Loss Assessors: What They Do, When to Hire One, and Why It Matters
June 17, 2025
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When your home or business suffers damage, making an insurance claim can feel overwhelming.
When your home or business suffers damage, making an insurance claim can feel overwhelming. One key decision is whether to rely on your insurer’s loss adjuster or appoint your own loss assessor.
Many policyholders assume the person inspecting their property works for them. In reality, understanding this difference can affect the outcome of your claim settlement—especially in cases involving property damage, water damage, or emergency repairs.
What Is a Loss Assessor?
A loss assessor is an independent professional who works for you, not your insurer.
Their job is to manage the entire process of your insurance claim, aiming to secure the maximum compensation
you’re entitled to under your insurance policy.
They help with:
- Preparing and submitting your claim documentation
- Assessing all structural damage and losses
- Coordinating repair quotes from builders and surveyors
- Handling negotiations with insurance companies
- Challenging rejected claims or low settlement offers
- Advising on interim payments and urgent repairs
- Investigate and report on the property damage
- Verify the terms of your insurance policy
What Is a Loss Adjuster?
A loss adjuster is appointed by your insurance company. While they’re expected to assess your claim fairly, they act in the insurer’s interest.
They usually:
- Recommend a settlement amount based on coverage
- Identify areas for potential claim savings
Key Differences at a Glance
The Comparison
| Category | Loss Assessor | Loss Adjuster |
|---|---|---|
| Works for | You, the policyholder | The insurance company |
| Focus | Supporting a fair and thorough settlement for the policyholder | Ensuring the claim aligns with policy terms and insurer obligations |
| Manages your claim | Yes – start to finish | No – only assesses and reports |
| Best for | Complex, high-value claims and routine claims | Routine claims |
Why It Matters
Without knowing the difference, you may assume the loss adjuster is there to help, but they report directly to your insurer, which may sometimes mean areas of damage or policy coverage require further discussion or clarification.
By appointing a loss assessor, you gain:
- Improved outcomes for large or complex claims
- A dedicated claims expert working in your interest
- Guidance to help you interpret your policy wording and understand what may be covered
- A stronger position when challenging a low insurance settlement, with a professional working on your behalf.
Our experienced loss assessors help homeowners and businesses across the UK secure proper insurance settlements, especially in cases involving hidden damage or policy disputes.
When to Appoint a Loss Assessor
Without knowing the difference, you may assume the loss adjuster is there to help, but they report directly to your insurer, which may sometimes lead to overlooked damage or slower claim progression.
Consider hiring a loss assessor if:
- You’ve experienced storm, flood, or impact damage
- Your claim involves commercial property or high-value assets
- You're facing delays, disputes, or unclear settlement amounts
- Your home insurance claim involves complex damage or repair work
- You want a professional working independently for you throughout the claim.
Loss assessors are especially helpful when dealing with large insurer networks or complex supply chains where the claims process can become time-consuming or unclear.
When to Appoint a Loss Assessor
- FCA-regulated (check the FCA Register)
- Transparent about their terms of business
- Familiar with UK insurance regulations
- Experienced in handling claim complexity
- Able to explain what the terms of business refer to in the simplest terms
Don’t confuse a UK loss assessor with a “public adjuster”; that’s a U.S. term. In the UK, a loss assessor acts solely on your behalf.
Learn More About the Claims Process
Want to see how Brooklin manages claims from start to finish?
Visit our insurance claims process page.
Get Help from Brooklin Claims Consultants
We represent policyholders across the UK, not insurers. Whether you’ve experienced major property damage, a rejected claim, or just need guidance through the process, we’re here to help.
We’ll handle your claim documentation, assess your losses, and negotiate directly with the insurer to ensure every detail is accounted for and you receive the full settlement you’re entitled to.
Speak to a trusted loss assessor today and take the first step toward a fair and stress-free settlement.
For free advice or to discuss your claim, call us on 0800 059 2144 or email info@brooklinclaims.co.uk.
UK wide – Head office in Lancashire
