Survey and surveyor
Independent inspection that establishes what happened and how much.
Definition
An inspection of the damaged cargo by an independent surveyor appointed on the insurer's instruction, producing a report on the extent of the damage, its probable cause, whether the packing and stow were adequate, and what can be salvaged. The surveyor does not decide the claim; the report is the evidence the adjuster and the insurer work from.
Why it decides money
Do not move, repack or dispose of damaged goods before the survey. Doing so removes the evidence that would have supported both the claim and the recovery against the carrier.
Related terms
- Loss adjuster
- Applies the wording to the facts and recommends the settlement.
- First notification of loss
- The first report of a loss, which starts every clock that matters.
More in claims and recovery
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