5. Who do you work for?

Average Adjusters may be appointed by any party with an interest in the marine adventure for the purpose of stating the liability arising from a loss under the policies of marine insurance. Typically that appointment is by the Assured (the Shipowners in the case of a hull & machinery claim), but it could also be on behalf of Underwriters, or an admiralty lawyer, a cargo interest etc. Since the Average Adjusters’ role is to be impartial in arriving at the requested opinion, the Adjustment is a statement of the facts and an analysis of the claim on the policies of insurance that arises in the situation.

Generally, policies of insurance will specify which surveyors are to act on behalf of Underwriters and also what arrangements are acceptable for the appointment of Average Adjusters in the event of a loss. As such, the fees of the Average Adjusters, as well as those of the Underwriters’ surveyor, are generally included in the claim by the Assured under the policies.