Loss adjusters are facing further pressure to diversify into other business areas after their traditional workload of weather-related claims dropped 30% during this year.
Kevin Larman, client relationships director at Cunningham Ellis & Buckle, said: “Loss adjusters have to address the drop in weather-related claims because this is a large proportion of our total workload.”
He said that most loss adjusters have already reviewed their staffing requirements including CEB which closed two personal lines centres last May. But Larman warned any further job cuts could affect adjusters' service standards should the drop in storm damage claims be reversed.
Neil Ventris, managing director for UK operations at Crawford and Company, said any reduction in its weather-related claims workload has been offset by increased demand for its services worldwide.
He added: “We have contingency plans in place, and 10,000 staff worldwide. We are ready to tackle whatever the weather throws at us.”
Insurers Axa and Direct Line both confirmed they received around 30% fewer household damage claims this year.
Graham Plumber, claims manager at Axa, said although there have been fewer claims for storm damage the average cost has been higher.
He added: “Loss adjusters are all experiencing fewer traditional claims, but they have been diversifying into other areas such as risk management and claims handling services.”
Direct Line, which has almost one million household customers, said however, it had experienced a small rise in claims for accidental damage (up 4%) and for lost personal possessions (up 5%).
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