After a major property loss, a documented damage assessment helps support your insurance claim. Expertises LMS assists policyholders throughout Quebec with examining damage to buildings and belongings, gathering supporting evidence and discussing assessment differences with their insurer.
We work to document and pursue all losses covered by your insurance policy. Compensation depends on the coverage, terms and limits that apply to your claim.
Our experts bring more than 65 years of combined claims adjustment experience. Hundreds of satisfied clients have placed their trust in Expertises LMS.
An assessment informed by your insurance policy
Documenting damage and determining whether it is covered are complementary steps. Coverage, exclusions, limits, deductibles and settlement provisions need to be reviewed in light of your policy and the circumstances of the loss.
Our work involves describing and estimating losses using the available information, then considering them alongside the relevant coverage. An assessment does not guarantee that every loss will be covered or that a specific amount will be paid.
Learn about our insurance policy review service.
How we document the damage
1. Examining the site and affected property
Depending on the scope of our engagement and access conditions, we visit the property to observe damage and gather relevant information. This may include building components, equipment and affected belongings. Visits are arranged according to the needs of the claim and site safety conditions.
2. Preparing an inventory supported by evidence
We gather available photographs, descriptions, invoices and other records to document damaged property. The aim is to present a detailed inventory and identify missing information.
3. Documenting costs and values
We examine information supporting the amounts claimed, including the characteristics of the property, its condition before the loss and available repair or replacement estimates. How these amounts are treated in the claim depends on the policy terms.
4. Reviewing differences between assessments
When the insurer’s assessment is available, we compare it with the information in our file. We identify differences and discuss points requiring clarification, using the supporting documents.
What documents should you prepare?
- Your insurance policy and endorsements;
- available photographs of the damage and, where possible, the property before the loss;
- an initial inventory of affected belongings;
- available invoices, receipts, descriptions and other supporting records;
- estimates, assessments and correspondence received from your insurer.
You can contact us before your file is complete. We can discuss which information would be useful to gather.
From damage assessment to your insurance claim
The assessment provides information for preparing your insurance claim and negotiating the settlement. Depending on the scope of our engagement, we organize the documents and represent your interests in discussions with your insurer.
LMS assists homeowners and businesses with major losses, including fires, explosions and structural collapses. We do not handle water damage claims.
Explore our support for fire insurance claims in Quebec.
Free consultation and professional fees
The initial consultation is free. If you retain us, LMS’s fees are deducted from the insurance settlement paid at the end of the settlement process, as set out in the written engagement agreement. You are responsible for these fees. Take time to understand the services included and the payment terms before signing.
In past claims handled by LMS, additional settlement amounts obtained have offset our fees. Results vary from case to case; this outcome is not a guarantee for your claim.
Prefer to call? 1 844 843-9128.
Documenting damaged belongings
What if I no longer have the receipts?
Gather what is available: older photographs, purchase records, warranties, order emails or model information. These can help document the belongings; the evidence needed will depend on the claim.
How can I organize a room-by-room inventory?
For each room or area, list the affected items, quantities, descriptions and available records. Identify uncertain information and avoid counting an item twice. Do not enter a building that is unsafe to access.
Why might two estimates differ?
They may include different work, quantities, materials or costs. Identifying these differences helps frame specific questions and determine what additional information is needed.
Example: Furniture was destroyed and the receipts are missing. Older photographs and purchase records may help document the belongings.