A Loss Assessor is an insurance expert that you hire to manage your claim. They work 100% for you, not the insurance company. Their goal is to prepare your paperwork, negotiate with the insurer, and ensure you get the maximum full settlement you are entitled to.
Key Facts about loss assessors
- Who hires them? You (the policyholder).
- Who pays them? You do, typically via a success fee (a percentage of your final settlement). However, if your policy includes a "Claims Preparation Costs" clause (common in business policies), the insurer may cover this fee up to a set limit.
- Who do they represent? Your best interests.
- When do you use them? When you don’t have time to manage a claim, if your claim is rejected, or if the insurer’s offer is too low.
What do they do?
- Handle all meetings and emails with the insurance company for you.
- Bring in their own experts (like surveyors) to prove the real cost of repairs.
- Challenge the insurance company if they try to underpay or decline the claim.
- Speed up the process to get you paid faster.
Loss Assessor vs Loss Adjuster: What’s the difference?
The names sound very similar, but a loss assessor and loss adjuster 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.
