1. What is a 'Loss Assessor'?
   Conspect loss assessors are construction industry professionals with a specialist knowledge of insurance claims and negotiation & procedure etc. Hired to represent your interests throughout the claims process. They have detailed knowledge of the complex claims forms, inspection procedure, getting quotes for replacement and repair. They will negotiate and liaise with the insurance company representative or loss adjuster to ensure you receive the best possible settlement as quickly as possible.
2. Are 'Loss Assessors' connected to the insurance companies?
   No. We are employed by the policyholder to represent them during the claims process.
3. What is a 'Loss Adjuster'?
   Loss adjusters are insurance industry professionals appointed by the insurance company when a claim is submitted. They are sent to prepare the claim by collecting all relevant information from the policyholder. From their report they will determine whether or not all the conditions of your policy have been met and to adjust the settlement figure accordingly. They will represent the insurance company while negotiating the claim with your loss assessor. Your insurance company pay their fees.
4. Why would I need help when submitting a claim on my insurance policy?
   When was the last time you read your insurance policy? Every policy is a complex legal agreement with many provisions, endorsements and exclusions that are subject to change. Most people don't understand that the onus of proving the loss and substantiating the value of the loss is on them. Without a loss assessors knowledge there are many pit falls that will undermine your final settlement figure. Your insurance company will send a professional loss adjuster to represent their interests, who will represent yours?
5. What if I'm not sure my policy will cover the damage?
   Our initial consultation is free of charge and we will determine if the damage is covered on that visit. No payment for our services will be due until you receive a settlement payment from your insurance company.
6. Why should I employ a loss assessing company to obtain what is rightfully due to me?
   Your insurance company will offer to pay what is due to you - if anything, as they see it. If you do not claim for it they will not pay. Neither will they pay for any additional loss associated with the claim after they have reached an agreed settlement with you. With our representation, experience and knowledge of the claims process you will be better able to reach a full and favorable settlement.
7. How will a loss assessor determine the amount due to me (the actual loss)?
   We will investigate during our visit to ascertain the damage - cause and effect. From this we will compile a written report which will include a physical inventory, estimates and quotes for repair or replacement. With all conditions of your policy fulfilled we will liaise and negotiate with the loss adjuster or insurance company to agree upon a figure for settlement. We will inform you of the amount offered which minus your excess will be the amount due to you. This will include our service fee which is a percentage payable upon your receipt of the settlement. On the prices page there is an outlined pricing structure for our services. This is on a 'sliding scale' which is dependent on the overall size and complexity of the claim.
8. Will employing a loss assessor help me receive a more prompt and full entitlement?
   Yes. Conspect will inspect the area and assist you to complete and file your claim that comply with the policy requirements. Evaluation and listing all the substantiated facts and proof of loss and damage that you might otherwise overlook will be properly filed with the claim. The faster the insurance company have all the relevant details they require the sooner we can move through the negotiating and on to the settlement phase. This will bring a quick and equitable settlement to the table in a timely fashion.
9. How much does it cost to employ Conspect to assess and manage my claim?.
   The fees we charge are agreed with you in advance. We charge a percentage of the settlement figure of the claim we manage for you. This is on a reducing scale for larger claims. There is no charge for our first consultation, no hidden charges will be made thereafter. The fee we agree upon before you engage our services is all that will be due upon your receipt of a settlement cheque from your insurer.
   For details of the service fee go to our loss assessor service > -price page -<
10. When will I get paid for my claim?.
    Having signed the acceptance form for the settlement figure we have negotiated for you payment would be sent within the following 10 - 15 days. The procedure of making a claim from start through to the settlement may take several weeks dependent on the complexity of the particular claim and the schedule of the Loss adjuster. Conspect will be persistent in following up every aspect of the claim and would bring it to a close in the shortest period possible.
11. Will the claim affect my premium?
    Filing one claim shouldn't affect your premium as generally the premiums are index linked. However if you have made a number of claims in a short space of time against the policy this would affect your premium and possibly your excess figure.
12. Do you only deal with large claims?
    Conspect will manage any claim for you however small the damage. Details of the differences in the service for small to large claims would be outlined to you during our initial consultation.
13. Isn't my insurance policy a guarantee that I will receive what I'm entitled to, replacing or repairing everything affected during the loss?
    No. Your policy is a contract subject to interpretation and all gray areas are open to negotiation. How the claim is interpreted, negotiated what you claim for and a myriad of other factors bare directly on the amount of money you will actually receive.
    To read about one Conspect's customers experience click here:
    >> View a sample claim <<
14. What type of changes should I notify my insurance company or broker of?
    
    Always disclose:
    • Major changes to the property (i.e. a new roof type, extension, new windows or security system).
    • If property will be left unoccupied for more than a few weeks.
    • Starting up a business on the property.
    • Renting all or part of the home.
15. What general advice can you offer for insuring my property?
    Check your cover is adequate when you renew your policy's taking into account any changes. Don't throw away receipts for maintenance works and repairs you have had carried out over the years on your home.
16. I need to make a claim is there anything I should or shouldn't do?
    - Don't undertake any work (excluding emergency preventative measures) or throw away damaged items until you have made contact with your insurance company as it may prejudice your claim.
    - Do commission immediate temporary /emergency work if more of your property or its contents are at risk.(pumping of flood water, boarding up of a broken window in a break in for instance)

We assist for claims of Storm damage, flood, fire, water leaks, oil leaks, theft and other residential property loss or damage.
The service is not for motor claims or personal injury.

These are just some of the more common questions about loss assessing. For any further questions regarding any aspect of the service just go to the 'Contact Conspect' page by clicking the email link at the top of this or any page. Other details and what is included are outlined in the price page for the service. Our initial consultation is free of charge and the assessor will answer any questions you may have during that time, or at any time during the course of the claim you can just email your client Reference no. with you question and the assessor will answer you as soon as possible.

Check out this 'Sunday Business Post' articale on "Ten things you need to know about insurance"

>> Press articales on Insurance <<

DID YOU KNOW?
During floods and storm damage incidents your insurance company will have many claims to simultaneously deal with. They are expected to try to minimize their losses and if you don't claim for something you won't get paid for it. Your insurers are under no obligation to notify you of items or repairs that you have neglected to claim for. Make simple errors when submitting your claim you could jepordize the outcome or lessen the final amounts payable to you at the end.
The onus is on you the property owner and insured party to prove the loss and preceding factors and if not done correctly they can quite easily refuse to pay all or part of your claim.