In 2022 we were instructed by an MGA to visit a Major fire in a large converted barn complex in rural Sussex. The damage to living areas was widespread, therefore alternative accommodation had been required for the policyholder. In addition to this, the policyholder ran a dog kennels and cattery business from the site, which in the circumstances was not able to trade – therefore the claim also had a business interruption element to it.

When Ambience were instructed, the policyholder had already instructed a loss assessor to work on their behalf. The Loss Assessor asserted that a complete demolition and rebuild of the property was necessary at a cost of between £340,000 – £350,000. However due in part to recent inflationary trends it was clear that the policyholder was potentially underinsured. 

One of Ambience Response’s directly employed MCIOB Chartered Surveyors undertook a full assessment of both damage and policy cover, and designed the most cost-effective and non-destructive restoration and reinstatement scope. We judged that demolition and complete rebuild were technically unnecessary, and that it would be a much more cost effective and quicker resolution were a good proportion of the existing build fabric restored rather than rebuilt.  

To clearly demonstrate our case, we brought in an independent structural engineer to inspect the damage against Ambience’s proposed restoration scope. The structural engineer agreed entirely with our findings.

Convinced by Ambience’s findings, and the fact that our works would enable them to get their business up and running again more quickly, the policyholder consented to Ambience going ahead, and our MGA client authorized us to crack on with our project plan.

We were able to fully restore and reinstate the property for £181,000, meaning our surveyor’s buildings expertise saved our MGA insurance client at least £169,000, and significant alternative accommodation and business interruption costs besides.