Receiving a letter or email informing you that your property insurance claim has been declined can be frustrating, upsetting and, in many cases, completely unexpected.
Whether you are a homeowner, landlord, property investor or business owner, a rejected claim does not necessarily mean the decision is correct or that it is the end of the matter.
In some cases, insurance claims can be successfully challenged because the policy has been misunderstood, relevant evidence has been overlooked or the claim may not have been assessed correctly.
Supporting you – and everything that matters to you.
Yes – we may still be able to help
A declined property insurance claim is not always the final answer.
At Imperial Claims Consultants, we can review the insurer’s decision, the relevant policy wording, the circumstances of the loss and the evidence available. We will then provide an honest view on whether the decision appears reasonable, whether there may be realistic grounds to challenge it and what options may be available to you.
In some cases, a declined claim may be challenged through the insurer’s formal complaints process. Where appropriate, an unresolved complaint may also be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service for an independent review.
Why are property insurance claims declined?
There are many reasons why a property insurance claim may be declined. In some cases, the insurer’s decision may be consistent with the terms and conditions of the policy. In others, the decision may be capable of challenge because the policy wording has been interpreted differently, important evidence has not been fully considered or further information has become available.
Some common reasons for a property insurance claim being declined include:
- Policy exclusions: the insurer considers the cause or type of damage to be excluded under the policy.
- Wear and tear or poor maintenance: the insurer believes the damage arose gradually rather than from a sudden insured event.
- Insufficient evidence: there is not enough information available to establish the cause, circumstances or value of the loss.
- Policy conditions: the insurer considers that a condition of the policy has not been complied with.
- Non-disclosure or misrepresentation: the insurer believes inaccurate or incomplete information was provided when the policy was arranged or renewed.
- A disputed cause of damage: the insurer’s interpretation of what caused the damage differs from that of the policyholder or another expert.
- Underinsurance or policy limitations: the sums insured, cover limits or other policy provisions may affect the claim.
Every claim is different. A declined insurance claim should be assessed on its individual facts, the precise policy wording and the available evidence before reaching a conclusion about whether the insurer’s decision is fair and reasonable.
Can I appeal a declined property insurance claim?
Depending on the circumstances, a declined property insurance claim may be capable of challenge.
The first step is usually to understand exactly why the insurer reached its decision. This should include reviewing the insurer’s written explanation, the relevant policy wording and any reports or evidence relied upon.
If there are reasonable grounds to disagree with the decision, it may be appropriate to provide further evidence, clarify a misunderstanding or make a formal complaint to the insurer.
If the complaint remains unresolved and the insurer issues its Final Response, it may then be possible, depending on the circumstances and applicable eligibility requirements, to refer the complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Not every declined claim can or should be challenged. The appropriate course of action will depend on the circumstances of the loss, the policy wording and the strength of the available evidence.
When should you seek independent advice?
If you are unsure whether your insurer’s decision is correct, it may be sensible to obtain independent advice before accepting the outcome or deciding what to do next.
An independent review can help you understand the relevant policy wording, the reasons for the insurer’s decision and whether there may be realistic grounds to challenge it.
The earlier a declined claim is reviewed, the greater the opportunity may be to identify missing evidence, clarify misunderstandings or consider whether additional information could affect the outcome. Even where a claim cannot be overturned, independent advice can provide clarity and help you make an informed decision.
How Imperial Claims Consultants can help
If your property insurance claim has been declined, it is important to understand why before deciding what to do next.
At Imperial Claims Consultants, we begin by reviewing the insurer’s decision, the relevant policy wording and the evidence available. Where appropriate, we may identify additional evidence, clarify misunderstandings or highlight relevant policy wording that may not have been fully considered.
If we believe the insurer’s decision is fair and consistent with the policy, we will tell you. Equally, if we believe there may be realistic grounds to challenge the decision, we will explain the available options and how we may be able to assist.
Our aim is to provide clear, honest and independent guidance, helping homeowners, landlords, property investors and businesses make informed decisions about their property insurance claims.
What happens if I ask Imperial Claims to review my declined claim?
If your property insurance claim has already been declined, or you are concerned that it may be declined, contact us and we can carry out an initial review of your situation.
Following our review, we will be open and honest about whether we believe there may be realistic grounds to assist you and the basis on which we may be able to act.
There are likely to be three possible outcomes:
1. We may be able to offer our No Win No Fee service.
Where we believe your case is suitable, we may be able to act for you on a No Win No Fee basis. The terms of our service will be explained clearly before you decide whether to proceed.
2. We may be able to help, but not on a No Win No Fee basis.
Depending on the circumstances of your claim, we may still be able to provide professional assistance for an agreed fee. Any proposed fee will be explained and confirmed to you before we undertake chargeable work.
3. We may advise that we are unable to take on your case.
If, following our review, we do not believe there are realistic grounds for us to assist, or we are otherwise unable to act, we will tell you.
At all times, we will be open and honest with you about our assessment of your case and its prospects of success.
Related FAQs
- First 24 Hours After Property Damage: What To Do After Fire, Flood or Escape of Water
- Do I Need a Loss Assessor?
- What Is the Difference Between a Loss Adjuster and a Loss Assessor?
- What Will It Cost Me?
- Will My Insurance Company Object to Me Using My Own Assessor?
