Note to readers: This expert guide was originally published in 2015 and has been fully updated in December 2025 to reflect the latest Central Bank of Ireland (Consumer Protection Code 2025) regulations and current insurance market trends.

When you suffer property damage in Ireland, you will quickly encounter two professionals with very similar titles: the Loss Assessor and the Loss Adjuster. While the names are similar, their roles are exact opposites. Understanding “who works for whom” is the single most important factor in your claim settlement.

What is a Public Loss Assessor?

In Ireland, a Public Loss Assessor (PLA) is a professional insurance expert who works exclusively for you, the policyholder.

To operate legally in 2025, 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.

The Main Differences: 2025 Comparison

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:

• Proving the Loss: We identify hidden damage (like water traveling behind walls or under floors) that an adjuster might overlook.

• Policy Interpretation: We ensure the “Small Print” is used to your benefit, not as an excuse to deny your claim.

• 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 pipe, fire damage, or storm impact, don’t leave your home’s future to chance.

Contact Claims Assist – Insurance Loss Assessors Today Call us on 0818 929 555 Serving Galway, Dublin, Limerick and Nationwide.