Tell us about your role and how you got to where you are today?

I’m currently employed within Davies as a Senior Loss Adjuster and have over thirty years’ experience working across claims. I started out my career with a local loss adjusting business back in the early 90’s and moved around a little before landing at a firm named Gates Adjusting partnership (which went on to become Core Claims – the business acquired by Davies in 2016).

I’ve been involved with a range of claims including liability, motor, household property and commercial. But for the last ten years, I’ve been focusing on my true passion: reviewing the way processes and claims interact.

The senior position I have attracts high value claims. It’s very hands on and takes time to review all the processes and documentation. The fact that I am using my experience and always improving is what I enjoy the most.

Traditionally loss adjusters work on the value of the claim or settlement, with a fixed fee. But we work very differently – we work on a savings basis.

 What type of losses do you evaluate?

Every loss we assess is the result of a car accident, which occurs when a vehicle collides with a permanent structure. It could be a structure barrier, a tunnel wall throughout the UK networks of roads and motorways, a gate to someone’s home or business, or indeed street furniture that has become detached and is flying down a road or highway.

The damaged item then gets repaired, and the ‘owner or responsible authority’ would look to try and recover the cost of the repair, so that goes through as a claim to the insurance company. The insurer will then instruct us to review quantum and to negotiate a settlement on best terms.

 What do you find most interesting about your role?

What I enjoy most about my role is that every day is different. No two claims or days are the same. Even similar claims can have very different costs involved – and that variety keeps me sane and engaged. Naturally, I also feel quite satisfied when I know that I’ve saved the client money – it’s what we’re here to do.

 What do you see as the biggest challenge for your industry across the UK and Ireland in the next year?

These days, there are so many things affecting us all, such as the rising cost of living and material costs, but from the perspective of the insurance industry, the biggest challenge tends to be recruitment and managing resources. After all, it’s hard to find people with the knowledge and understanding we need – and that’s widespread right across all industries.

What are three key things you’ve learnt in your career? What’s your best piece of advice to someone starting out?

• Be professional and diplomatic – you need to be prepared to take criticism on occasions, but how you deal with it is what matters most and will have the most significant impact on your career.
• Organisation – reading the paperwork thoroughly, but also being organised and diligent are key in this role.
• Self-motivation – is another key skill.

As for advice for those starting out, for me the above points 2 and 3 are key. Utilise the time spent when working in person around your colleagues and peers as this is enviable when starting out, and when on the road, utilise all the communication tools available and stay connected.

If you would like to find out how our Impact Solutions experts can save your business money, get in contact with Casualty Growth Director, James Harris on james.harris@davies-group.com.