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


Navigating Storm Damage Claims on Your Irish Property

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.

Storm and Wind Damage in Ireland: Common Issues and How Homeowners Should Handle Them

By Alastair roe • December 4, 2025
Storms and high winds are becoming increasingly common across Ireland, especially during the winter months. These events often lead to property damage that ranges from minor roof issues to major structural problems. Understanding how storm damage occurs and how to respond correctly is essential for any homeowner. Making the right decisions early on can prevent unnecessary repair costs and improve the outcome of an insurance claim. Common Types of Storm Damage in Ireland 1. Roof Damage The roof is one of the most vulnerable parts of a home during strong winds. Tiles can become loose or fall off entirely, leaving gaps that allow rainwater to enter the property. Even a single missing tile can cause significant internal water damage. 2. Damage from Falling Trees or Branches During storms, heavy branches or entire trees can fall onto roofs, sheds, cars, or fences. Even if the tree comes from a neighbour’s garden, the affected homeowner typically files the claim. 3. Chimney and Masonry Problems High winds often affect older brickwork. Chimney pots, flues, and masonry can shift or crack, which may lead to structural concerns or water ingress. 4. Water Penetration from Wind-Driven Rain Strong winds push rainwater into places where it would not normally reach, such as under flashings, through vents, or into roof edges. This can cause stained ceilings, damp walls, mould growth, and damaged plaster. What To Do After a Storm 1. Assess the damage safely The first priority is safety. Avoid climbing onto the roof. Instead, inspect the property from the ground or use a phone camera with zoom. 2. Document the condition of the property Take detailed photos and videos of missing tiles, broken gutters, fallen branches, cracks, and interior water damage. High-quality documentation helps strengthen an insurance claim. 3. Make temporary protective measures Cover open areas with tarps or strong plastic sheets to prevent more rain from entering the home. Insurers expect you to limit additional damage, but they also expect you to avoid permanent repairs until the inspection is completed. 4. Notify the insurer quickly Reporting storm damage promptly is important. Delays can lead insurers to argue that the damage might be due to poor maintenance instead of the storm.  Frequent Causes of Claim Reductions Insurers sometimes reduce or decline storm-related claims for reasons such as poor maintenance, insufficient evidence, or pre-existing damage. For example, if gutters were already blocked or roof tiles were already loose, insurers may argue that the damage was not caused solely by the storm. Storm and wind damage may be unavoidable, but losing out on a valid insurance claim does not have to be. Proper documentation, prompt reporting, and expert support can help you secure a fair outcome. If you need assistance with a storm damage claim or want a professional assessment, Property Damage Loss Assessors can help you navigate the process. Call James today to discuss your storm damage and get reliable guidance for your claim.

How to Choose the Right Moment to Report Property Damage Before Cleaning or Repairing

By Alastair roe • December 4, 2025
When property damage occurs, most homeowners instinctively begin cleaning up the mess or repairing what has been broken. This reaction is completely understandable, especially when the situation feels stressful or overwhelming. However, starting repairs or removing damaged items too soon can seriously weaken an insurance claim. Timing plays a crucial role, and understanding what to do in the first 24 hours can make a major difference in the outcome of a claim. Insurance companies rely heavily on clear visual evidence to assess a claim. Loss adjusters need to understand exactly what happened, how severe the damage is, and whether the policy covers the issue. If the property has already been cleaned or fixed by the time the claim is reported, insurers may question the extent or even the cause of the damage. This is why the first step after any incident should always be to document the situation before any repairs take place. Why Timing Matters The moment you discover damage, the clock essentially starts ticking. Insurers often require evidence that shows the original condition of the property. If you remove flooring, throw out damaged furniture, repair a pipe, or clean up water before taking proper photos and videos, valuable evidence disappears. For example, if a pipe bursts and causes water damage, cleaning up the water and repairing the pipe before reporting the issue can lead insurers to question how serious the incident really was. The same is true for roof leaks, storm damage, structural issues, oil leaks, and electrical faults. Irish insurers are known for carefully evaluating whether damage was sudden or whether it could have been gradual. Without proper evidence, it becomes harder to prove your case. What To Do in the First 24 Hours 1. Document thoroughly Take photos and videos of everything. Include wide shots of the affected area, close-ups of specific damage, and footage showing the cause of the issue. Make sure the lighting is good and that you capture multiple angles. 2. Prevent further damage Insurers expect you to take reasonable steps to stop the situation from getting worse. Examples include turning off the mains water supply, isolating electricity in a flooded area, or placing a temporary cover over a broken window. These actions help, as long as you do not make permanent repairs. 3. Avoid removing damaged items Do not throw away wet carpets, broken tiles, burnt items, or damaged appliances. Even if they appear ruined, they serve as evidence. 4. Report the claim early Most policies in Ireland require homeowners to notify the insurer within a reasonable timeframe. Reporting within one or two days is ideal, and it reduces the risk of disputes. Common Mistakes to Avoid  Homeowners frequently make the mistake of trying to tidy up before taking photos. Another common issue is assuming insurers will take their word for the extent of the damage. Insurers rely on evidence, not verbal descriptions, so documentation is essential. The best way to protect the success of an insurance claim is to act quickly, document everything, and avoid repairs until the necessary evidence has been captured. Cleaning and rebuilding can always take place later. If you want expert help with documenting your loss or dealing with your insurer, Property Damage Loss Assessors can guide you through the full process. Call James today to discuss the damage to your property and get professional advice before moving forward.