Your guide to the insurance claim process
Helping homeowners get back to normal
Your insurance company has approved your claim and authorised us to proceed with the repair work.
We are now organising subcontractors, ordering materials, and preparing a repair schedule. Once the timeline is confirmed, we will send you a link to the live schedule so you can stay informed as your claim progresses.
Insurance repairs require specific sequencing and experienced trades, which means there can be a lead time before repairs begin. We will be in touch to advise you of our current lead time and discuss property access.
This is the right time to discuss any upgrades or additional work you want to include alongside your insurance repair. Planning this in early helps ensure the work can be coordinated smoothly.
If you have already accepted a quote for additional work, upgrades or renovations, this will be integrated with your repair schedule.
If you have any questions, please reach out to us.
Quick overview of next steps:
1
We will conduct a site visit and send a detailed report and quote to your insurance company.
2
Your insurance company will contact you if your claim is accepted. If you have a policy excess, this will need to be paid before repair work can start.
3
If you have requested any additional work, upgrades or a full renovation, we will provide you with a separate detailed quote. An insurance claim can be a good opportunity to upgrade the affected area. We can integrate any additional work seamlessly with the insurance repairs.
4
Once your claim has been advanced, we will organise subcontractors and materials, and prepare a schedule of repairs. You will recieve a link to view the schedule of repairs in real-time through the online client portal.
5
We will keep you updated throughout the repair process by sharing important notes and photos, as well as touching base with you weekly to answer any questions and track progress.
6
Once the repair work is complete, we will either call you or schedule an in-person walkthrough to ensure you are happy with the result, and discuss any concerns you have.
Why choose a specialist insurance builder?
Insurance repairs are not the same as standard building work. It is important that the builder who carries out the initial site visit is trained to identify potential hidden damage, mould or trapped water.
A specialist insurance builder understands the health risks of contamination, lingering mould and smoke residue. They will be able to make important decisions on site regarding makesafe and emergency work required to guarantee your home is safe and dry.
An accurate detailed scope of repairs is what ensures the entire claims process runs smoothly. Our builders are experienced in scoping insurance repair work and know what to look for to minimize unexpected costs or delays.
Frequently Asked Questions - Claim Approved
How long will it be before work starts?
Once a claim is approved, time is needed to organise trades, order materials, and prepare a repair schedule. Start times vary depending on trade availability, material lead times and our existing workload. We will be in touch soon with our current lead time so you have an idea of when we can start the work. This will be followed by a detailed repair schedule once all trades and materials are secured.
Can I request upgrades or additional work now?
Yes — this is the best time to discuss any upgrades or additional work you’d like to include alongside your insurance repair. We can help you explore options and pricing before the schedule is finalised.
Can I request changes after the schedule is confirmed?
Once the repair schedule is confirmed or work is underway, changes can disrupt trade sequencing and may cause delays. For this reason, additional work may not be able to be accommodated unless it is planned into the schedule.
What if I want to take a cash settlement instead?
If you’re considering this option, we recommend speaking with your insurer or loss adjuster to understand how the settlement amount is calculated and what responsibilities sit with you once a cash settlement is
accepted.
Cash settlement can be a good option if the insurance repair is very straightforward and it is unlikely there will be hidden damage discovered once the repairs start. It can also work well if you are wanting to upgrade or renovate the affected area. However, once a claim is cash settled, it can be more difficult to have additional damage or costs approved by your insurance company. You may be out of pocket depending on the trades you choose to engage.
If I take a cash settlement, will you still complete the repairs?
We generally like to keep our schedule free for insurance repairs, however we will discuss the possibility of doing the repair work directly with you.
If you take a cash settlement, we will provide you with our quote to complete the repairs as per the repair scope, including the management of materials and subcontractors.
This will need to be accepted by you and deposit paid before we can start the repairs. In some cases where claims are cash settled, we may recommend that you engage your own builder depending on our workload and commitment to other insurance repairs.
What if I have a builder who is cheaper or available earlier?
You’re welcome to choose a different builder to complete the repair work. Insurance repairs often involve complexities such as hidden moisture, mould, smoke residue, or contamination risks, and it is
important to choose a builder who is familiar with these risks and reinstatement requirements.
If further damage is discovered during repairs, an insurance approved builder status helps additional work and costs to be assessed and progressed efficiently, minimising delays. When unfamiliar trades or methods are used, it can sometimes lead to scope changes or additional costs that weren’t anticipated. Many clients choose to proceed with us knowing the repair will be carefully planned, well coordinated, and backed by a strong
familiarity with the insurance process.
Do I need to do anything while waiting?
At this stage, no action is required. We will be in touch with updates as your claim progresses. If your availability changes, please let us know.
Who can I contact with questions?
During this stage, the best point of contact is to call our office. You can call us on 06 378 2119 or email build@checkleyltd.co.nz