Coming home to find your front wall knocked down by a car, or a boundary wall flattened after a storm, is stressful. Here is what to do, step by step, to keep everyone safe and give your insurance claim the best chance.
1. Make sure it is safe
Damaged walls, piers and chimneys can be unstable and may fall without warning. Keep people, especially children, and pets well away. If brickwork has fallen onto a pavement or road, or a wall is leaning towards a public area, report it to your local council. If a gas, water or electricity supply has been damaged, call the relevant emergency line.
2. Record everything
- Take photos and video from several angles before anything is moved
- If a vehicle was involved, get the driver’s name, address, registration and insurance details
- Note the date, time and any witnesses
- If the driver has left the scene, report it to the police
3. Contact your insurer
Most home insurance policies cover sudden damage to walls and gates from storms, falling trees or impact, but the details vary, so check your policy. If another driver hit your wall, their motor insurer is usually responsible, and your own insurer can often help you claim from them.
4. Get a written quote
Insurers and loss adjusters normally want an itemised quote from a contractor, with photos of the damage. A good quote should make clear exactly what is being rebuilt, including footings where needed, and that the brick, bond and mortar will be matched to the original.
5. Rebuild properly
An insurance repair should put your property back as it was. Do not accept a rebuild in a brick that does not match, or one that skips the footing. We carry out insurance brickwork repairs across Bexleyheath and the surrounding areas and can provide the photos and quote your insurer needs. Call 01322 515657 to talk it through.