What's the difference between a loss adjuster and a loss assessor?

Asked by: Muriel Schultz  |  Last update: January 6, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (73 votes)

The primary difference between the two is whom they represent. While a loss adjuster represents the insurance company, a loss assessor represents the policyholder. This creates a fundamental difference in the approach both professionals adopt.

What is the difference between a loss assessor and a loss adjuster?

Simply put, loss adjusters work for your insurance company and their interests, while loss assessors work for the policyholder and solely for your benefit.

What is the difference between a loss adjuster and a surveyor?

Loss assessors help with documenting losses, submitting the claim, negotiating with the insurer, and ensuring the policyholder is fairly compensated for the loss. A quantity surveyor can assist a loss adjuster / loss assessor, especially in cases involving property damage, construction, or repair.

What is the difference between a claims adjuster and an appraiser?

Claims adjusters and examiners work in offices when reviewing documents and conducting research. They work outside when examining damaged property. Appraisers and investigators work outside more often, inspecting damaged automobiles and buildings and conducting surveillance.

What is another name for an insurance assessor?

Insurance Assessors (Another Term for Loss Assessor)

They work closely with the policyholder to ensure that all relevant information and documentation are collected and presented to the insurance company.

The Adjuster's Mindset- What you need to know about insurance adjusters

21 related questions found

What is the role of a loss adjuster?

The role of the Loss Adjuster

Insurance companies will appoint a Loss Adjuster to help assess large or complex claims – usually when the claim is above a certain value. As an impartial party in the claims process, the Loss Adjuster's role is to establish whether the damage is covered by the insurance policy.

What is another title for claims adjuster?

Similar professions and job titles to a Claims Adjuster are Litigation Specialist, Underwriter, Workers Compensation Specialist and Insurance Agent.

Do insurance adjusters get bonuses for denying claims?

Insurers are driven to increase their profits. In that vein, some of them give bonuses to adjusters who successfully and consistently deny claims. Adjusters who pay too many claims may find themselves without a job.

Is a claims examiner the same as an adjuster?

Adjusters negotiate with the policyholder to arrive at a final payment amount for their claim. Claims examiners review claims to ensure guidelines are followed properly. They review health-related claims to determine whether to pay… deny… or refer a claim to an investigator.

What is the salary of an appraiser vs adjuster?

Additionally, a claims adjuster has an average salary of $51,116, which is higher than the $42,223 average annual salary of an appraiser. The top three skills for a claims adjuster include insurance carriers, auto claims and customer service.

What should you not say to a loss adjuster?

Understand that everything you say whether in person or over the phone, can be used against you in their final assessment. Avoid providing incomplete or potentially detrimental information that could be used to lower the settlement offer, like failing to mention pre-existing damage.

What are the different types of loss adjusters?

What are the different types of loss adjusting?
  • Liability. This covers employers, public and product liability. ...
  • Property. This covers buildings and contents.
  • Claimant. Being employed by a policyholder to provide expert claims advice and assistance.
  • Business interruption. ...
  • Fraud investigation.

Why did an insurance surveyor come to my house?

A home insurance inspection is initiated by the insurance company to assess the home's replacement cost and risks that could cause future insurance claims. It can be used to help calculate your insurance premium costs.

How much does the loss assessor charge?

The loss assessor charges a percentage fee.

This fee is often up to 10% of your final settlement figure.

Are loss adjusters biased?

While presented as impartial, loss adjusters ultimately work for the insurer, ensuring that claims are justified and fall within the company's coverage limits. Their involvement can reduce disputes, but they often focus on limiting the insurer's liability rather than advocating for the policyholder.

What is the first notice of loss adjuster?

Your FNOL alerts your insurer to your issue and allows them to collect key details about the incident so they can properly process the claim. The details in your first notice of loss also help your insurer determine what coverage, if any, applies to the loss.

What is the difference between an adjuster and an assessor?

In reality, there is a critical difference: while an insurance adjuster works on behalf of the insurance company to evaluate a claim, a loss assessor works exclusively for YOU. Licensed professionals, loss assessors are your personal advocates to navigate the complexities of the insurance claims process.

How do claims adjusters get paid?

Public adjusters can earn a flat rate, hourly rate, or a contingency fee based on the outcome of the insurance claim. Similar to an independent adjuster, public adjusters typically choose to receive a percentage of the settlement. The policyholder is then responsible for paying the firm they hired.

Do you need a college degree to be a claims adjuster?

It is possible to become a claims adjuster with just a high school diploma. A college degree is not required. That being said, however, it is still a good idea to get a degree because most companies are looking for people who have an associate's or bachelor's degree in risk management, insurance, or some related field.

What should you not say to a claims adjuster?

Some key phrases to avoid saying to an insurance adjuster include: “I'm sorry.” “It was all/partly my fault.” “I did not see the other person/driver.”

Can an adjuster cancel a claim?

Yes, the adjuster is free to close their file, and they could even withdraw any settlement offers (We do not see this happen very often). However, state law, not the adjuster, determines the time limit you have to pursue your case.

Do insurance adjusters try to lowball?

To Protect Their Profits

Insurance adjusters are often given bonuses or other incentives based on how much money they save the company by getting claimants to accept low settlements. Making lowball offers is a key way insurers try to minimize payouts and protect their bottom line.

What is the difference between an adjuster and an appraiser?

What is the difference between adjusters and appraisers? While adjusters are there to determine if the insurer should pay for the damages to your vehicle and for how much, appraisers are instead assigned to determine the value of your vehicle and the estimated cost of repairs.

What are the three different licenses for insurance adjusters?

There are three kinds of adjusters: 1) public; 2) independent; and 3) company, sometimes called staff adjusters. Public adjusters represent the insured, while independent and staff adjusters represent the insurer. More than 30 states require licensure of one or more of these types of adjusters.

Is a claims adjuster a lawyer?

There are many differences between a public adjuster and an insurance attorney. The adjuster is a licensed professional who has extensive training in the preparation of insurance claims, estimating accurate repair or replacement costs, and evaluation of insurance policies.