Loss Assessor Services in Ireland - What’s the process?

At Property Damage Loss Assessors, we understand that experiencing a fire, flood, burglary or other disaster at home can be incredibly stressful. That's why we're here to help you through the insurance claims process and take away some of that burden.

Our experienced Loss Assessor, James Armitage, will represent you and handle all aspects of the claims process. This includes meeting with the insurers' representatives, the Loss Adjuster or any other professional appointed by them, preparing your claim and negotiating the best possible settlement for you. We also handle cases where liability for your claim has been refused.


When dealing with a claim, the insurance company will employ a loss adjuster to protect their interests. But with James on your side, you can be assured that your interests will be protected too.


Here's an overview of the typical process of claiming on your home insurance with the help of a loss assessorragraph


Step 1: Notification

The first step in making a claim on your home insurance is to notify your insurance company. You can do this directly, or you can engage the services of a loss assessor like James Armitage, who can notify your insurer on your behalf. It's important to notify your insurer as soon as possible after the incident occurs.


Step 2: Initial Assessment

Once your insurer has been notified, they will appoint a loss adjuster to assess the damage and investigate the circumstances of the incident. The loss adjuster will then provide their report to the insurance company.


Step 3: Appointment of Loss Assessor

At this point, it's a good idea to appoint a loss assessor to represent you. The loss assessor will review the loss adjuster's report and assess the damage independently. They will also prepare and present your claim to the insurance company, negotiating the best possible settlement for you.


Step 4: Claim Preparation and Submission

Your loss assessor will work with you to gather all the necessary information and evidence to support your claim. They will then prepare and submit your claim to the insurance company. This will include all relevant information and documentation, such as receipts, invoices, and photographs of the damage.


Step 5: Negotiation and Settlement

Once your claim has been submitted, your loss assessor will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. They will work to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation possible under your policy. If necessary, they will also represent you in any legal proceedings related to the claim.


Step 6: Final Settlement

Once the negotiation process is complete, the insurance company will make a final settlement offer. Your loss assessor will review this offer with you and advise you on whether it is fair and reasonable. If you accept the offer, the claim will be settled, and you will receive your compensation. If you do not accept the offer, your loss assessor can continue to negotiate on your behalf or advise you on other options, such as taking legal action. Upon receipt of compensation, the loss assessor will invoice you for an agreed rate of compensation for services. 


Let’s get started with your home insurance claim

Preparing and presenting your claim is just as important as negotiating and settling it. So, it's essential to appoint a loss assessor as soon as you realise you have a claim. Don't wait until things start to go wrong, such as the Insurance Company's loss adjuster telling you that you're not entitled to claim for something you thought you were, or when they try to reduce the amount you're claiming by quoting small print in the policy.


Give us a call or send our team an email to get started at: 01 6855675 or 057 86 37500


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New Title

Mindful Merriment: Staying Aware of Household Hazards Throughout the Holidays

By Alastair roe • December 18, 2025
As we enter the height of the Christmas season, the joy of festivities brings with it a unique set of risks to our homes. At Property Damage Loss Assessors , we see a significant rise in insurance claims during December—many of which could be avoided with increased awareness and caution. To ensure your holiday remains stress-free, we have highlighted the key hazards that require your utmost attention this year. Fire Safety: Awareness in the Heart of the Home The combination of dry decorations and increased heat sources makes fire safety a primary concern. High levels of vigilance are required in the following areas: Chimney Fires: With fireplaces working overtime, ensure your chimney has been professionally swept. A buildup of soot or bird nests can lead to devastating chimney fires that spread quickly to the rest of the structure. Candles: Never leave lit candles unattended or near flammable materials like curtains or Christmas trees. Always extinguish them before leaving a room or going to bed. Christmas Lights: Check old decorative lights for frayed wires or loose connections. Avoid overloading sockets and always turn off all festive lighting when you leave the house or sleep. Cigarettes: If hosting guests, ensure that smoking materials are disposed of safely in deep ashtrays. Embers in a wastepaper bin are a common cause of late-night house fires. Security Awareness: Preventing Seasonal Burglaries Unfortunately, the holiday season is also a peak time for opportunistic crime. To protect your home from burglaries , keep gifts and high-value items out of sight from windows. Ensure all doors and windows are securely locked, and if you are heading out for a festive event, consider using timer switches on lamps to give the impression that the home is occupied. Escape of Water: Protecting an Empty Property If you are planning to travel to visit family this Christmas, water damage is a major risk that can occur in your absence. A small leak from a frozen or burst pipe can cause catastrophic damage if left running for several days. To prevent catastrophic water damage during a cold snap, remain vigilant against frozen pipes . If you are leaving your property over Christmas, ensure your heating is set to a "frost protection" mode and turn off the water at the mains stopcock to prevent an undetected escape of water . Taking a moment to correctly drain your system can save you from the stress of a major flood and a complex insurance claim. By staying aware of these hazards, you can protect your property and your peace of mind. However, should the unexpected happen, Property Damage Loss Assessors are here to help you navigate your insurance claim and secure the settlement you need to get back on track. Ultimately, Christmas is a time for celebration and making memories with loved ones. By staying mindful of these common hazards and taking small, proactive steps to secure your property, you can ensure your holiday remains joyful and uninterrupted. From all of us at Property Damage Loss Assessors , we wish you a very safe, happy, and hazard-free Christmas season.

Insurance Policy Essentials: What Irish Homeowners Often Overlook Before Filing a Claim

By Alastair roe • December 4, 2025
Most Irish homeowners only read their insurance policy when something goes wrong. Unfortunately, this usually means they discover key exclusions and conditions at the worst possible moment. Understanding the details of your home insurance policy in advance can prevent disputes and ensure that you know what to expect when filing a claim. Commonly Misunderstood Policy Terms 1. Gradual Damage Exclusions Irish home insurance policies rarely cover issues that develop slowly over time. This includes long-term roof leaks, slow plumbing leaks, dampness, mould, and rot. Insurers frequently reject these claims because they consider them maintenance issues rather than sudden events. 2. Maintenance Requirements Most policies require homeowners to keep the property in good condition. If damage is linked to neglect, insurers may reduce or decline the claim. Examples include worn flashing, loose tiles, deteriorated pipes, or blocked gutters. 3. Confusion About Trace and Access Many homeowners assume their insurer will pay to locate the source of a leak. Some policies include this benefit, but others offer limited cover or none at all. Understanding whether trace and access is included is important, as identifying the source of a leak can be more expensive than repairing it. Why Claims Get Declined  1. Insufficient evidence Lack of photos, videos, or proof of sudden damage can lead to disputes with insurers. 2. Repairs performed too early Fixing damage before reporting the claim removes crucial evidence and can weaken your case. 3. Misinterpreting what the policy covers For example, roof damage is not automatically considered storm damage. Insurers often require proof of strong winds in the area and evidence that the damage occurred during the storm. How to Prepare Before Filing a Claim 1. Review your policy regularly A yearly review can help you stay informed about your coverage and any changes the insurer may have made. 2. Know the difference between sudden damage and gradual deterioration Sudden damage is typically covered, while gradual deterioration is generally excluded. 3. Keep maintenance records Photos, invoices, and receipts can protect you if the insurer questions the condition of the property before the incident. 4. Document damage immediately High-quality evidence is essential when dealing with insurance companies. Understanding your policy before you file a claim can save time, stress, and unnecessary costs. When you know what is covered and what is excluded, you are better prepared to take action after an incident. If you want help interpreting your policy or handling a claim, Property Damage Loss Assessors can provide professional support from start to finish. Call James today to discuss the damage to your property and get expert guidance for your situation.