When you’re dealing with substantial claims, perhaps for a fire or flood that has gutted a business, you may well want to source a claims consultant. These professionals are used to handling claims of all sizes and helping to ensure the very best possible outcome for their clients following damage or theft of property and contents.
The claims consultants’ role is almost as an intermediary, providing a dialogue between the insurance company and the claimants. They are able to deal with the case and guide you through the various procedures to ensure a smooth and amicable outcome.
The reason why a claims consultant should only be used on larger projects is that their services will come at a price. Whilst a consultant can provide good value and save you huge amounts of time and secure an adequate payout, it is a process that smaller claims may not quite see the full benefit of.
A claims consultant will really come into their own where there is added complexity or some kind of legal protocol to follow. Flooding is often one such situation where there are grey areas which can exist and help may be required to push through any claims you have, including damage and loss of business. Major fires can also often take some sifting through in order to determine the true extent of cost for property, contents and any other possible claims.
Business interruption is one area where a claims consultant can really take the lead and ensure you receive full compensation; whatever the reason behind your business suffering temporary closure or limited output. Dealing with this yourself can be extremely confusing. Even if you use other legal channels there’s every chance you’ll end up paying more and not getting the same service you could from a well-versed claims consultant. In an area where specific expertise is a significant advantage, it’s always best to go to the professionals who have the hands-on experience and knowledge to handle such a case.
The primary reason for involving a claims consultant is to deal with all of the mitigation and provide a little expert opinion. Insurance claims can be a far from linear process. There are often numerous claims and counter-claims, with disputes in value arising with regularity. Insurance companies aren’t often in the habit of leaving major claims uncontested and certainly won’t be looking to payout any more than is strictly necessary. This is why having somebody on hand who can deal with the process and ensure that you receive the compensation that you deserve is absolutely essential.
Of course, this service won’t be for everyone. If you’ve got your own in-house legal team or are just dealing with a small personal claim, there probably isn’t much of a need for a professional claims consultant. In more complex and larger claims, a consultant will almost invariably pay for themselves both in terms of swiftness and financial reimbursement.
There are all kinds of situations where we need to make an insurance claim. Whilst nobody ever wants to have to face up to this prospect, understanding your options should the situation arise is crucial. If you want the best possible professional advice and an agreeable solution, then you may well want to consider hiring in a claims consultant.
Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who represents a number of UK businesses. For Loss Assessors and Claim Consultants, he recommends Morgan Clark.
