You are entitled to your own expert (counter-expertise)

After a loss, your insurer often promptly sends its own loss adjuster. That adjuster is knowledgeable, but works on the instructions of — and is paid by — the insurer. You may put your own expert opposite them: the counter-expert.

What does a counter-expert do?

• Assesses the loss afresh, independently and in full.
• Checks the insurer’s report for inaccuracies and missed items.
• Translates your loss into the terms of the policy conditions.
• Conducts the discussions with the insurer’s expert on your behalf.

Our advice for damage to your home or business premises

In the event of storm, water, fire, smoke or soot damage to a home or business premises, our advice is always to engage your own expert. The counter-expert handles the procedural side of the settlement with the insurer and prevents miscommunication about the circumstances, the question of fault and the determination of the amount of the loss — the items to be paid out.

It is about balance, not conflict

A counter-expertise is not about picking a fight. It ensures that your interests, too, are put on the table with the same expertise and in the same language. In practice, the discussions often run all the more smoothly as a result.

Good to know — You are entirely free in your choice of expert. An insurer may not make NIVRE registration a condition: the Court of Appeal of The Hague ruled in 2020 (affirmed by the Dutch Supreme Court in 2022) that such a requirement is unlawful. Moreover, NIVRE was co-founded by insurers and is therefore not an independent quality mark. What counts is demonstrable expertise and genuine independence from insurers.