When a business client suffers a major fire, flood, or other significant loss, the broker is usually the first person they call. That call carries real weight: the client is often shaken, the policy is complex, and the settlement may run into six or seven figures. This article explains how Commercial Insurance Claim Solutions works alongside insurance brokers on these claims, where a commercial loss assessor adds value, and how we protect the broker relationship throughout.
Three distinct roles: broker, loss assessor, and loss adjuster
Commercial claims involve three professionals who are frequently confused with one another. Understanding the difference is the starting point for any productive partnership.
- The broker arranges the cover, advises on the policy, and maintains the long-term relationship with the client. The broker’s job is to place the right protection before anything goes wrong.
- The loss adjuster is appointed and paid by the insurer once a claim is made. Their role is to investigate the loss and assess the insurer’s liability on the insurer’s behalf. This is a structural fact of how claims work, not a criticism of the individuals involved.
- The loss assessor is appointed by the policyholder. A commercial loss assessor prepares, documents, and negotiates the claim on the client’s side of the table, working toward the fullest settlement the policy allows.
The broker and the loss assessor are natural allies. Both act for the client. Neither is funded by the insurer. Where the broker holds the relationship and the policy knowledge, the assessor brings the claims-handling expertise and the time to manage a complex loss day by day.
Why a broker might bring in a commercial loss assessor
Most everyday claims are handled smoothly by the broker and insurer without outside help. The picture changes when a loss is large, technical, or contested. A broker is not resourced to project-manage a six-month reinstatement claim, quantify a business interruption period, or push back on a detailed adjuster’s report. That is specialist, full-time work.
Brokers commonly refer a client to us when:
- The loss is significant, for example a fire, major escape of water, storm damage, or subsidence affecting a commercial premises.
- There is a business interruption claim that needs accurate calculation of lost gross profit and the indemnity period.
- The claim has become technical or disputed, and the client needs someone to interrogate the adjuster’s figures.
- The client simply does not have the time or expertise to compile the evidence a large claim demands while also trying to keep trading.
Bringing in an assessor in these situations protects the broker too. It demonstrates that the broker went the extra mile for the client at the worst moment, and it reduces the risk of an under-settled claim coming back as a complaint about the original advice.
How the referral model works
The model is deliberately simple. The broker makes an introduction, we carry out a free initial assessment of the loss, and if we take the case on we manage the claim from start to settlement. The fee is paid by the client as a percentage of the final settlement, agreed in advance on a case-by-case basis. It is a no win, no fee arrangement, so the client takes on no upfront cost.
The broker relationship is protected
This is the point that matters most to brokers, so we want to be unambiguous about it. We are a commercial claims management firm. We are not brokers and we do not place insurance. When you refer a client, we manage that single claim and nothing else.
- We do not cross-sell. We will never approach your client about moving their cover, their renewals, or any other business.
- We keep you informed. You stay in the loop on progress for as long as you and the client want you there.
- We hand the relationship back. Once the claim settles, the client is yours, with their confidence in you reinforced.
- We are regulated. Commercial Insurance Claim Solutions operates under Trevor Kelly Insurance Claim Solutions Ltd, regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland, Reg. No: C423441.
You can read more about the structure of the arrangement on our broker partnerships page.
What brokers and their clients get
A good partnership has to work for everyone. Here is what each side gains when a claim is referred to us.
For the client
- Regulated representation by a chartered surveyor and registered public loss assessor who acts solely for the policyholder.
- A free initial site visit and assessment, with no obligation to proceed.
- A transparent process: policy review, claim preparation, documentation, lodging, and negotiation, all handled on their behalf.
- No win, no fee, so the cost is tied to the result rather than charged upfront.
For the broker
- A trusted specialist to hand difficult claims to, rather than carrying the burden alone.
- Regular updates so you can speak knowledgeably to your client at any time.
- A protected relationship, with no cross-selling and a clean hand-back at settlement.
- A stronger client bond, built on having brought in the right help when it counted.
We never guarantee a particular figure. What we do is prepare and present the claim thoroughly and negotiate firmly, so the settlement reflects the full extent of what the policy provides. Nothing in this article is legal advice; it is an explanation of how commercial claims are handled in practice.
How to refer a client
Referring a client is straightforward. Get in touch with a brief outline of the loss, the type of business, and the policy in place. We will arrange a free assessment, usually with a site visit, and report back to you and the client on whether and how we can help. There is no cost and no commitment in that first conversation.
We work with brokers across Ireland and understand that your client relationship is the asset you are protecting. Our job is to manage the claim well and give that asset back to you stronger than before.
Talk to us
If you are a broker with a large or complex commercial claim, visit our broker partnerships page to start a conversation about working together. If you are a business owner dealing with a loss right now, you can request a free claim assessment and we will review your situation with no obligation.
