Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters

Loss adjusters

Loss adjusters are impartial claims specialists. Chartered loss adjusters must operate under a Royal Charter to a code of conduct. Their fees are paid by insurance companies who rely on them to check claims for quantity, description and pricing.

For most claims involving commercial property, insurance companies are able to make a payment immediately, or they may send a claims inspector to check upon the circumstances. For larger or more complicated claims, insurance companies employ the skills of a loss adjuster.

Loss adjusters are experts in many fields. In addition to a thorough knowledge of insurance and of the area in which they work, they can advise both the insurance company and the policyholder on repair and replacement techniques. After discussions with the policyholder, the loss adjuster's report to the insurance company enables the company to process the claim without delay. Each loss adjuster works for many insurance companies. These companies know they can rely on the skill and impartiality of the loss adjuster.

Loss adjuster will visit the policyholder within days after submission of the claim form to discuss the circumstances of the claim and check that the:

• Loss or damage falls within the terms of the insurance policy
• Sums insured on the policy are adequate
• Amounts being claimed are fair and reasonable.

Loss adjusters are often able to advise how security or safety could be improved to avoid a further incident. They can also point to aspects of the claim which may have been overlooked and can advise on repair techniques and will know of specialist firms to undertake work.

As with all insurance claims, it is helpful if policyholders can provide full and prompt information. It will help the loss adjuster in his work if policyholders can provide:

• Estimates for repairs
• The cost of any "emergency" repairs that were needed
• Valuations, receipts and other proof of ownership and value
• The Police crime reference number
• Any badly damaged property - for example burnt or soaked - should be stored in a garage or outbuilding so the loss adjuster can inspect it.

The loss adjuster's role is that of an impartial expert who can advise both the policyholder and the insurance company. The policyholder's insurance contract is still with the insurance company and it is the insurance company which acting on the advice of the loss adjuster - will eventually pay the claim.

Claimants do not have to pay any fee to loss adjusters. These fees are paid by the insurance company. Loss adjusters should not be confused with "loss assessors". Assessors are not impartial. When they work for policyholders, they charge, as a fee, a percentage of the total claim.

You should consider pre-appointing a loss adjuster in conjunction with your Insurance Company as part of your business continuity planning arrangements.

British Damage Management Association

BDMA

Modern damage management involves many disciplines and the industry is traditionally intensely competitive. The BDMA aims to establish uniform standards of care and codes of practice, underpinned by technician and corporate training within the restoration industry.

Insurers and loss adjusters have until the creation of the BDMA no means of judging the competence and expertise of any recovery or restoration contractors they appoint. In the event of problems arising after claims have been settled, poor or inappropriate workmanship can leave insurers open to litigation leading to significant damage payments. New laws place even more onus on the duty of care issues surrounding the appointment of contractors. The Association will respond to the insurers' need for contractors to work to recognised standards.

BDMA members have kite mark status and provide reassurance that competent individual practitioners and corporate damage management organisations are being employed.

Belfour Relectronic-Remech

Belfour are one of many recovery and restoration experts. They have specialist skills in the areas of document recovery and electronic plant and equipment restoration.

Crisis Management Response

Independent Counselling and Advisory Services Ltd

ICAS provide a behavioural crisis management programme for business continuity planning and recovery. This includes a 24 hr rapid response service aimed at delivering crisis management , psycological debriefing and post trauma intervetnion to organisations, employees, management and the community.

CRM Ltd

CMR like other crisis management consultants offers a comprehensive range of workplace trauma counselling and support services.

Disaster Afterare Servies

If you wish to be placed on this links section please contact Degrees of Risk.