Loss adjuster vs loss assessor
Two jobs, one letter apart, working for opposite sides of the same claim.
A loss adjuster is appointed and paid by your insurer to assess the claim. A loss assessor is someone you appoint to prepare and negotiate the claim on your behalf, and you usually pay them, often from the settlement. Neither of them finds the leak: that is a job for a leak detection company, whose report both will want to see.
Loss adjuster vs loss assessor: side by side
| Loss adjuster | Loss assessor | Leak detection (ADI) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appointed by | Your insurer | You | You or your insurer |
| Paid by | Your insurer | Usually you | Often trace and access cover, where you have it |
| Job | Assess the claim against the policy and recommend a settlement | Prepare the claim and negotiate for you | Find the leak and report its cause and location |
| Regulation | Loss adjusting for an insurer is excluded from the FCA's claims-handling activity | Acting for policyholders is likely to be an FCA-regulated activity | Trade accreditations: ADI holds CIPHE, WIAPS, WaterSafe and SPATA |
When people use a loss assessor on a water damage claim
Citizens Advice suggests a loss assessor may help on a large claim, preparing it and arranging for items to be valued. Some people use one when a claim is complex, disputed, or more than they have time to manage. Check the fee before signing anything and make sure they are authorised by the FCA.
Some policies include a claims preparation clause that contributes to professional fees. CILA notes this in its advice to policyholders.
Where leak detection fits for adjusters and assessors
Whoever handles the claim, someone still has to find the water. ADI Leak Detection finds hidden leaks and writes up the cause and location in a report that adjusters, assessors and insurers can all work from. It is not a loss adjuster or assessor, and it does not handle claims.
Common questions
Do I have to use a loss assessor?
No. Many people deal with the insurer and the loss adjuster directly. An assessor is optional and usually costs you money.
Can a loss assessor find my leak?
Assessors handle claims. Finding a hidden leak needs specialist equipment, so they will normally bring in a leak detection company.