FAQs

A Loss Assessor works on behalf of the policyholder; they will work to ensure their client receives the maximum payout for their claim under the terms of their policy. Loss Assessors are independent of the insurance company and advocate for your interests throughout the claims process. 

A Loss Adjuster, on the other hand, is employed by the insurance company to assess the validity and extent of the claim from the insurer’s perspective. Their role is to manage and control the claims process on behalf of the insurer, which may not always align with the best interests of the policyholder. 

For further reading, click here.

Morgan Clark has offices across England and Wales. We offer our clients a local service backed by the expertise and influence of a national company. Our support line is available 7 days a week, 24/7, to assist you with your claim. 

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Our services are free to clients who use the services of the surveyors and builders we introduce them to. To find out more visit our Loss Assessor fees page.

It’s best to contact a Loss Assessor as soon as you’ve experienced damage or loss, especially if you’re uncertain about the claims process or how to deal with the insurance company. Early involvement ensures that your claim is handled efficiently, your interests are protected, and you’re not left alone to navigate complicated paperwork and negotiations.  

For further reading: Need help managing a property insurance claim? We can help 

The length of time it takes to resolve an insurance claim can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the damage, the type of claim, and the insurance company’s processes. While it’s difficult to predict exactly how long your claim will take, our team can give you a better understanding once we assess your specific circumstances. 

For a more detailed overview of what to expect throughout the insurance claim process, please visit our Claims Process Page for tailored advice and insight on each stage of your claim. 

Additionally, you can watch How long does a home insurance claim take? where Martin Chapman, Loss Assessor at Morgan Clark, discusses the insurance claim process and what you can expect in the months following a claim.

To better understand why insurers may resist the involvement of a Loss Assessor – and how it can impact your claim – watch our short video: Your Insurer or Loss Adjuster Doesn’t Want You to Appoint a Loss Assessor – Why?

Underinsurance occurs when the value of your property or belongings are underestimated on your insurance policy. For example, if your home’s rebuild cost is £300,000 but your policy covers only £200,000, you are underinsured by over 33%. If you make a claim for £100,000, your insurer may only pay 67% of that value—£67,000—since you’ve paid premiums based on a lower coverage.

In severe cases, underinsurance can result in your claim bring rejected.

[Read more about underinsurance and how to protect your claim here.]

Yes, in many cases we can still help if you’re underinsured, however, this would be based on the level of underinsurance of each individual case. Being underinsured might mean your settlement figure doesn’t cover your repairs in full, but our Loss Assessors can work with your insurer to negotiate a fair outcome and help manage the costs to get you the best possible result. We’ll also help you understand your policy and assist in making any necessary adjustments for future claims to ensure you’re adequately covered moving forward. 

For further reading: What Does Underinsurance Really Mean When You Need to Make a Claim?

Technically, yes—but it’s not advisable. Just as you wouldn’t go to court without professional legal representation, you shouldn’t enter insurance claim negotiations without your own claims expert. Without a Loss Assessor, you risk missing out on thousands of pounds in settlement value.

Loss Assessors work solely for you—not the insurer—ensuring you receive the maximum entitlement under your policy. They manage the process, deal with complex documentation, and help protect your interests at every stage.

👉 Watch our short video on why you shouldn’t handle the claim yourself.

Yes – if your property is uninhabitable due to an insured event such as a fire, flood or storm damage, your insurance policy should cover the cost of suitable alternative accommodation.

This can include a rental property, hotel, or other temporary housing, depending on your circumstances and the length of time repairs will take.

At Morgan Clark, we ensure this part of the claim is handled quickly and fairly. We’ll negotiate with the insurer to secure accommodation that meets your needs – whether that means staying in the local area for school or work, keeping your pets with you, or finding longer-term housing if repairs are complex.

We can take the pressure off throughout this stressful time, so you can focus on your family while we handle the details.

Yes. It is possible that a fee for the services of a Loss Assessing firm, pre-selected by your insurer, was included as an add-on to your insurance policy. However, this will only apply to certain qualifying claims, and it is important to understand that this does not restrict your freedom to choose who represents you in your insurance claim. You are under no obligation to use the firm appointed through your policy if you would prefer independent representation. Morgan Clark remains fully available to support you, and you are entitled to appoint the Loss Assessor you feel will best protect your interests and manage your claim with expertise and care. For more information click here.

Morgan Clark supports homeowners, landlords, and business owners who have experienced significant damage to their property due to incidents such as: 

• Fire 
• Escape of water (e.g., burst pipe) 
• Flood 
• Storm damage 
• Gas explosion 
• Theft / Burglary 
• Third-party claims 
• Impact damage (e.g. a car crashing into your property) 
• Malicious damage / Riot 
• Business interruption claims. 

However, we do not deal with certain other insurance claims like motor insurance claims (e.g., stolen cars or road traffic accidents) personal injury claims or holiday claims. 

Our expert Loss Assessors work with policyholders to navigate the complexities of these claims, aiming to restore your property and secure the best possible settlement under the terms of your policy.

Betterment refers to the adjustment made to a claim payout if repairs or replacements increase the value of your property or assets beyond their original condition. Insurance companies may apply betterment to reduce the payout to reflect the improved value. A Loss Assessor can manage your claim so that betterment is applied fairly and that you’re not unfairly penalised for repairs or upgrades. 

For further reading: What is Betterment in home insurance? – Morgan Clark 

Yes, in many cases, we can assist with claims that are already in progress. The earlier we are involved, the more influence we can have on the outcome. If your claim has progressed significantly, there may be factors that are more difficult to change. However, we can still review your case, offer guidance, and work with your insurer to help secure the best possible outcome moving forward. It’s always worth reaching out to see how we can assist.

A cash settlement is an offer from your insurer to pay you a sum of money instead of repairing or replacing damaged property. This gives you the flexibility to make your own arrangements. However, several factors should be considered, such as deductions like VAT.

Morgan Clark can help assess whether a cash settlement is in your best interest and guide you in understanding if the offer is fair, taking into account the full cost of repairs or replacements.

For more information on how cash settlements work, please read our blog Cash Settlement Insurance Claims Explained.

• Being FCA-authorised and regulated means that we must meet strict requirements and guidelines that ensure fair treatment, transparency, and accountability in how we handle your claim. This gives you confidence that your interests are protected.  

To read more about FCA click here. 

Since 1999, we have worked with almost every major UK insurer and most specialist providers. Our long-standing reputation in the industry means we understand the specific claims processes and requirements of the vast majority of UK insurance firms. You can see a list of companies we have worked with here.

Yes. We have worked alongside UK Brokers since 1999, acting as a professional extension of your team. We take our lead from you to ensure your client receives a 360-degree service that combines your broking expertise with our specialist claims negotiation. You can read more about how Morgan Clark work with Insurance Brokers here.