When the Claim Starts, Uncertainty Takes Over [Irish Broker Magazine Feature]
OMC Claims is pleased to share that Liam Ryan, Managing Director of OMC Claims, has contributed an article to the May 2026 edition of Irish Broker Magazine.
The article explores an issue that many property owners only fully understand when they need to make a claim: having insurance cover in place does not always mean feeling confident when a loss occurs.
Drawing on recent research conducted by Amárach Research on behalf of OMC Claims, Liam highlights a clear gap between being insured and feeling prepared for the claims process. The findings show that many policyholders feel uncertain, stressed or underprepared once assessments, documentation, loss adjusters and settlement discussions begin.
This is particularly important for brokers, who are often a key source of advice and reassurance for clients before, during and after a claim.
A confidence gap at claims stage
In the article, Liam explains that Irish property owners are often well insured on paper. Policies are renewed, cover levels are reviewed and the correct protections may appear to be in place. However, when a serious claim arises, the experience can feel very different.
For many policyholders, the claims process introduces uncertainty at exactly the moment they need clarity most. Questions can quickly arise around what is covered, how damage is assessed, how settlement figures are calculated and whether the insurer’s position should be challenged.
This uncertainty can leave homeowners and business owners feeling exposed, even where they have taken responsible steps to protect their property.
Why this matters for brokers
Liam’s contribution also looks at the growing importance of the broker’s role beyond policy placement.
The article makes the case that brokers are well positioned to help clients understand what may happen if a claim arises. This includes setting expectations around timelines, documentation, negotiations and the role of the different parties involved.
For commercial policyholders in particular, this kind of preparation can be extremely valuable. Larger property claims can be complex, technical and time-consuming, often involving multiple experts and a significant amount of evidence. For business owners, the priority is usually to reopen, stabilise cashflow and return to normal operations as quickly as possible.
By helping clients think about claims preparedness earlier, brokers can strengthen trust, improve client understanding and support better outcomes when it matters most.
Raising awareness of independent claims support
A key theme in the article is the lack of awareness among policyholders that they can appoint an independent loss assessor to represent their interests during a claim.
This is an important distinction. A loss assessor acts on behalf of the policyholder, not the insurer. Their role is to help prepare, manage and negotiate the claim, making sure the full extent of the loss is properly presented and that the policyholder has expert support throughout the process.
For OMC Claims, this lack of awareness remains one of the most important issues in the market. Many policyholders only discover that independent support is available after they are already deep into a stressful or disputed claim.
From cover to confidence
The central message from Liam’s Irish Broker contribution is clear: the real test of insurance often comes at settlement, not renewal.
Insurance should not simply be viewed as a document or annual transaction. It should give policyholders confidence that, if something goes wrong, they will have the support, guidance and expertise needed to reach a fair outcome.
For brokers, this creates an opportunity to move the conversation from cover alone to confidence, preparedness and advocacy.
OMC Claims welcomes the opportunity to contribute to this important industry discussion and to continue raising awareness of the support available to policyholders when property claims arise.
Read Liam Ryan’s full article, “When the Claim Starts, Uncertainty Takes Over,” in the May 2026 edition of Irish Broker Magazine:
The May 2026 issue is available through Irish Broker Magazine’s website
