The Australasian Institute of Chartered Loss Adjusters (AICLA) has launched a fresh bid to have the profession fully recognised in the General Insurance Code of Practice, so adjusters can be differentiated from less-qualified assessors.

The submission to Ian Enright’s independent code review is the third such attempt by AICLA since the code was launched in 1994, following similar submissions in 2005 and 2009.

The latest attempt contains a “subtle difference” in asking for the roles of loss adjusters and loss assessors to be defined, according to AICLA CEO Tony Libke.

Currently, the code refers to “loss assessors/loss adjusters” that are contracted by the insurer “to examine the circumstances of your claim, assess damage or loss, determine whether your claim is covered under your policy [and possibly] assist in obtaining repair/replacement quotes and help settle the claim”.

But loss assessors “can come from any kind of background and don’t normally have an insurance-related qualification”, Mr Libke says.

AICLA wants the code amended to define “assessor” and “loss adjuster” separately and to set minimum training and education standards for adjusters.

At present a number of “inexpert, under-trained and unprofessional service-providers are calling themselves loss adjusters”, Mr Libke says.

“But while they can assess and quantify a loss, they can’t adjust the loss because they are not qualified to comment on the detail of the policy. 

“Some insurers are telling customers they’re sending out a loss adjuster to check a claim, when in fact they’re sending out someone who can clean a carpet or organise repairs to a car, fix a roof or organise repairs to a building.

“They don’t have a diploma in loss adjusting, which is an internationally recognised qualification. So they don’t have knowledge of insurance contracts and coverage, or the relevant laws.

“If insurers want to send out a building assessor, that’s fine, but they shouldn’t call him a loss adjuster.”