0800 980 2230 Free claim review

Loss assessor or loss adjuster, whose side are they on?

Both are qualified claims professionals, and the two roles are often confused. The critical difference is who appoints them, and whose interests they represent.

Start a free review Call 0800 980 2230

Loss assessor

Your side
+Appointed by you, the policyholder, at any stage of the claim
+Prepares and presents the claim in your interest
+Negotiates scope, valuation, and settlement on your behalf
+Typically paid via the Professional Fees clause in your policy
+Regulated by the FCA when authorised as a claims management firm

Loss adjuster

The insurer’s side
−Appointed and paid by the insurance company
−Expected to act independently, but takes instruction from the insurer
−Assesses liability and quantum against the policy wording
−Not there to maximise your settlement
−May be internal to the insurer, or an appointed third-party firm
The short version

Two sides. One conversation. Different jobs.

When you make a serious claim, the insurer sends a loss adjuster to assess it on their behalf. You have the right to send a loss assessor to assess it on yours.

What a loss adjuster does

The loss adjuster’s job is to establish, on behalf of the insurer, whether the loss is covered and, if so, at what value. They will attend the property, gather evidence, take statements, review the scope of works and the schedule of contents, and report back to the insurer with a recommendation. In many cases they also negotiate the settlement.

They are usually well qualified and professional. They are also paid by, and act on the instructions of, the insurance company.

What a loss assessor does

A loss assessor does the mirror image job on the policyholder’s side. We attend the property, gather evidence, prepare a schedule of loss, cost the scope of works, present the claim in the format the insurer expects, and negotiate scope, quantum and settlement.

The difference is who we work for. We take instructions from you, we act in your interest, and we do not report to the insurer.

When you would want your own assessor

  • The loss is large or complex enough that under-scoping would cost you real money
  • The insurer has offered less than the works actually cost
  • The insurer has denied cover on grounds you do not agree with
  • You do not have the time to fight the claim while also running your home or your business
  • You want a single point of contact for surveyors, drying specialists and contractors

Can you have both?

Yes, and that is normally how it works. The insurer’s adjuster represents the insurer, and your assessor represents you. Between the two of you the claim gets tested from both sides and a fair settlement is reached.

Facing a claim without your own assessor?

Free claim review Call 0800 980 2230