Advice centre
Loss adjuster vs loss assessor
They sound alike, but they work for different people. Here's the difference, and why it matters for your claim.
Two experts, two sides
A loss adjuster is appointed and paid by your insurer to investigate a complex or contentious claim. They establish the cause of the loss, check whether it's covered by your policy and report back with a recommended settlement. They review your claim from the insurer's point of view.
They aren't appointed to advise you on making your claim, and they won't help if you want to dispute their recommendation. The onus is on you to prove you're entitled to more.
A loss assessor is appointed by you. We prepare and negotiate your claim and fight your corner. It pays to appoint one early: once the adjuster's report has been submitted, it can be very difficult to challenge.
| Question | Loss adjuster | Loss assessor |
|---|---|---|
| Who appoints them? | Your insurer | You |
| Whose interests? | The insurer's | Yours, and only yours |
| Prepares your claim? | No | Yes, in full |
| Negotiates the settlement? | For the insurer | For you |
| Helps you dispute an offer? | No | Yes |
| Who pays them? | Your insurer | No win, no fee |
Common questions
What is a loss assessor?
A loss assessor is an independent professional hired by you, the policyholder, to prepare and negotiate your insurance claim with your insurer. You are our client, so we work for you, with your interests at heart.
Our job is to make sure you receive your full entitlement. Without professional representation, many people never receive the full value of their loss.
What does a loss adjuster do?
A loss adjuster is a claims specialist appointed and paid by an insurer to investigate a complex or contentious claim. They establish the cause of the loss and whether it's covered by your policy, then report to the insurer with a recommended settlement.
They aren't appointed to advise you on how best to make your claim, and they won't help you if you want to dispute a settlement offer. The onus is on you to prove you're entitled to more.
My insurer is sending a loss adjuster. Why do I need you?
The loss adjuster visits your property and assesses the damage on behalf of your insurer. It's common practice to appoint your own representation at this point. As your loss assessor, we manage every aspect of your claim to obtain the best possible settlement for you.
When should I contact a loss assessor?
At the earliest opportunity. The start of your claim is the best time, because that's when your insurer instructs a loss adjuster to act on its behalf, not yours. If you appoint a loss assessor after the adjuster's report has gone in, it can be much harder to challenge.
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