On the 4th of July, Linda and Tony were enjoying a peaceful afternoon in their garden when disaster struck. A lithium battery in their camper van, parked on the driveway, suddenly ignited. The fire quickly spread to the soffits of their bungalow, engulfing the entire roof in flames. In the heat of summer, the fire spread rapidly, even reaching their neighbour’s property. As smoke billowed over the roofline, Linda and Tony realised their worst fears were unfolding.
The fire service was called immediately, but due to high demand at the time, it took 40 minutes for firefighters to arrive. By then, the roof was fully alight, and their home was facing devastating damage.
Initial Insurance Response
Following the fire, the couple’s insurance company sent their in-house claims handlers to assess the situation. Without consulting Linda and Tony, the insurers appointed a response contractor and began the initial cleanup.
Linda and Tony quickly grew concerned that key decisions were being made without their consent. They felt sidelined from the recovery process, as if the insurers were withholding information. Realising they needed independent guidance, Linda sought third-party advice and contacted three different loss assessors, including Your Claim, an independent loss assessor.
How Your Claim Assisted
After an initial site meeting with Linda, Tony, and their two sons, Your Claim, acting as an independent loss assessor specialising in property restoration Essex, was appointed to manage the claim, providing expert fire insurance claim support throughout the process. One of the first actions taken was to halt all ongoing work to conduct a thorough review of the situation. In response, the insurers escalated the case as a major loss and appointed a professional loss-adjusting firm to handle the claim.
This shift was a crucial turning point. It signaled that the insurers were now approaching the claim with the seriousness it required, allowing for a more structured negotiation process.
Addressing Key Challenges
Early discussions with the loss adjusters were constructive, but one major point of contention emerged: the need for a temporary roof. Given the warm summer conditions, insurers initially saw no need for additional protection. However, as autumn approached, prolonged rainfall caused further damage to the remaining structure, rendering it beyond repair.
While insurers deliberated, Your Claim commissioned a detailed survey that identified asbestos-containing materials in the building fabric. The removal and demolition of these hazardous materials were carefully managed before the site was fully cleared for reconstruction ensuring a smooth property restoration process.
Another challenge involved compiling an extensive list of irreparably damaged contents. Items were lost not only to fire and smoke but also to secondary damage from exposure to the elements. The lack of protective measures taken by insurers had worsened the situation, further emphasising the importance of proactive loss management.
Another challenge involved compiling an extensive list of irreparably damaged contents. Items were lost not only to fire and smoke but also to secondary damage from exposure to the elements. The lack of protective measures taken by insurers had worsened the situation, further emphasising the importance of proactive loss management.
Rebuilding Linda & Tony’s Home – Property Restoration Essex
Once insurers accepted that the property required full demolition, the next step was to design a new bungalow that complied with modern building regulations. Linda and Tony had the opportunity to make some modifications, such as adding bi-folding doors to enhance their connection to the garden.
Sustainability was also a key consideration. Instead of reinstalling a gas boiler, the architect specified an air source heat pump (ASHP) to provide energy-efficient heating with no carbon emissions.
To ensure a smooth construction process and successful property restoration, Your Claim appointed a dedicated Building Surveyor to oversee the project. This included coordinating structural engineering, architectural planning, mechanical and electrical services, and managing the procurement process for the rebuild.
Cadman Building Contractors from Colchester were selected as the principal contractor. They handled the build with professionalism, empathy, and patience, holding regular progress meetings that included input from the loss adjuster. This collaborative approach helped streamline decision-making and kept the project moving forward.
Achieving a Successful Outcome
The most challenging aspect of the claim was securing full indemnity from the insurers. However, with persistence and careful management, all necessary permissions were obtained, and construction was completed within six months.
For Linda and Tony, the outcome was a new home that met modern standards, incorporated their personal preferences, and provided improved energy efficiency. Despite the emotional and logistical challenges of their journey, they were ultimately able to move back into a home tailored to their needs.
As an independent loss assessor, Your Claim’s involvement ensured that Linda and Tony’s interests were fully represented throughout the process, helping them navigate a complex fire insurance claim while securing the best possible outcome.
If you are ever affected by fire at your home, call Your Claim to help with your claim.
