A workshop held by loss adjusters has illustrated that some people struggle to comprehend insurance policies ­even when they work with them every day.

An Australasian Institute of Chartered Loss Adjusters domestic fire claims workshop in Brisbane this month attracted more than 70 delegates including loss adjusters, insurance company staff, brokers, solicitors and builders. Another is planned for Townsville on Wednesday.

The workshop used an insurer’s actual policy wording and applied it to a hypothetical house fire. Participants had to use the policy to resolve a number of scenarios.

They included coverage for the possessions and cash of rent-paying homestay students and house guests. Delegates were asked to further consider dual insurance arrangements.

Workshop spokesman Keith Patterson told insuranceNEWS.com.au participants emerged with a better feel for the meanings and intentions of policy wordings – an area that he and other loss adjusters often find wanting among insurance professionals.

“In a lot of cases they rely on a loss adjuster or someone else qualified saying, ‘Yes, this is a claim’,” he said.