How Much Does a Loss Assessor Cost?

How fees work

How loss assessors are paid

A loss assessor's fee is usually a percentage of the final settlement, agreed with you in writing before any work starts. The percentage can vary with the size and complexity of the claim.

Because the fee comes out of the settlement, you normally don't pay anything upfront. The aim is that our work increases the settlement by more than the cost of our fee.

At Independent Claims Consultants, your first consultation is free and there's no obligation. We work on a no win, no fee basis, so we don't get paid until you do. We'll explain how our fee works for your claim before you agree to anything.

What the fee covers

A dedicated loss assessor

One expert manages your claim from first visit to final settlement.

Emergency help

Securing the property, organising emergency works and arranging alternative accommodation where needed.

A full assessment

Identifying the full extent of the damage to your buildings and contents, including what's easy to miss.

Preparing and negotiating

Presenting your whole claim and dealing with your insurer and its loss adjuster for you.

Specialist support

Legal and other specialists where a claim needs them.

Overseeing the repairs

Helping you appoint surveyors and contractors, and supervising the work to completion.

Step by step

Questions to ask any loss assessor

Whoever you choose, get clear answers before you sign.

What is the fee, and how is it worked out?Make sure you know the percentage and what it's calculated on.
What happens if the claim isn't successful?With no win, no fee, you shouldn't owe a fee if there's no settlement.
Who will handle my claim?Ask whether you'll have one named person from start to finish.
Are you regulated?Claims management is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. You can check the FCA register.
Are you members of a professional body?Such as the Institute of Public Loss Assessors.
Can I cancel?Ask what the cancellation terms are, and get everything in writing.

Is it worth it?

For a small, simple claim that your insurer is handling well, you may not need a loss assessor at all. We'll tell you if we think that's the case.

It's usually worth it when the damage is serious, the claim is complicated, you've been displaced from your home or business, or the insurer is disputing or reducing the claim. In those cases, people often don't know everything they can claim for.

It also saves you time and stress. Managing a major claim can feel like a full-time job while you're trying to get back to normal.

FAQs

Common questions

See all FAQs

How much do loss assessors charge?

Fees are usually a percentage of the final settlement, agreed in advance. The percentage can vary depending on the size and complexity of the claim. We'll explain our fee for your claim during your free consultation.

Do I have to pay anything upfront?

Not with us. Your first consultation is free and we work on a no win, no fee basis, so we don't get paid until you do.

Doesn't my insurer's loss adjuster do this for free?

A loss adjuster is appointed and paid by your insurer and works on its behalf. A loss assessor is appointed by you and works only for you. Read more about the difference.

Will appointing a loss assessor upset my insurer?

No. Appointing your own representation is common, and it's your right. Having a professional present your claim can make the process smoother for everyone.

Keep reading

More from our advice centre

All guides

Loss adjuster vs loss assessorWho they work for, what they do and why it pays to have your own representation. My insurance claim was rejected: what now?Why claims are turned down or reduced, how to challenge the decision and where to complain. How long does an insurance claim take?The stages of a property claim, what slows it down and how to keep yours moving.

Need help with your claim?

Speak to an experienced loss assessor for free, no-obligation advice. No win, no fee.

Start your claim Call 0161 904 7800

Lines open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.