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When Is A Loss Adjuster Needed?
Understanding Loss Adjusters and When to Appoint One
Written by Darren Carter. Last Updated on September 28, 2026
If your home, rental property or business has suffered property damage, you may encounter a loss adjuster during the insurance claim. Your insurer may appoint one to assess the loss and report back to it. You can also appoint your own loss adjuster or claims professional to support you.
Whether the claim involves water damage, fire damage or another type of property loss, this guide explains what a loss adjuster does, when policyholder-side support may be useful and what it can cost.
What Is A Loss Adjuster?
A loss adjuster is a claims professional who assesses insurance losses. They may investigate the cause and extent of damage, review supporting evidence, consider relevant policy terms and assess the amount being claimed.
Insurers commonly appoint loss adjusters to inspect claims and report back to them. However, policyholders can also appoint their own loss adjuster or claims professional to help prepare and present the claim from the policyholder’s side.
The key distinction is therefore who appointed the professional and whose position they are engaged to represent. Our guide to insurer-appointed and independent loss adjusters explains this in more detail.
When Might You Need A Loss Adjuster?
You do not need to appoint your own loss adjuster for every insurance claim. However, policyholder-side support may be useful where:
- The property damage is extensive or technically complex;
- The insurer has appointed its own loss adjuster and you want independent support;
- There is disagreement about the cause or extent of the damage;
- The repair scope or proposed settlement is unclear or disputed;
- Underinsurance, exclusions or policy conditions have been raised;
- The claim has become delayed, rejected or underpaid; or
- Managing the evidence, correspondence and negotiations has become difficult.
If ILA is appointed, we can review the policy wording and evidence, help organise the claim and communicate with the insurer and its representatives. Whether professional support is worthwhile will depend on the complexity and value of the claim, the issues involved and the fee.
How Much Does A Loss Adjuster Cost?
Independent Loss Adjusters Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for insurance distribution activities.
If ILA manages and negotiates your claim, our standard fee is 10% plus VAT of the relevant settlement amount. If you choose an ILA-recommended contractor to undertake reinstatement work, the contractor may cover ILA’s fee for the proportion of work they complete. You remain free to appoint your own contractor.
Some insurance policies include a Claims Preparation Clause or other cover that may contribute towards the cost of appointing a claims professional. Check your policy wording or speak to your broker if you are unsure whether this applies.
All applicable ILA fees and options are explained before you decide whether to appoint us. Our insurance claims management page provides more information about the service and fee structure.
Independent Loss Adjusters
Independent Loss Adjusters works for policyholders rather than insurers. We support homeowners, business owners and landlords with property insurance claims that may involve extensive damage, complex evidence, settlement concerns or disagreements about the insurer’s position.
If appointed, we can help assess the damage, review relevant policy wording, organise supporting evidence and communicate with the insurer. Professional representation does not guarantee that a claim will be accepted or that a particular settlement will be achieved.
If you are unsure whether you need your own loss adjuster, you can speak to ILA for free initial insurance claim advice before deciding whether to appoint us.
Darren Carter
Head of Marketing & Technology, Independent Loss Adjusters
Posted by Darren - Over 15 years' experience in online marketing within the insurance claims sector and works with ILA's loss adjusters and claims professionals to turn practical claims knowledge into clear, useful guidance for policyholders.
Customer Testimonials
Feedback From Clients Who Needed Claim Support
Property insurance claims can quickly become confusing when there are delays, unclear decisions or disagreements over the settlement. These testimonials show how Independent Loss Adjusters has helped clients feel better informed, better supported and more in control of the claim process.
“Michael dealt with our case in such a very professional manner, providing excellent advice and valued assistance. What really mattered here was Michael had a real connection to us, offering true empathy to our case and real sincere desire to help us to the best of his ability.”
“We were really struggling with our insurance claim until we decided to use ILA. Glen and Sue took charge of the claim and took the worry away from us. Thank you both for your help and support throughout the process.”
“The insurer was being a nightmare and dragged the case on for months, but in the end, with Glenn’s help and guidance, we received the payout needed to rectify the damage. Without Glenn, we would have only received 20% of the actual costs to restore the damage!”
“Michael will do the job to the end he is a professional in his work. Thanks to his team all my problems were solved.”
“All dealings with ILA were fantastic, timely, compassionate and steadfast in fighting for your rights, above those of the Insurance Companies. I dread to think how badly the outcome could have been had I stuck with the insurance companies own Loss Adjuster.”
“Mike and Team are Absolutely Fantastic. We in no way could have managed our insurance claim in the way that he has been able to. For any future claims I would use Mike from the start.”
These testimonials describe individual clients’ experiences. Outcomes depend on the policy wording, evidence and circumstances of each claim.
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Why Policyholders Speak to ILA
A difficult claim often involves policy wording, technical evidence, repair costs and several parties. Our Loss Adjusters help policyholders understand the position and approach the next step with clearer information.
Policyholder-Focused
ILA is appointed by homeowners, landlords and businesses, not by the insurer handling their claim.
Experienced Claims Team
Our team brings experience across insurance claims, loss adjusting, damage assessment and settlement review.
Evidence-Led Guidance
We review the policy, correspondence and available evidence before explaining what appears clear and what may need further work.
FCA Authorised
Our regulated status supports clear information, appropriate conduct and fair treatment throughout the customer journey.
Independent Loss Adjusters Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for insurance distribution activities.
Need Clearer Direction on Your Claim?
Tell us what has happened and where the claim currently stands. We will review the initial information and explain whether ILA may be able to help.
Every claim depends on its individual circumstances, supporting evidence and policy wording. No particular outcome can be guaranteed.
PROPERTY DAMAGE CLAIMS
Help with Property Damage Claims
Different types of damage bring different questions about evidence, repairs and cover. Choose the claim type below to see how ILA may be able to help.
Flood Damage Claims
We can help assess water damage, organise the evidence and present the claim under your policy.
Flood Damage Claim Help
Fire Damage Claims
We review the damage, repair scope and reinstatement costs to help you understand the claim position.
Fire Damage Claim Help
Business Interruption Claims
We assess the interruption, financial records and policy position when insured damage affects trading.
Business Interruption Help
Malicious Damage Claims
We review the damage, circumstances and evidence after vandalism or deliberate damage.
Malicious Damage Claim Help
Impact Damage Claims
We can assess collision or impact damage and review the repair evidence and settlement position.
Impact damage claim help
Theft Insurance Claims
We help organise supporting evidence and review the claim position after burglary or theft.
Theft Claim HelpRequest Free Initial Insurance Claim Advice
Tell us what happened and where your claim stands. The initial conversation is free and without obligation. We’ll ask a few questions and explain whether ILA may be able to help. You can call us or complete the form; we’ll contact you using the details you provide.
If you choose ongoing support, we’ll explain the service and fee before work begins. Our general fee is 10% plus VAT of the overall settlement. Where you appoint ILA’s recommended contractors for the agreed reinstatement works, our fee is generally covered through that contractor route. The position depends on your claim and the proposed work.
What Happens After You Request a Callback?
When we speak, we’ll ask a few initial questions about the damage, your insurance policy and the current position of your claim.
You don’t need to have every document ready. The first conversation is simply to understand what has happened and whether we may be able to help.
If you’d prefer to speak to us directly, call 0800 002 5178.
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