Loss assessment, claim investigation and survey report writing
Investigation sequence
- Confirm the policy was in force on the date of loss, premium was paid, and the risk matches the description in the schedule.
- Establish date, time and place; inspect the site; photograph and measure; take statements; collect the FIR or police report, invoices, stock records, repair estimates and medical records where relevant.
- Determine the cause and whether an insured peril or exclusion applies; test proximate cause rather than the last event.
- Quantify using the correct basis: market value, reinstatement, or motor IDV. Apply depreciation, betterment, salvage, average and deductible in that order as appropriate.
- Consider subrogation, salvage disposal and fraud indicators such as inconsistent records or exaggerated quantities.
Report structure
- Include title, appointment, documents reviewed, inspection notes, factual findings, cause, quantum with calculations, policy liability, deductions, recommendation, annexures, signature and date.
- Separate fact from opinion; show arithmetic; quote clause numbers; state assumptions and limitations.
Worked example
Motor total loss: IDV Rs 6,00,000; pre-accident value assessed at Rs 5,40,000; salvage Rs 40,000; policy excess Rs 5,000. Liability = 5,40,000 minus salvage 40,000 = 5,00,000; less excess 5,000 = 4,95,000, capped at the IDV of 6,00,000. The IDV is a ceiling, not an automatic payout; the surveyor must assess the actual pre-accident value and credit salvage.
Traps
- Recommending a figure without showing the calculation.
- Missing a condition precedent such as notice, FIR or proof of loss.
- Treating a repair estimate as proof of loss.
- Ignoring salvage or betterment.
- Writing 'as per policy' without identifying the clause relied on.