Loss adjusters and loss assessors are easily confused

So What’s the Difference?

Simply put, loss adjusters work for your insurance company and their interests, while loss assessors work for the policyholder and solely for your benefit.

What Does a Loss Adjuster Do?

A loss adjuster is a professional appointed by insurance companies to investigate large or complex insurance claims. They inspect damage, determine the cause of the loss, check if it is covered by the policy, and determine a fair settlement amount.

Key Responsibilities

Investigate Damage: They visit the site, take photos, and investigate the cause of the damage.
Determine Liability: They determine if the claim is valid according to the insurance policy terms.
Estimate Costs (we are also chartered quantity surveyors!): They calculate the cost of repairs, including materials and labour.
Negotiate Settlement: They recommend a final payout value to the insurer.
Manage Specialists: They may engage experts like building surveyors or forensic engineers.

Insurance companies are unsurprisingly reluctant to pay out any more than they absolutely have to. They have shareholders right? The larger the claim the more likely it is for the insurer to appoint a loss adjuster. While paid by the insurer, they are meant to be impartial, though their primary role is to ensure the claim is valid and not inflated.

Loss adjusters are NOT there to help you make your claim. Many policyholders fall into the trap of assuming the loss adjuster, because he or she is a qualified professional, that they will take care of all their interests and guide them through the process.

They are not appointed to advise you on the best way for you to make a claim – they only look at the incident in the context of your policy cover, and the remit they have with your insurer.

They will not help you if you want to dispute a settlement offer – the onus is on you to prove you are entitled to more than the offer recommended to your insurer by the loss adjuster.

So, what Does a Loss Assessor Do?

Loss Assessors are appointed by policyholders to manage a claim on their behalf. They can be called on to help with all manner of loss-related insurance claims. Perhaps your business or property has been damaged by fire, flood, escape of water, storms or subsidence.

A qualified loss assessor will handle every aspect of your claim process. They will help with every stage of your claim, from the paperwork to the more practical aspects. They will meet with insurance company representatives, or their appointed loss adjusters, in order to negotiate the best possible claim settlement for you.

They’re excellent negotiators and experts when it comes to policy terms and conditions.
They know how to properly quantify claims to ensure that you claim for an accurate and realistic amount.
They have a thorough understanding of how the insurance company claims department work.
They strive to obtain interim payments when you need them.

You wouldn't choose to represent yourself in court so why would you do the same when managing a claim.

a loss assessor will fight your corner and expertly negotiate your claim on your behalf, getting you the settlement you are entitled to.

Heres what Admiral say about loss assessors...

A Guide to Loss Assessors | Admiral

Here's what MSE have to say about loss assessors...

www.moneysavingexpert.com/insurance/loss-assessors/

Do I Need a Loss Assessor?

Understanding when professional representation can benefit your insurance claim

When property damage occurs and you need to make an insurance claim, one of the key decisions you'll face is whether to handle the claim yourself or engage a loss assessor to represent you. While not every claim requires professional assistance, there are many situations where a loss assessor's expertise can make a significant difference to the outcome.

This guide helps you understand when hiring a loss assessor is beneficial, what value they bring in different situations, and how to decide whether professional representation is right for your specific circumstances.

Situations Where a Loss Assessor Is Highly Beneficial

Certain situations strongly favour using a loss assessor due to the complexity, value, or contentious nature of the claim:

High-Value Claims

When your claim involves significant sums (typically £10,000 or more), the potential benefit of professional representation usually far outweighs the cost. Loss assessors typically achieve settlements 20-40% higher than policyholders obtain themselves, meaning their fee is often more than covered by the increased settlement.

For high-value claims, even small percentage improvements in settlement can represent substantial amounts. A loss assessor's expertise in valuation, policy interpretation, and negotiation becomes increasingly valuable as claim values rise.

Complex or Extensive Damage

When damage affects multiple areas of your property, involves structural issues, or requires specialist assessment, the complexity can be overwhelming for someone without professional experience. Loss assessors understand how to:

Identify all damage, including hidden or consequential damage
Coordinate multiple specialist reports
Ensure all aspects are properly documented and claimed
Present complex information clearly to insurers

Disputed or Rejected Claims

If your insurer has rejected your claim or offered a settlement you believe is inadequate, a loss assessor can:

Review the insurer's decision and identify weaknesses in their position
Gather additional evidence to support your claim
Present a professional counter-argument
Negotiate from a position of expertise

In disputed situations, having professional representation levels the playing field against the insurer's loss adjuster and legal team.

Business or Commercial Property Claims

Commercial property claims are typically more complex than residential claims, often involving business interruption, loss of income, and specialized equipment. The higher values and greater complexity make professional representation particularly valuable. Loss assessors experienced in commercial claims understand the specific considerations and documentation required.

When You Lack Time or Expertise

Managing an insurance claim properly requires significant time and knowledge. If you:

Have demanding work commitments that prevent you dedicating time to the claim
Find insurance terminology and processes confusing
Feel overwhelmed by the documentation requirements
Are dealing with other stresses related to the property damage

A loss assessor can handle everything on your behalf, removing the burden during what is often an already stressful time.

Subsidence or Structural Issues

Subsidence claims are among the most complex and lengthy insurance claims, often taking 12-18 months or more. They require specialist knowledge, coordination of multiple expert reports, and understanding of technical engineering concepts. The complexity and high value of subsidence claims make professional representation particularly beneficial.

When You Might Not Need a Loss Assessor

There are situations where handling a claim yourself may be perfectly adequate:

Small, Straightforward Claims

For minor damage with clear liability and low value (typically under £5,000), the cost of a loss assessor may not be justified. If the damage is simple, well-documented, and your insurer is cooperative, you can likely handle it yourself effectively.

Understanding the Cost-Benefit Equation

When deciding whether to use a loss assessor, it's important to understand the financial equation:

Our typical Fee Structure:

Percentage Fee:

10% of final settlement (most common for residential claims)

Fixed Fee:

Agreed upfront amount (less common for residential claims)

Hourly Rate:

£100 per hour (rare for full claim management)

Example Calculation

Consider a claim where you might settle for £30,000 on your own, but a loss assessor achieves £40,000:

Settlement with loss assessor: £40,000

Loss assessor fee (10%): -£4,000

Net to you: £36,000

Benefit over handling yourself: £6,000

In this scenario, even after paying the loss assessor's fee, you're £6,000 better off than if you'd handled the claim yourself.

The key question is whether the increased settlement a loss assessor is likely to achieve will exceed their fee. For high-value or complex claims, the answer is usually yes. For small, straightforward claims, it may not be.

Questions to Help You Decide

Ask yourself these questions to help determine whether you need a loss assessor:

Is the claim value substantial?

Generally, claims over £10,000 benefit from professional representation. The higher the value, the more beneficial a loss assessor becomes.

Is the damage complex or extensive?

Multiple types of damage, structural issues, or damage affecting many areas of your property increase complexity and favor professional help.

Do you understand your insurance policy?

If policy terms are confusing or you're unsure what you're entitled to claim, a loss assessor can provide clarity and ensure you claim everything covered.

Do you have time to manage the claim properly?

Claims require significant time for documentation, communication, and coordination. If you can't dedicate this time, a loss assessor handles everything.

Is your insurer or loss adjuster being difficult or uncooperative?

If you're experiencing delays, inadequate offers, or rejection of your claim, professional representation can help overcome these obstacles.

Are you confident negotiating?

Negotiating with insurance companies requires specific skills and knowledge. If you're not confident in this area, a loss assessor's expertise is valuable.

Is the stress affecting your wellbeing?

Dealing with property damage is stressful. If managing the claim is adding significantly to your stress, professional help can provide peace of mind.

General Rule: If you answered "yes" to three or more of these questions, you would likely benefit from using a loss assessor.

Alternative Options to Consider

If you're unsure about using a loss assessor for your entire claim, there are middle-ground options:

Initial Consultation

We can offer an initial consultation where we review your situation and advise whether professional representation would be beneficial. This can help you make an informed decision without committing to full representation.

Limited Assistance

We can offer limited services such as policy review, damage assessment, or settlement review rather than full claim management. This can provide professional input at key stages while keeping costs lower.

Making Your Decision

The decision to use a loss assessor is personal and depends on your specific circumstances. Consider these final points:

The Cost Is Often Recovered

For most claims where a loss assessor is appropriate, the increased settlement they achieve typically exceeds their fee, meaning you end up with more money than if you'd handled it yourself.

Peace of Mind Has Value

Beyond the financial equation, having professional representation provides peace of mind that your claim is being handled properly and your interests are protected. This has real value during a stressful time.

You Can't Undo Mistakes

Once you accept a settlement, it's final. If you later discover you missed damage or accepted too little, you typically can't reopen the claim. Professional representation helps ensure you get it right the first time.

Early Involvement Is Best

If you're going to use a loss assessor, earlier is better. They can ensure proper documentation from the start, which is harder to rectify later. However, they can still add value even if brought in mid-claim.

Weighing up Your Options

Whether you need a loss assessor depends on the value and complexity of your claim, your own expertise and available time, and how your insurer is handling the situation.

For high-value, complex, or disputed claims, professional representation typically provides significant benefits that outweigh the cost.

For smaller, straightforward claims with cooperative insurers, you may be able to handle things adequately yourself. When in doubt, consider seeking an initial consultation with a loss assessor to get professional advice on whether representation would benefit your specific situation. This small investment in advice can help you make an informed decision about how to proceed with your claim.

Why Choose us to manage your claim?

The owner and founder is a chartered quantity surveyor that spent almost 20 years working alongside loss adjusters and insurance professionals. He therefore has a valuable insight into how the process works. Time and time again he would see policyholders left floundering because they were expecting the insurer and the loss adjuster to actively guide them through their claim.

We are here to

Level the playing field - Insurance companies have professional loss adjusters on their side. A loss assessor is your expert counterpart, representing your interests and no one else’s.
Maximise your claim - We make sure you get the best outcome possible, whether that's in the settlement or getting you back in your home the quickest.
Reduce stress and disruption - We manage every stage of the claims process. We will document the damage, coordinate contractors, liaise with your insurer and negotiate the settlement on your behalf.
Get you back on track as quickly as possible - With over 20 year's of experience, we know how to navigate the claims process efficiently and quickly.

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​​​Loss adjusters and loss assessors are easily confused