We specialise in the supply of industrial transit packaging materials. The main warehouse that was destroyed was just over 50,000 square feet.
We knew it was a large fire even before we arrived — probably still a mile away — the flames were in the sky and the amount of smoke was incredible. I remember travelling up the ring road and seeing the smoke from the building.
The fire took days to put out because the warehouse was full of packaging material. The devastation was immense.
The first time we became aware of Harris Balcombe was on the morning of the fire, when one of their representatives approached us and handed over a business card.
We decided not to use our insurance broker to deal with the claim. Given the scale of what had happened, we felt it was beyond what a broker could handle. We wanted professional help from experts who could fight our corner and act entirely on our behalf, with no vested interests.
Harris Balcombe’s professionalism, knowledge of the industry, and attention to detail were outstanding. We worked with Jonathan Samuelson, a Chartered Accountant, who was excellent and had his finger right on the pulse. The building side was managed by Alan Hintze, a Chartered Surveyor, who was also highly professional and did a great job.
They were an excellent company to hold our hand through a crisis — a situation we’d never anticipated being in. Their support allowed us to focus on the day-to-day task of getting the business back up and running.
Harris Balcombe enabled us to secure the insurance payment we needed to continue trading after such a major incident — which was absolutely critical.
After the fire, we had no stock and no warehouse, so we outsourced all of our logistics and warehousing and relocated to Eddie Stobart, who are experts in that area. That allowed us to concentrate on what we do best.
We believe that if we’d used less experienced advisers, the settlement figure would have been significantly lower — perhaps a third of what Harris Balcombe achieved for us.
For anyone facing a similarly difficult or challenging situation, I would highly recommend Harris Balcombe.
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.
Hassle free, no obligations is how we operate. So if you’d like to speak to us call our 24/7 Helpline on 03300229179 or email us at info@harrisbalcombe.com. Or simply click the button below ...