Note to readers: This expert guide was originally published in 2015 and has been fully updated for 2026 to include the latest Central Bank of Ireland (Consumer Protection Code) regulations.
When you suffer property damage in Ireland, understanding the difference between a Loss Assessor vs Loss Adjuster in Ireland is the single most important factor in your claim settlement. While the names are similar, their roles are exact opposites, and knowing ‘who works for whom’ ensures you aren’t left at a disadvantage when dealing with insurance companies.”
What is a Public Loss Assessor in Ireland?
In Ireland, a Public Loss Assessor (PLA) is a professional insurance expert who works exclusively for you, the policyholder.
To operate legally in 2026, all Loss Assessors must be registered with the Central Bank of Ireland. At Claims Assist, our expertise is backed by technical competence, usually demonstrated through qualifications from the Insurance Institute of Ireland (e.g., APA or CIP) and extensive backgrounds in surveying and construction.
The Golden Rule: A Loss Assessor never works for the insurance company. We are your independent representative, hired to ensure your best interests are protected.
What is an Insurance Loss Adjuster?
When you notify your insurance company of a claim, they will appoint a Loss Adjuster from firms like Sedgwick, Davies, or McLarens.
Despite their professional and often helpful manner, it is vital to remember: The Loss Adjuster is hired and paid by the insurance company. Their primary goal is to protect the insurer’s interests. Under the Central Bank’s Consumer Protection rules, they must act with “due skill, care, and diligence,” but their financial allegiance remains with the company paying their bill.
Loss Assessor vs Loss Adjuster: The 2026 Differences
| Feature | Loss Assessor (Claims Assist) | Loss Adjuster (Insurer’s Rep) |
| Who they work for | The Homeowner (You) | The Insurance Company |
| Main Objective | Maximize your legal entitlement | Minimize the insurer’s liability |
| Independence | Independent of the Insurer | Employed by the Insurer |
| Adjustment Direction | Works to include hidden damage | Often “adjusts” payouts downwards |
Why Your Insurance Company Hopes You Don’t Hire an Assessor
Your insurance company’s adjusters are professionals who deal with claims every day. As a homeowner, you are an “amateur” in a highly technical process. Without your own expert, you are at a massive disadvantage.
A Loss Assessor levels the playing field by handling the complex technicalities:
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Proving the Loss: We identify hidden damage (like water traveling behind walls or under floors) that an adjuster might overlook.
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Policy Interpretation: We ensure the “Small Print” is used to your benefit, not as an excuse to deny your claim.
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Negotiation: We manage all correspondence with the adjuster so you don’t have to deal with the stress.
The Cost: No Win, No Fee
Most Public Loss Assessors in Ireland work on a “No Win, No Fee” basis. Typically, the fee is 10% (plus VAT) of the final settlement.
While insurance companies do not cover “claim preparation fees,” the significant increase in the settlement payout we secure almost always far exceeds our fee. In many cases, an experienced loss assessor can increase a settlement by 30% to 70% compared to a homeowner acting alone.
Summary: Who is on Your Side?
The main difference is simple: Loss Assessors represent the property owner; Loss Adjusters represent the Insurance Company.
Achieving a fair or equitable insurance claim settlement is nearly impossible without professional advice. Whether you are dealing with a burst pipes claim, fire damage, or storm impact, don’t leave your home’s future to chance.
Frequently Asked Questions: 2026 Ireland Claims Guide
Who pays the fees for a Loss Assessor in Ireland? The policyholder (homeowner or business owner) pays the Loss Assessor’s fee. While insurance companies do not cover “claim preparation fees,” the increased settlement secured by an expert typically covers the fee while still leaving the claimant with a significantly higher net payout than they would have achieved alone.
Read our full guide: How Much are Loss Assessor Fees in Ireland? 2026 Galway, Limerick & Dublin Guide
Can I hire a Loss Assessor if the Insurance Adjuster has already visited? Yes. You can appoint Claims Assist at any stage of the process. Even if the Insurance company’s Loss Adjuster has already inspected your property in Limerick, Galway, or Dublin, we can still step in to re-evaluate the damage, identify missed items (like secondary water damage), and negotiate a fairer settlement.
What is the difference between a Loss Assessor and a Loss Adjuster in the eyes of the Central Bank? Under the Central Bank of Ireland’s Consumer Protection Code, the Loss Adjuster is an agent of the insurance company. A Public Loss Assessor is an independent agent for the consumer. Using a registered Assessor ensures you have a professional advocate in Limerick and nationwide to navigate the complex “Duty of Disclosure” and “Condition of Average” clauses.
Does hiring an assessor delay my insurance claim? Quite the opposite. Because we handle all the technical documentation and correspondence with firms like Sedgwick or Davies, the claim often moves faster. We know exactly what the insurers need to see to approve a payout, preventing the “back-and-forth” emails that usually stall claims in Limerick, Galway, Dublin and throughout Ireland for weeks.
Contact Claims Assist – Insurance Loss Assessors Today
Call us on 0818 929 555 Expert Loss Assessor services in Limerick, Galway, Dublin, and Nationwide.