A Loss Assessor is an independent insurance professional who works exclusively for policyholders, not insurance companies. We assess, prepare, and negotiate insurance claims on your behalf to ensure you receive a fair settlement.

Unlike Loss Adjusters (who work for insurers), Loss Assessors represent your interests throughout the entire claims process.

Your insurance company has a duty to protect their own interests and minimise claim costs. Vanguardo works exclusively for you, the policyholder.

We ensure your claim is properly assessed, correctly valued, and negotiated to achieve the maximum settlement you're entitled to under your policy.

No, not every claim requires a Loss Assessor. Many straightforward claims are settled quickly and fairly by insurers.

However, Loss Assessors are particularly valuable for:

• Complex or high-value claims
• Disputed settlements or valuations
• Claims involving technical assessments
• Multiple perils or extensive damage
• Commercial or business interruption claims

We offer a free initial assessment to determine if our services would benefit your specific situation.

Yes, professional Loss Assessors in the UK are regulated and must adhere to strict industry standards. Vanguardo's assessors are qualified professionals with extensive experience in insurance claims management.

We maintain professional indemnity insurance and follow industry best practices to protect our clients' interests.

Our claims process follows these key steps:

1. Initial Assessment: We review your policy and damage to determine the best approach
2. Documentation: We gather all necessary evidence, photographs, and supporting documents
3. Claim Preparation: We prepare a comprehensive claim submission with accurate valuations
4. Submission & Negotiation: We present your claim and negotiate with insurers on your behalf
5. Settlement: We ensure you receive the maximum settlement you're entitled to
6. Project Management: If repairs are needed, we can oversee the restoration process

Claim timelines vary depending on complexity, damage extent, and insurer response times. Simple claims may settle within 4-8 weeks, whilst complex claims can take several months.

We work efficiently to expedite the process whilst ensuring your claim is thoroughly documented and fairly valued. We keep you informed throughout and chase insurers when necessary to prevent unnecessary delays.

Yes, you can still make a claim under your own insurance policy regardless of fault. We can help assess liability and determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

In some cases, we may advise pursuing a claim through a third party's insurance if they were clearly at fault.

If your claim is denied, we can:

• Review the denial reasons and policy terms
• Identify any grounds for appeal
• Gather additional evidence to support your claim
• Negotiate with insurers to reconsider their decision
• Advise on escalation options including the Financial Ombudsman Service

Many denied claims can be successfully overturned with proper representation and documentation.

Our fees are agreed upfront before any work begins. We typically offer two fee structures:

• Fixed Fee: An agreed amount for straightforward claims with clear scope
• Percentage-Based Fee: A percentage of the final settlement for complex claims

The exact fee depends on your claim's complexity, value, and the work required. We provide a clear fee proposal during your initial consultation with no hidden costs or surprises.

This depends on the fee structure agreed. For some claims, we work on a "No Win, No Fee" basis, meaning you only pay if your claim is successful.

For other claims, particularly complex ones, we may require a retainer or staged payments. All fees are clearly explained and agreed before we begin work on your claim.

Some insurance policies include cover for professional fees, including Loss Assessor costs. We can review your policy to determine if this applies.

Even if your policy doesn't cover our fees, our service often results in significantly higher settlements that more than offset our costs.

Yes, we offer a free initial consultation to:

• Review your policy and damage
• Assess whether a Loss Assessor would benefit your claim
• Provide an honest opinion on the best course of action
• Explain our fees and services

There's no obligation to proceed, and we'll be honest if we believe your claim doesn't require professional representation.

We handle all types of property insurance claims, including:

• Fire damage
• Flood and water damage
• Escape of water (burst pipes, leaks)
• Storm damage
• Impact damage (vehicle collision, falling trees)
• Subsidence, heave, and landslip
• Theft and malicious damage
• Accidental damage

Yes, we have extensive experience with commercial property claims, including:

• Business premises damage
• Stock and inventory losses
• Business interruption claims
• Commercial vehicle damage
• Tenant and landlord claims

We understand the urgency of getting businesses back operational and work to minimise disruption.

Yes, we provide specialist support for motor insurance claims, particularly:

• Disputed total loss valuations
• High-value, prestige, or classic vehicles
• Modified vehicles
• Commercial and fleet claims
• Multiple vehicle incidents

Motor claims are assessed case-by-case, and we'll be honest about whether our involvement would add value.

Yes, we can assist with contents claims for:

• Damaged furniture and belongings
• Electronics and appliances
• Clothing and personal items
• High-value items (jewellery, art, antiques)
• Lost or stolen property

We ensure items are accurately valued at replacement cost, not depreciated value, where your policy allows.

Making a claim may affect your premium at renewal, regardless of whether you use a Loss Assessor. However, using our services doesn't increase this impact.

In fact, by ensuring your claim is settled fairly and efficiently, we may help reduce the overall claim cost to insurers, potentially minimising premium increases.

Don't worry – we can obtain your policy documents from your insurer on your behalf. We just need your policy number and basic details to request the documentation.

If you can't find your policy number, contact your insurance broker or check your bank statements for premium payments.

Yes, you should inform your insurer that you've appointed a Loss Assessor. We'll handle all communications with them on your behalf once instructed.

Most insurers are familiar with Loss Assessors and understand this is your right as a policyholder. Your insurer cannot refuse your claim simply because you've appointed professional representation.

Your excess is the amount you pay towards a claim before your insurance covers the rest. It's stated in your policy documents.

Yes, you're responsible for paying your excess. However, we can:

• Ensure the excess isn't incorrectly deducted multiple times
• Advise if the excess can be recovered from a third party
• Negotiate payment arrangements if necessary

In most cases, yes. Whilst insurers may recommend approved contractors, you generally have the right to choose your own, provided they're qualified and competitive.

We can help source reputable contractors, obtain competitive quotes, and manage the repair process to ensure work meets required standards.