Cunningham Lindsey's validation and repair service, Building Solutions, is now rejecting over 90% of wind-storm damage claims that are inspected by its licensed building adjusters, because of uninsurable maintenance issues.

According to Weathernet, the UK insurance industry spent £1bn in 2008 on weather related claims, yet there were only five windstorms events in the UK of sufficient force to damage property, according to Ian Sutcliffe, head of the national field force for Cunningham Lindsey.

"In an average year there are only 12 days when a storm occurs. However, we continue to receive instructions from insurers and see the industry paying out for claims occurring on over 200 days per year. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) states that about five million roofs and five million chimneys are in need of repair and we believe that the lack of basic maintenance to properties leads policyholders to make erroneous insurance claims following strong winds or heavy rainfall," says Sutcliffe.

"Expertise at the front end of the claims process is critical to ensure insurers are only paying for valid claims when genuine storm damage happens. Our Building Solutions service is distinct from others because the validity and scope of a claim is separated from the repair process. By considering up to 20 different factors, including using Weathernet's records, we are able to identify maintenance-related defects that are simply not covered by an insurance policy."

"The process for dealing with these losses involves independently validating each claim, arranging payment and preparing a repair schedule to suit the customer. This supports the principle of Treating Customers Fairly."

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