Top Questions to Ask Your Loss Adjuster or Loss Assessor Before Starting a Claim

Delving into the world of insurance claims - after facing a disaster such as property damage, business interruptions or personal loss - can be an overwhelming task. Knowing where to turn, what are the right questions to ask and what best route to go down is daunting. Whether you’re dealing with theft, fire, flood or any other disastrous events, having the right professional by your side can make all the difference when trying to get the settlement you’re entitled to and in a timely manner.

However, with so many options out there, it can further add stress to who is best to engage with and who will act with your best interest in mind when looking for insurance claims advice. Often a loss assessor comes out top, where some choose to utilise their insurance company’s loss adjuster. This blog will guide you through 6 top questions for loss adjusters or assessors to ask before starting your claim.

Before you start your claim process, it’s important to understand the roles of both loss adjusters and loss assessors. Often, there is confusion between these two functions, and these terms may be used interchangeably, however it’s crucial to note that their responsibilities significantly differ and understanding their differences can help you be well informed before appointing either.

A loss adjuster is typically appointed by your insurance company to investigate and assess the claim and the proposed loss from their perspective. Their role is to evaluate the damage and determine the extent of the insurer’s liability. While they aim to provide a fair assessment, they are working in the insurer's best interest.

Whereas in contrast, a loss assessor works for the policyholder. An independent loss assessor, such as Harris Balcombe, advocates solely for the claimant’s interests, helping to ensure that all aspects of the claim are accurately assessed and they receive the compensation they rightly deserve. Loss assessors typically negotiate with the insurance company, handle all the paperwork and evidence, and provide expert advice throughout the claims process. The sooner a loss assessor is appointed in the process, the smoother the claims process may be as they are experts in insurance claims, understanding all the nuances, timeframes and processes.

In summary, the key difference between a loss assessor and a loss adjuster lies in their roles and allegiances. Both professionals play important roles in the claims process to ensure a fair and equitable resolution for all parties involved.

There are so many different types of insurance claims which one can make, and often having the expert knowledge in a particular area can aid the claims process. One excellent question to ask a potential loss assessor or professional you’re looking to work with is about their experience with claims similar to yours at hand. If the professional has no experience with water damage and you’re going to submit a large water damage claim, then they may not be the ideal match. You can ask if they have had either domestic, commercial or landlord experience, based on what your requirements are.

Here are 5 prompts to ask them:

At Harris Balcombe, our team have extensive experience in handling a wide variety of claims, including complex property, fire, flood, and business interruption claims. Our team’s specialised expert knowledge means we can provide tailored advice and an effective strategy for managing your claim from start to finish, or whenever you decide to engage our services.

Having a loss assessor with the relevant expertise can really help expedite the process, reduce the risk of any errors, and ultimately help secure a better settlement. Their ability to navigate the intricacies of your specific case can ensure that no detail is overlooked and things are submitted in the right time frame can increase your chances of a successful claim.

Every insurance claim is unique as every circumstance is individual so having a professional who will have a clear strategy for managing your claim is essential. Each loss assessor will have a process they follow to ensure your claim is successful and all the necessary steps are followed so it can be settled as soon as possible.

The steps involved usually include and are not limited to, assessing the damage, gathering sufficient photo / video / written evidence, preparing all the relevant documentations, submitting the claim and then communicating and negotiating until the claim is paid out and the policyholder is content with the compensation. Some claims are more straightforward, whereas others require in-depth evidence and resource gathering.

If you choose Harris Balcombe, we take a proactive approach to managing your claim. Our process starts with an in-depth assessment of the damage or loss, followed by a comprehensive review of your insurance policy. We then gather all the necessary documentation for insurance claims, liaise with contractors or repair companies if needed, and ensure that your claim is filed correctly. Throughout the process, we will track the progress of your claim and keep you updated at every stage.

We take the burden off your shoulders and streamline each step of the process on your behalf. Having a well-thought out strategy will not only help reduce any stress, but will also speed up the process and ensure the best possible outcome is achieved.

Communication is a key compotent when it comes to managing insurance claims. Being in the know all the time, especially when it comes to deadlines, can make or break the process. Clear, timely updates can reduce the stress of dealing with an often complex and time-consuming process.

A good loss assessor will ensure that you are kept informed at every stage of the process. At Harris Balcombe, we prioritise communication with our clients so you are never left in the dark about the status of your claim. Ensuring that each of our clients understand what is happening with their individual claim and that they know of any updates / deadlines is our priority. Our team is always available to answer questions, clarify concerns, and provide guidance on next steps.

You can ask your loss assessor whether communication will be weekly, bi-weekly, or only at major milestones? You can clarify whether communication will be through phone calls, emails, or in-person meetings and whether you’ll have a dedicated point of contact or can speak to anyone in the team. Knowing this ahead of appointing a professional will help you feel secure in your decision.

Before proceeding with your claim, it’s essential to understand the fee structure of the loss assessor. Transparency is key, always check the fine print as you don’t want to be surprised by hidden costs or unexpected charges later on. It’s important to note that the cost of using a professional service can vary depending on the complexity of your claim and the value of your loss.

Harris Balcombe is committed to providing clear and transparent information about our fees. We offer two fee structures that can be tailored to meet your needs.

Many debate whether it is worthwhile to use a loss assessor due to their fees, however, investing in a professional loss assessor can result in a better outcome, which often far outweighs the cost of our services. Our experience and expertise are key to securing the maximum possible compensation for your claim. Check out some of our case studies which are testament to our services.

Documentation for insurance claims and evidence are the cornerstone of any successful claim and therefore ensuring you have all the information and necessary documents to hand can be the difference between a successful or a rejected claim.

Below are some of the documents which will help with your claim:

At Harris Balcombe Loss Assessors, we assist our clients in gathering all the necessary documentation to support their claim. We ensure that all paperwork is in order, making the process as smooth as possible. Our team will work closely with you to collect evidence, prepare reports, and submit everything needed to substantiate your claim.

In the UK, around 1.23 million home insurance claims are made each day. Of these claims, 18% are rejected by the insurer. It is common to have claims rejected, or where the policyholder disputes what settlement has been offered by the insurer. Insurance claim dispute handling is where an experienced loss assessor becomes invaluable.

Harris Balcombe’s claims management service is skilled in handling disputes with insurance companies. Our team has extensive experience negotiating contested claims and resolving disputes efficiently. We know how to challenge underpayments, prove cases with sufficient evidence, and advocate on your behalf. Our expertise in insurance law and our deep understanding of the claims process ensure that we can handle even the most contentious claims effectively, helping you secure a fair settlement.

Click here is an extensive read to navigate what you should do should your claim be rejected, the reasons why this could happen, what next steps you can take, how a loss assessor can help on your behalf.

As you can see there is a lot that goes into submitting a claim, and ensuring you get the best possible outcome following your disaster. It is usually a very long, complicated process which is burdensome and often requires expert knowledge of the claim’s intricacies. Therefore, choosing the right ally to have on your side is an important decision. Choosing the right loss assessor will remove the strain from this challenging claims task. Asking them the relevant questions will ensure you make an educated and informed decision and do not go into the process in the dark.

At Harris Balcombe, our team of loss assessors is dedicated to guiding you through every step of the claims process. If you’re facing an insurance claim, no matter the complexity, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Harris Balcombe or start you claim now for the expert complex insurance claims support you need. We’re here to make the process easier, less stressful, and more successful.