What is a policyholder's fire expert?

A policyholder's expert is a technical expert appointed by the party affected by a loss (private individual, business, co-ownership) to defend their interests against the expert appointed by their insurance company. They analyse the loss, review the opposing conclusions and propose an adversarial expert appraisal based on the NFPA 921 methodology.

Can my insurer refuse my counter-appraisal?

No. The right to a counter-appraisal is guaranteed by almost all home, professional and industrial insurance policies. The company cannot refuse the principle of a counter-appraisal; it may, however, discuss its terms. Most policies provide for a contribution towards the policyholder's expert's fees.

What are the costs of a policyholder's expert?

Fees vary depending on the complexity of the loss. The majority of insurance policies include a clause covering all or part of the policyholder's expert's fees (often 5% of the compensated loss amount). FireLab Pyrénées™ provides a transparent quote before any assignment, with regular progress updates on costs.

POLICYHOLDER’S EXPERT · "EXPLOSION & FIRE"

Policyholder’s Expert

FireLab Pyrénées^™ defends the policyholder’s technical interests against the Insurance Expert appointed by the company.

THE MISSION

Your expert facing the company’s expert.

After an "Explosion & Fire" loss, the insurer appoints an Insurance Expert to analyse the Causes and quantify the damage. This expert works for the company. The policyholder is under no obligation to attend this expert appraisal alone. They can — and often must — call on their own expert.

FireLab Pyrénées^™ acts as a Policyholder’s Expert, independent of any insurance company. An adversarial and loyal approach at the policyholder’s side. Analysing, quantifying, securing compensation — while ensuring that all the cover provided for in the policy is applied.

Disagreement between the Insurance Expert and the Policyholder’s Expert may lead to a third-party expert appraisal. In persistent cases, court proceedings remain an option.

THE RIGOUR

Defending does not mean pleasing.

FireLab Pyrénées^™ applies the same "NFPA 921" methodology as in its judicial investigation assignments. Technical conclusions rest on the findings, not on the mandate. No complacent report. No biased conclusion.

It is precisely this technical rigour that gives its report its strength in adversarial expert proceedings. The Policyholder’s Expert and the Insurance Expert debate on the basis of an Amicable and Adversarial Expert Appraisal Report — a document the policyholder should only sign in full knowledge of their rights.

THE SITUATIONS

When should you call on a Policyholder’s Expert?

Adversarial appraisal

Out-of-court (amicable) adversarial expert appraisal

As soon as you are summoned to an expert appraisal by your insurance company. FireLab Pyrénées^™ stands at your side to deal with the Insurance Expert on equal terms. Analysis of the Causes, quantification of losses, preparation of the claim file.

Compensation

Quantification and fair compensation

The Policyholder’s Expert draws up the list of losses, assesses the damage and verifies the application of all the cover provided for in the policy. Ancillary cover, loss of use, compliance upgrades, business interruption losses — every item is defended.

Denial of cover

Refusal or reduction of compensation

When the company invokes an exclusion of cover or disputes the quantification, an independent counter-appraisal is essential. FireLab Pyrénées^™ analyses the policy clauses and defends fair compensation for the damage.

Complex case

Technical complexity of the loss

When the "Explosion & Fire" loss involves technical installations — electricity, photovoltaics, vehicles, heating — that the company’s generalist expert does not master. FireLab Pyrénées^™ brings in the appropriate specialised expertise.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The "Explosion & Fire" Policyholder’s Expert in practice.

What is the difference between a Policyholder’s Expert and an Insurance Expert?

The Insurance Expert is appointed by the company to analyse the loss in the insurer’s interest. The Policyholder’s Expert is appointed by the policyholder themselves to defend their technical interests. One works for the insurer, the other for the policyholder — their interests are opposed. FireLab Pyrénées^™ acts exclusively as a Policyholder’s Expert, fully independent of Insurance Companies.

When should you call on a Policyholder’s Expert?

As soon as you receive the summons to an expert appraisal from your insurance company. The Policyholder’s Expert must be able to take part from the very first expert meeting to guarantee the adversarial process. The earlier the intervention, the more effective it is. Do not sign any document before consulting your Policyholder’s Expert. FireLab Pyrénées^™ can be reached 24/7 to assess your situation.

Who pays the Policyholder’s Expert’s fees?

The Policyholder’s Expert’s fees are borne by the policyholder. Some insurance policies provide for partial or full coverage of the fees through a cover delegation. Check the terms of your policy or ask your insurer before the first expert meeting. FireLab Pyrénées^™ informs you from the very first contact about the terms of intervention and the fees.

What happens if the two experts disagree?

When the Insurance Expert and the Policyholder’s Expert cannot reach an agreement, a third-party expert appraisal may be initiated. A third expert is then appointed by mutual agreement or according to the terms set out in the policy. The costs of the third-party appraisal are shared between the policyholder and the company. As a last resort, court proceedings remain an option. FireLab Pyrénées^™ supports the policyholder at every stage — from the out-of-court (amicable) expert appraisal to court proceedings if necessary.

Need an "Explosion & Fire" Policyholder’s Expert?

Contact FireLab Pyrénées^™ to assess the situation and define the terms of intervention.

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or directly on +33 6 51 939 773