Fair Claims Start Here
Property damage? Get your own expert involved from the start
If damage to your home or property could lead to an insurance claim, speak to PCLA before you notify your insurer. We will listen to what happened and tell you honestly whether our help is appropriate.
If you appoint us, our building surveyors assess and document the damage, prepare the evidence and manage your claim through to settlement. PCLA is an independent loss assessor and claims management company working for policyholders, not insurers.
Speak to PCLA before you claimReal people answer 24 hours a day. Northern Ireland 028 9581 5318. Scotland 0141 461 2406.
✓ FCA authorised and regulated
✓ Qualified building surveyors
✓ Certified insurance practitioners
✓ NI and Scotland's Central Belt
Before the claim develops
Get your own assessment at the start
Your insurer may appoint a loss adjuster to assess the claim for the insurer. PCLA is appointed by you and represents you.
When you appoint us early, we can inspect the property, record the damage and review the available policy information before the claim develops. We can prepare the evidence and present your position clearly from the first inspection onwards.
If the property is unsafe or damage is continuing, deal with the immediate emergency first. Once the immediate risk is under control, speak to PCLA before notifying your insurer where possible.
YOU
You appoint PCLA
PCLA represents your interests.
INSURER
The insurer may appoint a loss adjuster
The loss adjuster assesses the claim for the insurer.
YOUR FIRST CALL
We listen to what happened and tell you honestly whether independent representation appears appropriate.
If it does, we will arrange an inspection or start with a video call when an immediate visit is not practical.
A real person can take your call at any time. Inspections, claim queries and meetings are normally arranged during business hours.
The reason why
The damage survey establishes the claim evidence
The damage you can see may not be the complete extent of the loss. It can extend into adjoining rooms, floors, walls, ceilings, insulation, services, finishes or contents. What needs to be investigated depends on what happened and the evidence at the property.
PCLA's loss assessors are building surveyors by qualification. We can assess and cost reinstatement in house on a live claim. The survey provides evidence for preparing and negotiating the claim. It also helps make sure that affected areas are not left out because the damage was not immediately visible.
01
Inspect and record
We inspect the property and identify damage connected to the insured event. We use photographs, measurements and appropriate technical evidence to record what has been affected.
02
Define and cost the scope
We set out the work needed to reinstate the affected property and prepare a costed scope. This gives the claim a clear, evidence-led basis.
03
Prepare and present the claim
We prepare and present the strongest legitimate claim supported by the policy wording and evidence. The insurer makes the final decision on policy cover.
04
Manage the process
We deal with claim correspondence, inspections and meetings. We communicate with the insurer and its representatives, review the claim position and represent your interests through to settlement.
Assess the damage. Evidence the claim. Manage the process. Negotiate the settlement.
Newry case study
A burst pipe left this home uninhabitable
The homeowner called PCLA within hours. We attended the property, helped arrange alternative accommodation and documented the buildings and contents losses from the start.
01
Inspection arranged
PCLA attended the property, reported the claim and arranged for the insurer's loss adjuster to inspect it the next day.
02
Alternative accommodation
We obtained same-day approval for alternative accommodation.
03
Buildings and contents
We then documented the buildings and contents losses.
Claim settled at
£125,000
Building reinstatement
£80,000
Contents
£45,000
Read the Newry frozen-pipe case study ↗
Every claim depends on its own facts and policy terms.
Claim management
PCLA manages the claim from the first assessment onwards
We prepare the evidence, deal with correspondence, attend relevant inspections and meetings, and represent your position through to settlement. You remain informed without having to coordinate every part of the claim yourself.
See how PCLA's loss assessor service works ↗
You remain in control of decisions that need your agreement.
01
Review the available policy information and explain the likely claim position
02
Inspect, document and cost the damage
03
Prepare reports and supporting evidence
04
Attend relevant inspections and meetings
05
Deal with the insurer and its representatives
06
Review proposals and discuss decisions with you
07
Negotiate the settlement and keep you informed
Is PCLA right for your claim?
When it makes sense to bring PCLA in
A MORE COMPLEX CLAIM
PCLA may be appropriate when
The damage affects several rooms, the building or its contents; may extend beyond what you can see; or leaves the property unsafe or uninhabitable. Fire, major water damage, flooding, storm damage, oil escape and drainage failures can require detailed evidence and coordination between several parties.
AN HONEST FIRST CONVERSATION
You do not have to decide that alone
Not every claim needs professional representation. Tell us what happened and we will explain whether PCLA appears appropriate before you decide whether to appoint us.
Common claims and routes
Water damage claims
Water can spread beyond what you can see. We assess the affected property, prepare the evidence and manage the claim from the start.
Fire damage claims
Fire, smoke and firefighting water can affect different parts of a property.
Storm damage claims
Storm claims need prompt, clear evidence of what happened and what was damaged.
Septic tank and drainage claims
Septic tank and drainage failures can cause significant property damage that needs careful assessment.
Landlord claims
We represent residential landlords dealing with insured damage to a rental property.
Commercial property claims
PCLA also represents owners dealing with commercial property damage and related insurance claims.
Claim already under way?
Already dealing with a claim that has been refused or is becoming difficult? See PCLA's property claim services.
Client experience
What PCLA clients say
“Declan was very quick to get in contact and give reassurance. Dealt with things very quickly and organised the on site assessment which was straight forward.”
Michael S.
5-star Google review · December 2024
“PCLA were excellent to deal with for our claim. Jordan kept us up to date throughout the process until everything went through, taking all the hassle out of our hands. Thoroughly recommended.”
Tony M.
5-star Google review · May 2025
“Having Jordan working on our behalf made the whole experience of having to deal with an insurance claim for a leak much easier. Would highly recommend Jordan and Property Claims Loss Assessors Ltd.”
Christine D.
5-star Google review · August 2026
Agreed before appointment
Clear fees before you appoint PCLA
STANDARD FEE
10% of the settlement plus VAT
No-win, no-fee loss-assessing services are available for most domestic property damage claims. PCLA's standard fee is 10% of the settlement plus VAT. The rate on an individual claim can be higher or lower depending on its size and complexity, and your exact fee is agreed with you in writing before you appoint us.
Your initial conversation does not commit you to appoint PCLA. We will first establish what happened, what stage the claim has reached and whether our service appears appropriate.
People who understand property and claims
Qualified people, regional service
Northern Ireland and Scotland
PCLA's team includes qualified building surveyors and certified insurance practitioners. We provide property claim representation across Northern Ireland and Scotland's Central Belt, with offices and staff in both regions.
PCLA has more than 25 years of experience in property claims.
Northern Ireland
Scotland
Property Claims Loss Assessors Ltd, trading as PCLA, is a claims management company authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FRN 933781.
Claim guidance
Start with clear claim information
Supporting services
Leak detection
PCLA provides leak detection across Northern Ireland. The service locates hidden leaks using non-invasive methods wherever possible.
Oil spill remediation
PCLA provides an oil spill remediation service that cleans up and restores properties affected by oil spills. This is separate from PCLA's loss assessing and claims management work.
Before you contact your insurer
Talk the situation through with PCLA
Tell us what happened and what you know so far. A real person will listen, ask a few questions and explain whether PCLA appears appropriate for your claim.
Before you decide
Questions about appointing PCLA
Clear answers before you decide whether to appoint PCLA.
How much does a loss assessor cost?
No-win, no-fee loss-assessing services are available for most domestic property damage claims. PCLA’s standard fee is 10% of the settlement plus VAT. The rate on an individual claim can be higher or lower depending on its size and complexity, and your exact fee is agreed with you in writing before you appoint us.
What is the difference between a loss assessor and a loss adjuster?
The insurer may appoint a loss adjuster to assess the claim for the insurer. PCLA is the policyholder’s independent representative. We work for you, prepare the evidence and manage the claim through to settlement.
When should I contact PCLA?
As soon as property damage may lead to an insurance claim. Early contact gives us the best opportunity to assess and document the damage from the start, and it is not too late if your claim is already under way.
Is my claim serious enough?
Not every claim needs professional representation. Tell us what happened and we will explain whether PCLA appears appropriate for your situation.
Can you tell me if I am covered?
We can review the available policy information and explain the likely claim position. The insurer makes the final decision on whether the policy covers the claim.
Will appointing PCLA make my claim more difficult?
PCLA manages the claim professionally and communicates with the insurer and its representatives on your behalf. Our role is to make sure the damage and your position are clearly documented and presented.
Do you cover my area?
PCLA operates across Northern Ireland and Scotland’s Central Belt, with local offices and staff in both.
Do you find the leak as well as manage the claim?
Yes. PCLA provides a professional leak detection service across Northern Ireland, using non-invasive methods wherever possible. Leak detection.