04 Jun 2008

Rowena Byrne-Jones, 36, the Head of Complex Liability at Teceris Corporate & Complex Adjusting, an adjusting firm Loss adjusting is the most wide and varied job.

In essence we are independent claims specialists instructed by insurance companies, large corporations and self-insured entities to determine the cause of losses,, how they have occurred and to report on policy liability and cost of repair, replacement or damages . Many loss adjusters are material damage specialists, but I concentrate on complex liability cases. On an average day it is my job to determine the validity of a third party claim made against my Principal’s client, whether it be a property damage or personal injury claim.

In general, the privilege of the job is that we see things close up and first hand that the general public doesn’t see. There are very few jobs that allow you to walk through the tape to the scene of a fatal accident or to the seat of a major fire. We have been described as “a bit policeman, bit detective, bit lawyer”, but in essence no matter how “CSI” it sounds we are insurance experts and when a loss happens, we are among the first people called to the scene.

It’s a fantastic job, dynamic and varied. I spend about three days a week out and about. It requires organisational skill, technical accuracy and loads of common sense. On arrival at a fire or flood loss we liaise with police, forensic scientists and other experts. When dealing with accidents – especially those involving children – and Coroners’ inquests it can be an emotional experience and you have to show empathy, but we also have to stay impartial and detached. Loss adjusters are governed by the Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters and abide by its code of conduct.

I have a legal background but developed an interest in insurance and dealing with liability claims. In terms of job satisfaction, I know we make a difference to people who have suffered a loss. In my firm we employ lawyers, surveyors, accountants: people of all different disciplines and skills. We’re the human face of the company that instructs us. If you’re dealing with someone who has suffered a significant impairment to their business – say, a bakery that has burnt down, the satisfaction is using our multi skilled team approach to get that business back up and running as quickly as possible.

A lot of people don’t know what loss adjusting is, but it’s an excellent career choice. You’re dealing with the sexy end of the insurance business. The package is excellent with a car, a good basic salary and a bonus. Teceris recently launched a fast-track trainee scheme and it had a lot more applications than anticipated. People tend to fall into insurance but we’re seeing more young people choosing loss adjusting as a career. This industry has a fantastic future ahead.