Public adjusters in the United Kingdom: how the rules work

In the United Kingdom the job is called a loss assessor, and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) says loss assessors who act for policyholders are likely, in many cases, to carry on a regulated activity.

What the job is called here

A "loss assessor" works for you, the policyholder. FCA guidance treats "loss adjusting" as work done for an insurer.

Who regulates it

The Financial Conduct Authority regulates firms that carry on regulated financial activities. The Financial Ombudsman Service handles complaints about regulated activities.

Is a licence required

The FCA guidance we read does not describe a separate "loss assessor licence." Instead, FCA guidance in PERG 5.7 covers the regulated activity of "assisting in the administration and performance of a contract of insurance."

• The FCA says loss assessors who act for policyholders in a claim are likely, in many cases, to carry on this activity.
• The FCA says managing claims for certain insurers is not a regulated activity. The exclusions include loss adjusting for an insurer, expert appraisal, and managing claims for an insurer.

In short, work for the policyholder during a claim is likely to be regulated. The listed claims work for an insurer is excluded.

Fees

The FCA pages we read do not set a fee cap for loss assessors. Agree the fee in writing before you sign.

How to check a licence (official register link)

Search the FCA Financial Services Register. The FCA says the register is a public record of firms and individuals that are, or were, authorised by the FCA or the PRA. You can see the activities each firm has permission for.

What to do if there is no regime

If you have a problem with a loss assessor, the Financial Ombudsman Service can look at complaints about regulated activities. In a 2023 decision, the Ombudsman said it can look at a loss assessor's actions only until the insurer settles the claim. After settlement, the contract of insurance is fulfilled, so later work is not a regulated activity.

This is general information, not legal advice; confirm the current rules with the FCA.