The main difference is who they are appointed to represent during the insurance claim.
A loss adjuster is commonly appointed by an insurance company to investigate and assess an insurance claim on the insurer’s behalf.
A loss assessor is appointed by the policyholder to provide professional claims assistance and represent the policyholder’s interests during the claims process.
Imperial Claims Consultants acts on behalf of policyholders. We do not act for insurance companies.
What does a Loss Adjuster do?
A loss adjuster may be appointed by an insurer following notification of an insurance claim.
The precise role will depend on the circumstances of the claim and the instructions received from the insurer. This may include investigating the circumstances of the loss, reviewing the damage and available evidence, considering the relevant insurance policy and reporting to the insurer.
The loss adjuster may also communicate with the policyholder and other relevant parties while the claim is being investigated and assessed.
A loss adjuster’s involvement does not necessarily mean that your claim will be accepted or declined. The insurer remains responsible for its decisions in relation to the insurance claim.
What does a Loss Assessor do?
A loss assessor is appointed by the policyholder.
Where Imperial Claims Consultants is appointed, our role is to provide professional claims assistance and represent your interests during the property insurance claims process.
Depending on the circumstances of your claim, this may include:
- reviewing the circumstances of the loss and relevant insurance policy documentation;
- helping you understand the claims process and your responsibilities as a policyholder;
- reviewing available evidence and information relating to the property damage;
- helping to identify relevant heads of loss and supporting information;
- liaising with the insurer, loss adjuster, surveyors and other relevant parties;
- attending relevant meetings or inspections where appropriate; and
- representing your interests during the insurance claims process.
The precise assistance we provide will depend on the circumstances of your claim and will be explained before you decide whether to appoint us.
Is a Loss Adjuster independent of my insurance company?
The important question is who has appointed the loss adjuster and in what capacity they are acting.
Where a loss adjuster has been appointed by your insurer, they are carrying out their professional role in connection with the insurer’s handling and assessment of the claim.
This does not mean that a loss adjuster should act improperly or unfairly. It simply means that they have not been appointed by you to represent your interests as the policyholder.
A loss assessor, by comparison, is appointed by the policyholder to provide professional claims assistance on the policyholder’s behalf.
Do Loss Adjusters and Loss Assessors work against each other?
They should not need to.
Loss adjusters and loss assessors have different roles and may represent different parties during the claims process.
At Imperial Claims Consultants, we believe claims should be dealt with professionally and based on the relevant policy wording, the facts and the available evidence.
Where we are appointed, we may communicate and work professionally with the insurer’s loss adjuster while representing the interests of our client, the policyholder.
There may be issues on which the parties disagree. Where that happens, our role is to explain and support our client’s position clearly and professionally.
Why might I appoint a Loss Assessor?
Insurance companies and their representatives deal with insurance claims regularly. For many policyholders, a significant fire, flood, escape of water or other property loss may be the first major insurance claim they have experienced.
You may decide that you would benefit from having professional claims assistance focused on your interests during the process.
This may be particularly relevant where:
- the property damage is significant;
- the claim is complex;
- you are unsure how the insurance policy may respond;
- the claim involves several different parties or professionals;
- you are finding the claims process difficult to manage; or
- you are experiencing problems or disagreement during the claim.
Not every property insurance claim requires a loss assessor.
If you contact Imperial Claims Consultants, we can carry out an initial review of your situation and explain whether we believe we may be able to assist.
Who does Imperial Claims Consultants represent?
Imperial Claims Consultants acts on behalf of policyholders in relation to property insurance claims.
We do not act for insurance companies.
M&D Claims Consultants Ltd, trading as Imperial Claims Consultants, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 1011508).
If you have suffered significant property damage and are unsure who is representing your interests during the insurance claim, contact us and explain what has happened. We will tell you honestly whether we believe we may be able to help.
