What does a Loss Assessor do?
Simply, a Loss Assessor will help you make an insurance claim and ensure you get the correct payment from your insurance company. The Loss Assessor’s job is to make sure the insurance company pays out the right amount in settlement of a claim.
Why do I need a Loss Assessor?
Most insurance companies will often settle smaller claims (usually less than £3,000) quickly and simply. However when you need to claim more, they will do their utmost to reduce the payout. This comes even more relevant the larger the claim. This is where employing a Loss Assessor comes in. The Loss Assessor works for you and negotiates with an insurance company to ensure that the payment made to settle your claim is maximised.
An old wall was hit by a vehicle and a part if it collapsed. The wall was built about 200 years ago and was still structurally sound but leant out very slightly. The insurance company initially offered a small amount as a contribution (£2,500) claiming it was primarily a maintenance issue. A Loss Assessor was instructed the owner of the wall. The Loss Assessor obtained suitable reports from experts to show that the wall was structurally sound before the accident so the insurance company was liable. The total cost (£30,000) of repairing the wall was met by the insurance company.
Why can’t I do the work of a Loss Assessor?
You can, however there are a number of things to bear in mind. Making a detailed expensive insurance claim can be very stressful, and there can be a number of expenses that may need to be paid before a claim is settled. Loss Assessors have a lot of experience in negotiating claims. They know when to instruct experts to prepare reports. They have a network of contacts and know the right experts so that the appropriate reports are obtained. If necessary, the can pay the experts for their reports before the claim is settled.
When do instruct a Loss Assessor?
The ideal time to instruct a Loss Assessor is at the start of a claim. They can check your policy and complete the claim documentation to ensure that everything you are entitled to is part of the overall claim. However, you can instruct a Loss Assessor to act on your behalf at any time before the claim is settled.
Isn’t a Loss Assessor the same as a Loss Adjuster?
No, they are not the same. Whilst the titles are similar, a Loss Assessor works for you to ensure that a claim is paid out in full. A Loss Adjuster works for an insurance company to minimize the amount paid out. Loss Adjusters will find any way they can to reduce a claim.
How much does a Loss Assessor cost?
The Loss Assessor will charge a fee. Often it is a fixed percentage of the total claim paid. Therefore the higher the amount paid the more they get paid. In rare cases, the insurance company will pay the Loss Assessor’s fees.