Burned by fire?
Residential fire damage claims
As soon as everyone is safe and the fire has been doused, it’s time to get in touch. Our loss assessors will quickly assess the damage and help you gather the necessary evidence.
If emergency works or temporary accommodation is required, we will determine the specifications and requirements to ensure that the cost can be justified.
If necessary we will put you in contact with our network of contractors and help carry out any works to a standard acceptable by your insurers. We will also arrange for accommodation if needed.
How we can help
Damage review
Your insurer will employ a loss adjuster to look after their interests and help them limit their liabilities. Our loss assessors will help you prove the true value of the claim and ensure you get what you're entitled to.
Quality repairs
We will network with professional contractors to ensure that all repairs are safe and up to standard. We also help you avoid potential traps and pitfalls by helping you steer clear of any contractors or suppliers who may not be acting in your best interests.
Temporary accommodation
We will arrange temporary accommodation for as long as necessary and advise you on how to ensure that you're fully compensated for this. We will offer full support throughout the process and help you with vital record keeping.
Loss Assessment
Our experienced loss assessors will conduct a comprehensive survey of the damage ensuring that no details are missed and that the full extent of the damage is recorded. We will liaise with the insurers and their loss adjusters and challenge any reports which we feel do fully represent the damage you incurred.
Protection against further damage
If your property is at risk of further damages or requires immediate remedial action, we will organise emergency works through our network of contractors, and ensure that the works are covered by your insurance.
Claims handling & negotiations
We will liaise with all third parties and surveyors and look after your interests. We will also negotiate with the insurers, submit the necessary paperwork and do whatever it takes to help you get back on your feet in no time.
Legal advice
We will liaise with all third parties and surveyors and look after your interests. We will also negotiate with the insurers, submit the necessary paperwork and do whatever it takes to help you get back on your feet in no time.
Insurance advice and coordination
We will scrutinise your policy to determine the full amount of compensation you're entitled to. We will then build a robust case and handle all proceedings on your behalf. Our claims handlers will assist with every step along the way, including guidance, advice and support.
Step by step guidance through a fire in your home
FAQs about residential fire damage
Dealing with an insurance claim after a fire can be very confusing.
At knights, we welcome your questions and strive to give easy, clear answers.
Check out the FAQs, and if you don’t find what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
What do I need to do before calling my insurance company for a fire claim?
How should I make a claim from my insurance for water damage?
How do I make an insurance claim for a fire?
The best time to call your insurance company after a fire is the next day, preferably in the morning.
Make sure to ask the name of the person who answers the telephone and note it down for future reference. They will usually send a loss adjuster to assess the damage.
It is advisable to contact a loss assessor before making this call to ensure that the loss adjuster's analysis is accurate.
More than 90% of claimants make the mistake of thinking that the loss adjuster is impartial. They are not. Your insurance company has employed them, and it is worth their while to please them (which means less money for you).
As loss assessors, Knights understands how valuable it is to meet you before a loss adjuster visits your home, so even if we can assist you without an initial meeting, the sooner you call, the better.
How can a loss assessor help me with my fire claim?
First, a loss assessor will ensure that you are in appropriate alternative accommodation, if necessary.
If you have already made a claim with your insurance company and your loss adjuster has advised you to go to a smaller accommodation until your home is reinstated and ready for you, you can still claim on the difference in price for a larger accommodation by using a exert loss assessors, like us at knights.
Dealing with an insurance company without a loss assessor for a fire claim usually means waiting more than a year for your settlement.
As loss assessors, we at knights will also negotiate with your insurers, ensuring that they accurately assess the damage and give you the highest possible settlement in the shortest amount of time.
Will my insurance company pay for everything that got damaged by the fire in my home?
Loss assessors will do everything they can to ensure that you are compensated for each item damaged unless you are underinsured.
While the loss adjusters will try to reduce the amount of money you get because they represent your insurance company, it is our job as loss assessors to fight that.
If your clothing has been damaged by fire, smoke or soot, it is important that you get the right valuation for the clothing, and if your insurance plan is to get new for old, you should not be paid for only second-hand value.
It is also important to make sure that your insurance company doesn’t pay you supermarket brand prices for designer clothing.
