A Loss Adjuster is a specialist hired and paid by your insurance company to investigate your claim. Their job is to inspect the damage, check that your policy covers it, and recommend how much the insurer should pay. While they must be fair, they work for the insurance company, not you.
Key Facts about loss adjusters
- Who hires them? The insurance company.
- Who pays them? The insurance company.
- Who do they represent? The insurance company’s financial interests.
- When do you see them? Usually for large, complex, or expensive claims (like house fires or major storm damage).
What do they do?
- Visit your property to interview you and inspect the damage.
- Review your policy to see if the "cause of loss" is covered.
- Write a report to the insurer recommending whether to accept or decline the claim.
- Negotiate the settlement amount (often trying to keep costs down).
Loss Adjuster vs. Loss Assessor: What’s the difference?
The names sound very similar, but a loss adjuster and loss assessor are two professionals that have completely opposite roles. The most important thing to remember is who pays them, because that tells you whose interests they are protecting.
Here's a this quick guide to see who is on your side:
| Feature |
Loss Adjuster |
Loss Assessor |
| Works for: |
The Insurance Company |
You (The Policyholder) |
| Main Goal: |
Check the claim is valid & minimise costs |
Get you the maximum fair payout |
| Paid By: |
The Insurer |
You*
(A success fee, unless your policy covers "Claims Preparation Costs") |
* Note on Payment: Most standard insurance policies do not cover this cost automatically. In these cases, the Loss Assessor takes a percentage of the final settlement (a "success fee") as their payment.
