We were delighted to have Niall, 17 years old and a previous customer, intern with us for a week in July. He wanted to try his hand at loss assessing, having been so impressed with the help received when tragedy struck his family home.
Harris Balcombe are absolutely delighted to have had Niall Holohan, aged 17, intern in our Timperley office (serving the Greater Manchester area) for a week in July.
We are especially proud of this, as Niall interned with us as he is one of our past customers: he and his family were the victims of a huge fire that destroyed his family’s home. Niall was the first to hear the fire alarm and alerted his family and neighbours to keep everyone safe. The fire service said that only a matter of minutes would have made it impossible to find a way out, meaning that Niall’s actions helped prevent a family tragedy through his clearheaded thinking and initiative.
After the blaze, Harris Balcombe stepped in to reassure and help the family with the insurance claim, to enable them to get the full compensation they deserved after the tragedy – with our project management, the property was fully renovated by our network of suppliers, the family was assisted with alternative accommodation in the meantime and also received full compensation for everything that they were entitled to, including their contents claim.
Niall was so impressed by the service, help and reassurance provided during this awful time, that it inspired him to do an internship with Harris Balcombe to see if a career in loss assessing would allow him to help others in the same way, during equally difficult times for others.
During his time with us, Niall got an introduction into the world of loss assessing by helping our team to research and prepare a content’s claim, working on additional expenses claims, going through CILA webinars about policy issues in the industry and partaking in discussions with the rest of the team – we hope he enjoyed his time here.
It was a pleasure to have Niall for the week, having his first-hand experience of a house fire and feedback on customer treatment was invaluable, as was his engagement and enthusiasm.
At this point, you would hope that your insurance company is there to help but unfortunately, this is not always the case. We have known families who have felt intimidated by insurers and have been treated as though they have done something wrong, or are in some way to blame for their situation.
How to respond to a Loss Adjuster
Why they ask
This is to compare your version of events against your policy coverage and timelines.
Smart answer
Always stick to the facts. Avoid speculation or emotional exaggeration.
With a loss assessor
A loss assessor will help you structure your account clearly so you don’t over- or under-share.
How to respond to a Loss Adjuster
Why they ask
They’re basically verifying if the event falls within your coverage period.
Smart answer
Be as specific as possible with the date and time.
Avoid
'I think it was last week sometime...'
Tip
A loss assessor will ensure that this matches other documentation, like alarm logs or photos.
How to respond to a Loss Adjuster
Why they ask
They want to confirm the circumstances and establish liability or negligence.
Smart answer
Answer honestly and clearly, and mention if others were present.
Tip
If others witnessed the event, a loss assessor may advise collecting statements from them to bolster your claim.
How to respond to a Loss Adjuster
Why they ask
They want to validate the items you’re claiming for.
Smart answer
Where possible, provide receipts, invoices, photos or warranty documents.
No receipts?
No stress, a loss assessor may be able to help you establish the value using alternative methods.
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