When This Engagement Fits

This pathway is for claims that have moved beyond a standard assessment, not for routine reporting, which continues to run through the panel builder process.

Disputed Causation

Conflicting opinions on proximate cause, or a finding the policyholder, builder, or another party is contesting and which needs an independent technical position.

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Builder Disputes

Disagreement between the Insurer or adjuster and the appointed builder over scope, cost, or workmanship, requiring an arms-length technical assessment to break the deadlock.

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Technical Complexity

Claims involving structural uncertainty, multiple interacting perils, or specialist issues (moisture, ACM, structural movement) beyond the scope of a standard in-house review.

Stalled Claims

Claims that have drifted without a clear path forward, increasingly relevant under the redrafted Code's enforceable timeframes and automatic acceptance provisions.

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Second Opinion Required

Internal review or QA processes flag a report or scope as needing independent verification before a final position is taken.

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Tender & Scope Governance

Independent oversight of the tendering process between competing builders, or governance of an agreed scope through to completion.

What the Engagement Delivers

Monarch is engaged directly by the Insurer or loss adjuster, not through the panel builder, for the specific purpose of providing an independent technical position on the claim. The scope of engagement is agreed up front and can extend from a single expert opinion through to full project oversight of a complex claim.

Monarch provides technical findings and causation opinion only. Coverage determinations and claim decisions remain with the Insurer at all times, consistent with GICOP obligations.

Monarch holds $20,000,000 public liability and $1,000,000 professional indemnity insurance. Certificates of currency are available on request as part of the initial engagement.

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Independent Site Assessment

A fresh, evidence-led inspection conducted without reference to prior findings until the independent assessment is complete, preserving the integrity of the opinion.

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Defensible Expert Opinion

Findings presented to the same standard as every Monarch report: evidence-based, standards-referenced, and written so the reasoning can be followed by all parties to the dispute.

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Claim Project Oversight

For extended or complex matters, Monarch can manage the practical coordination through to completion, including trade coordination, scope governance, and tracking the claim's progress, so the adjuster retains visibility and control without carrying the day-to-day administrative load.

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Direct Reporting Line

Findings and progress are reported directly to the engaging Insurer or adjuster, not filtered through a third party, keeping the line of communication clear for the duration of the matter.

How an Engagement Starts

01

Initial Contact

The Insurer or loss adjuster contacts Monarch directly with a summary of the claim, the specific issue requiring independent input, and any relevant prior reports or correspondence.

02

Scope Agreement

Monarch confirms the scope of engagement, whether a single independent opinion, a defined assessment, or ongoing project oversight, along with timeframe and fee structure, before any site work begins.

03

Independent Assessment

Site attendance and evidence gathering proceed under the same rigour as a standard Monarch assessment, with findings developed independently of any prior position taken on the claim.

04

Reporting & Ongoing Oversight

The expert opinion is delivered directly to the engaging party. Where the engagement includes project oversight, Monarch continues to manage and report on the matter through to completion of the practical works.

Fee Structure

Independent Expert Assessment is engaged on a time basis rather than a flat report fee, reflecting the variable scope and complexity of disputed or stalled claims. Current rates are available on request, contact us to discuss. For engagements extending into project oversight, trade coordination, scope governance, or tender management, an agreed fee structure is confirmed as part of the initial scope discussion before work begins.

Discuss a Complex or Disputed Claim

For Insurers and loss adjusters, contact Monarch directly to discuss whether independent expert assessment is the right next step.