SURVEYORS AND LOSS ASSESSORS :

A Surveyor or a Loss Assessor is relevant for general insurance business, where assessment of the loss of the subject matter insured is very important for deciding the claim amount. As general insurance contracts are indemnity contracts in nature, the amount paid by the insurance company cannot exceed the amount of actual loss incurred. The job of the Surveyor or a Loss Assessor is therefore to arrive at the exact amount of loss incurred and his role is critical to a general insurer.

Every person who is a student-member of the Institutes of Surveyors and Loss Assessors intending to act as a Surveyor or Loss Assessor is required to be licensed by IRDA before he starts performing his functions for any general insurer. A licence issued for a Surveyor or a Loss Assessor shall be valid for a period of 5 years after which it is required to be renewed.

A Surveyor and Loss Assessor shall be categorized into 3 categories, The three categories are Licentiate, Associateship and Fellowship which is awarded by the Institute of Surveyors and Loss Assessors. The nature of surveyor or loss assessment work which can be undertaken would depend upon the categorisation. Further IRDA shall also allot the department or the area work for the Surveyor and Loss Assessor from time to time.