it comes to insurance claims, many policyholders in Stourbridge face a tough reality—they often accept settlements far below what they’re entitled to. Without expert assistance, claimants can unknowingly leave thousands on the table, all while trying to recover financially from property damage or loss.
This post explores the indispensable role loss assessors play in securing fair settlements, common pitfalls in the claims process, and practical tips for ensuring you get the compensation you deserve.
Across Stourbridge, claimants often find themselves struggling after floods, storms, or fire damage. Take the hypothetical example of a local business owner whose café suffered severe water damage after unexpected heavy rains. She contacted her insurer, complied with every request, and accepted the settlement figure without question. However, months later, it became apparent that her initial settlement didn’t come close to covering the full cost of repairs and lost business during closures.
This isn’t an uncommon scenario. Insurers prioritise profit and employ strategies to minimise claim payouts, leaving policyholders at a disadvantage.
Claimants often assume their insurer will fairly assess their damages. Unfortunately, insurers’ loss adjusters work to protect the company’s interests—not yours.
Missing evidence, such as receipts or professional assessments, can significantly undervalue your claim.
Many accept low initial offers, unaware that they’re negotiable.
This is where professional support, such as hiring a loss assessor, can dramatically shift the balance in your favour.
Insurance disputes and underpayments are especially prevalent in certain claim types. Here’s a closer look at the most vulnerable areas:
Damage caused by flooding or burst pipes is often undervalued. Insurers may classify damages as long-term wear and tear rather than sudden, insurable events.
Roof damage is a frequent issue in the Stourbridge area, often dismissed as “pre-existing” damage. Without expert knowledge, claimants can struggle to prove otherwise.
Policyholders reporting subsidence damage are often blamed for poor property maintenance, with claims denied or drastically reduced.
Small business owners frequently face undervaluation of stock and equipment claims. This can put businesses at risk of closure if the settlement fails to account for true replacement costs or lost income.
If you’ve experienced any of these situations, you’re certainly not alone—and you have options to secure the settlement you deserve.
Loss adjusters acting on behalf of insurers employ several tactics to reduce claim values. Understanding these methods is the first step to countering them:
Insurers reduce payouts by claiming property or equipment value has depreciated significantly—even if this isn’t accurate.
Claimants are often left waiting for months, with insurers hoping they’ll grow frustrated and accept a lower offer.
Unclear wording or technical jargon in policies can be exploited to deny coverage altogether.
Insurers may approve part of a claim while rejecting others to reduce overall costs.
A knowledgeable loss assessor can identify and effectively challenge these tactics on your behalf.
While insurers appoint loss adjusters to safeguard their interests, a loss assessor works exclusively for the policyholder to secure a fair outcome. Here’s what they do:
Loss assessors thoroughly inspect and document all damages, ensuring nothing is missed or undervalued.
They prepare and submit a complete claim form along with supporting documents, eliminating loopholes insurers may exploit.
Armed with extensive industry knowledge, they engage in negotiations to achieve the highest possible payout.
By handling all communications with the insurance company, loss assessors reduce delays, allowing you to focus on recovery.
The impact? Claims managed by a loss assessor typically lead to significantly higher settlements.
Many mistakenly assume loss adjusters are impartial. While they are expected to assess claims fairly, they ultimately work for the insurance company, whose goal is always cost containment.
By contrast, loss assessors work independently on your behalf, ensuring you get the full compensation you’re entitled to. If you’re relying solely on the insurer’s loss adjuster, you may be putting yourself at financial risk.
It’s not always easy to spot when a settlement is unfair. Here are some key warning signs:
If any of these apply to your settlement offer, it’s a sign that you should engage a professional loss assessor.
Finding the right loss assessor is critical to the success of your claim. Use this simple checklist when choosing your representative:
Hiring a competent loss assessor can make all the difference, turning a stressful claim experience into a successful settlement.
Here are three practical steps you can take to protect your claim:
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