Independent Loss Adjuster Recommendation

vanilla01

We have come to the end of the road with our home insurer. After a two year ordeal there is still a large settlement outstanding, following their acceptance of liability of missing/damage items- caused by their third party contractor. All other aspects of the claim have now been settled. They have become increasingly difficult/obstructive. Due to ill health; made worse by the stress, we would now like to appoint an independent loss adjuster in the Essex/London area. It is a minefield and we would like to use a company/individual who comes recommended, ideally chartered. Any positive experiences would be a great help in helping us select the most qualified in loss adjusting/liability. We really don't know where to start. Thank you in advance.

dacouch

Do you use an Insurance broker as they may be able to recommend one.

Are you aware of the costs as they can be quite steep

vanilla01

No, but I could contact one used by a family member. Yes, we are aware 10-15% from my research. I have found one online, but would like to use someone who comes with recommendations. It's a big decision. Thank you

dacouch

Don'r forget they charge VAT on top.

You may find it cheaper to get them to work for an hourly rate.

Bear in mind they make very good money so do not be frightened to negotiate their costs as you can often reduce their fees considerably.

If you use the broker to recommend someone they will be more than happy to recommend the company they use and they will pay them an introducers fee so the broker will be more than happy.

If the broker is Swintons then don't bother

rs65

Try here

http://www.cila.co.uk/public/need-loss-adjuster

TSx

Have you gone down the route of a formal complaint? This may be a better first option than appointing a loss assessor who will take approx 10% of any settlement you get. Most will want 10% of the full claim value (including any settlement you've already received). If it was me, I'd ask them to take a 50% fee of any increase they can agree - that way they're only rewarded if they actually gain you anything. I've no idea if they'd agree to that though.

Whilst my experience is biased (as a former claims handler), you're likely to find it much more difficult dealing via a loss assessor - they generally work at their own pace (although blame any delays on the insurer) and often don't add any value for you. I have dealt with several loss assessors in the past, and in all cases, the claims have been settled at amounts I would have been happy to negotiate directly with a policyholder. In most cases, a formal complaint allowing their complaints department to investigate the claim is a better option initially. The FOS can also award compensation for distress and inconvenience if you take the complaint that far.