Two experts, two different clients
Most claims involve an assessor, engineer or adjuster appointed by the insurer. That person may be skilled and fair, but their client is the insurance company. A policyholder who wants someone working solely in their interest can appoint an independent claims professional, paid by the policyholder, to review the policy, quantify the loss and negotiate the settlement.
The title of that professional changes from country to country. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the usual term is loss assessor. In the United States and Canada, licensed public adjusters fill the role for property claims, while independent appraisers often act in vehicle disputes. In Australia and New Zealand, claims advocates or claims preparers offer similar services. In France and Belgium the policyholder's expert is called an expert d'assuré or contre-expert.
Not to be confused with loss adjusters
In British English, a loss adjuster is appointed by the insurer, whereas a loss assessor represents the policyholder. The similarity of the words causes constant confusion. When someone contacts you after a claim, ask directly who has instructed them and who pays their fee.
How a claim assessment unfolds
Whatever the country, the stages are broadly similar. The loss is notified, emergency measures are taken to limit further damage, and the insurer's expert inspects. The policyholder provides evidence of ownership and value, quotes and invoices. The expert reports to the insurer, which then accepts, reduces or declines the claim. Where an independent expert acts for the policyholder, both sides compare their figures and negotiate line by line.
If no agreement is reached, many policies offer an appraisal or umpire procedure, and most countries provide an ombudsman or complaints body before court action becomes necessary.
- Notify the insurer promptly and keep a record
- Protect the property and preserve damaged items
- Photograph everything before clearing or repairing
- Read the policy, schedule and endorsements
- Decide whether independent help is justified by the amount at stake
Guides by type of loss
Our English guides cover the main categories of claim: fire and smoke, flood and escape of water, storm and hurricane, earthquake, building damage, business interruption, and vehicles including cars, motorcycles, commercial trucks and vans, motorhomes and caravans. Each topic has a page on how the assessment works and a separate page on what independent expertise costs.
Country coverage in English
The country pages describe the local terminology, the usual dispute routes and the practical context for each market. Coverage in English includes the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, together with India, China, France and Belgium for readers who need an English-language overview.
- United Kingdom and Ireland: loss assessors, insurer-appointed loss adjusters and ombudsman schemes
- United States and Canada: licensed public adjusters, appraisal clauses and state or provincial regulation
- Australia and New Zealand: claims advocacy after bushfire, flood and earthquake events
- South Africa and India: local surveyor and assessor practices
- France, Belgium and China: English summaries of expert roles and procedures
What independent expertise costs
Fees are agreed between the policyholder and the expert. The most common model is a percentage of the settlement or of the extra amount obtained, typically decreasing as the claim grows; fixed fees and hourly rates are also used, particularly for vehicle claims and specialist reports. Some property policies include cover for the policyholder's expert fees, and some US states cap public adjuster percentages. Our fee pages give indicative ranges, always presented as orders of magnitude rather than official scales.
How to use this site
Start with the guide matching your type of loss, then read the country page for local rules and terminology. If you are considering an independent expert, the fee pages help you compare proposals and read a mission letter. The site is informational and independent: it does not handle claims, represent policyholders or promise any outcome, and every situation depends on the policy wording and the facts.
- Agricultural insurance claims: the experts who assess farm losses
- Business and industrial claims: experts for commercial losses
- Construction claims: experts for defects, sites and structures
- Home and property claims: understanding the experts involved
- Insurance claims experts by country
- Insurance expert fees and costs: what to expect before you hire
- Marine, aviation and transport claims: surveyors and experts
- Medical and personal injury experts in insurance claims
- Roles in an insurance claim: who works for whom
- Valuables and art claims: specialist valuers and experts
- Vehicle claims: assessors for cars, motorcycles and more
Organisations offering this service
- La Médiation de l'Assurance: Mediation service for the French insurance sector, publishing a mediator charter and an annual activity report on its handling of disputes.
- Expert Witness Institute - Medical expert witness services: Page of the UK expert witness institute dedicated to medical expert witness services, aimed at clinicians acting as experts in legal cases.
- Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters (CILA): Chartered UK professional body for claims and loss adjusting professionals, responsible for training, qualifications and standards across the claims profession.
- Aspray: UK network of loss assessors handling and negotiating insurance claims on behalf of policyholders, notably after fire, flood and escape-of-water damage.
External links provided for information only; check the terms directly with each organisation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a loss assessor and a public adjuster?
Both represent the policyholder. Loss assessor is the usual term in the UK and Ireland, while public adjuster is the licensed role in the United States and Canada.
Do I need an independent expert for every claim?
No. Small, straightforward claims are usually settled directly. Independent help is most useful for large, complex or disputed losses.
Does expertdassure.com handle claims?
No. The site provides independent information to help policyholders understand the process and choose whether to seek professional help.
Understanding who works for whom is the first step towards a fair claim. expertdassure.com aims to make that step easier, whatever the country and the type of loss.