Job description

A Loss Adjustor investigates insurance claims on behalf of insurance companies to ensure that the claims are legitimate and covered by the policies concerned.

It's often necessary to perform site visits to evaluate the damage caused by floods, fires or even arson. The Loss Adjustor will assess the extent of any damage which can be claimed for and prepare a report giving their recommendations to the insurance company. They also often advise policy holders how to repair their property to its original state.

Duties include:

• Speaking to insurance companies and policyholders to establish extent of damage.
• Visiting the site to perform a thorough damage assessment.
• Collecting photographic evidence of the damage.
• Liaising with tradesmen and builders to ascertain level of work needed to restore the property to its original condition.
• Ensuring that the property is safe until the claim can be processed.
• Assessing the validity of the claim by speaking to the policy holder and establishing the events which lead to the damage.
• Preparing reports for the insurers recommending course of action.
• Analysing receipts to make sure possessions being claimed for are genuine.

Qualifications

There are no specific qualifications required though some employers may insist upon a degree, preferably in a relevant subject such as engineering or surveying.

Salary Snapshot

Recent salaries for roles advertised at time of writing (Nov 2009) include:

• £45-50,000 plus benefits for a Commercial Loss Adjuster based in North London.
• £27-42,000 for a Senior Subsidence Adjuster based in the City, London.
• £50-60,000 for a Major Loss Adjuster based in Birmingham.
• £27-33,000 for a Property Loss Adjuster based in Manchester.

Are you a Loss Adjuster? Would you like to contribute to our "Day in the Life of..." series? Email us at info@topfinancialjobs.co.uk for more details.