Industry sector
Forensic Engineering for Insurance Claims
Post-event damage assessment, causation reports, and make-safe engineering for insurers, loss adjusters, and policyholders across Australia.
Discuss your projectInsurance damage assessment requires a forensic approach that separates event-caused damage from pre-existing deterioration. The distinction matters because insurers are liable only for damage directly caused by the insured event. Without a qualified engineer establishing causation, claims are disputed and settlements delayed. Our team prepares causation reports that establish a clear technical chain between the event and the structural damage observed.
We work across all sides of insurance engagements. Loss adjusters appoint us to provide independent technical investigation before repairs are authorised. Policyholders engage us when they believe an insurer has under-settled a claim or incorrectly attributed damage to pre-existing conditions. We also provide independent peer review of repair scopes proposed by contractor assessors, identifying where the scope is inadequate or the specified methods are not appropriate for the mechanism involved.
Common event types we investigate include tropical cyclone and storm damage, flood damage to substructures and building fabric, fire damage to structural elements, hail impact on roof and facade systems, and vehicular impact to structures. Each event type creates distinct damage patterns, and the causation analysis methodology must be tailored to the specific mechanism involved.
Insurance reports must be technically rigorous but also accessible to non-engineer claims managers. We write reports that explain the engineering findings in plain terms, present the causation analysis clearly, and provide repair scope and cost guidance in a format that enables prompt and fair claim settlement. Where claims are disputed, we prepare expert reports structured for independent dispute resolution or court proceedings.
Services we deliver
- 01Storm, flood, and fire damage structural assessment
- 02Causation and origin investigation
- 03Make-safe engineering and temporary works design
- 04Scope of works and cost estimation for rectification
- 05Independent peer review of contractor repair proposals
- 06Expert reports for disputed claims
- 07Pre-event condition documentation
- 08Residual capacity assessment of damaged structures
Typical engagements
- 01Loss adjuster-appointed investigation
- 02Policyholder-commissioned independent assessment
- 03Insurer technical panel engagement
- 04Dispute resolution and expert determination
- 05Emergency make-safe assessment
- 06Repair scope peer review
Frequently asked questions
Insurance engineering questions answered
Q01
What is the difference between a building inspector and a forensic engineer for insurance claims?
A building inspector documents the current condition of a property, listing defects observed without necessarily determining their cause or when they occurred. A forensic engineer investigates causation: we determine whether observed damage was caused by the insured event or pre-existed it, identify the mechanism of failure, and provide an expert opinion that can withstand scrutiny from all parties to the claim. Insurance disputes turn on causation, not just documentation.
Q02
How quickly can you respond to a storm or flood damage assessment?
For urgent post-event assessments, we can mobilise within 24 hours in capital city areas. Our national coverage means we can deploy to regional areas within 48 to 72 hours of an engagement. We triage requests by structural risk, prioritising situations where the building may be unsafe to occupy. After emergency mobilisation, a preliminary report is provided within 48 hours, with the full causation report following within 5 to 10 business days.
Q03
Can you provide a peer review of a repair scope prepared by an insurer-appointed contractor?
Yes. Policyholder-commissioned peer review of insurer-proposed repair scopes is a standard service we provide. We review the proposed repair methods and materials against the damage observed and the relevant Australian Standards. Common issues include repair scopes that address symptoms rather than causes, repair methods that are not appropriate for the specific failure mechanism, and omission of necessary ancillary works such as waterproofing or surface preparation. Our review provides a technical assessment of whether the proposed scope is adequate.
Q04
Do you provide expert reports for disputed insurance claims?
Yes. When an insurance claim dispute cannot be resolved directly between the parties, the matter may proceed to independent expert determination, AFCA complaint, or legal proceedings. We prepare expert reports structured to comply with the requirements of the relevant dispute forum, including the Expert Witness Code of Conduct for court and tribunal proceedings. Our engineers have given expert evidence in insurance disputes across all Australian states.