Adjuster

An adjuster is a third-party professional commissioned by an insurance company, shipowner, or relevant party in insurance, average, or trade disputes to independently investigate, inspect, and calculate the cause, extent, and amount of loss. In foreign trade, adjusters are most commonly seen in marine insurance and general average scenarios: when cargo damage, cargo shortage, or general average occurs, the adjuster must board the vessel for inspection, review documents, determine liability, and issue an adjustment report as the basis for claims. Use cases include: cargo damage claims under CIF/FOB contracts, general average contribution, carrier liability limitation calculation, etc. Note: The adjuster must remain independent and impartial; their report usually has legal effect, but if a party disagrees with the result, they may apply for re-adjustment or arbitration. Difference from 'Surveyor': A surveyor focuses on recording factual conditions, while an adjuster focuses on calculating loss amounts and allocating liability. Similar to a 'loss adjuster,' but adjusters are more specifically used in marine average and insurance fields. Foreign trade practitioners should ensure the adjuster has local qualifications and promptly provide complete documents to cooperate with the adjustment.