# Public adjusters in the United Kingdom: how the rules work

In the UK, loss assessors act for policyholders. The FCA says their claim work is likely a regulated activity in many cases.

Updated 2026-10-01. Country: United Kingdom. Also on the [web page](https://publicadjusters.fyi/guides/gb-united-kingdom).

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](https://register.fca.org.uk/s/). 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.

## Sources

- [FCA Handbook, PERG 5.7: assisting in the administration and performance of a contract of insurance](https://handbook.fca.org.uk/handbook/PERG/5/7.html)
- [FCA, Financial Services Register (about the register)](https://www.fca.org.uk/firms/financial-services-register)
- [FCA Financial Services Register (search)](https://register.fca.org.uk/s/)
- [Financial Ombudsman Service, decision DRN-4332443 (2023)](https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/decision/DRN-4332443.pdf)

## Questions

### What is a loss assessor in the UK?

A loss assessor acts for the policyholder on an insurance claim. FCA guidance treats loss adjusting as work done for an insurer.

### Are loss assessors regulated?

The FCA says loss assessors who act for policyholders in a claim are likely in many cases to carry on a regulated activity. Loss adjusting for an insurer is excluded.

### Can I complain to the Financial Ombudsman about a loss assessor?

In a 2023 decision, the Financial Ombudsman said it can look at a loss assessor's actions only up to the date the insurer settles the claim. After that, the work is not a regulated activity.

### How do I check a loss assessor?

Search the firm name on the FCA Financial Services Register. It shows authorised firms and the activities they have permission for.