Materials engineering and testing in loss adjusting: our role

Metallurgy, Materials Testing and Materials Engineering provide an integral service to Loss Adjusters and as an expert witness in court matters. Here is how One Eighty provides an important service:

When it comes to insurance claims, understanding the root cause of a loss is essential. In many cases, loss adjusting requires an in-depth investigation into the mechanical, materials and metallurgical properties involved in an incident. This is where metallurgical, materials testing, and materials engineering laboratories play a crucial role.

Metallurgical analysis is the study of the structure, properties, and behavior of metals. This discipline can provide critical insights into the cause of a loss, especially in cases where the failure of a metal component or structure was involved. Metallurgical analysis can determine the quality and integrity of a metal and identify any defects, such as cracks, inclusions, or corrosion, that may have contributed to the loss.

Materials testing involves the measurement and analysis of the physical and mechanical properties of materials. By testing the materials involved in a loss, a materials testing laboratory can determine their strength, ductility, hardness, and other properties that may have played a role in the incident. Materials testing can also help to identify any manufacturing or design defects in materials that may have contributed to the loss.

Materials engineering is the study of the properties, behaviour, and performance of materials in specific applications. Materials engineers can provide critical insights into the selection of materials for specific applications, such as construction, manufacturing, or transportation. Materials engineers can also determine the causes of materials failures and develop solutions to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

At our metallurgical, materials testing, and materials engineering laboratory, we have the expertise and resources to assist loss adjusters in determining the root cause of a loss. Our team of experienced engineers and technicians can conduct in-depth metallurgical analysis and materials testing to identify the factors that contributed to the loss. We can also provide expert guidance on the selection and use of materials in specific applications and develop solutions to prevent future incidents.

By partnering with our laboratory, loss adjusters can be confident that they have the knowledge and insights necessary to make informed decisions and ensure fair and accurate claims settlements.

Why is it important to use an ISO accredited materials testing laboratory for any loss adjusting services?

Using an ISO accredited materials testing laboratory for loss adjusting services is essential for several reasons. ISO (International Organization for Standardization) accreditation means that the laboratory has met specific requirements and standards for quality management, testing, and calibration. Here are some reasons why it is important to use an ISO accredited materials testing laboratory for any loss adjusting services:

• Quality assurance: An ISO accredited laboratory ensures that the laboratory’s testing and calibration processes are consistent, accurate, and reliable. This provides the loss adjuster with confidence that the results of the testing are trustworthy and can be relied upon to make informed decisions.
• Standardized procedures: ISO accreditation requires the laboratory to follow standardized procedures for testing, calibration, and quality control. This means that the laboratory’s processes are consistent, repeatable, and comparable with other laboratories, allowing for more accurate comparisons and benchmarking.
• Expertise: ISO accreditation requires that laboratory personnel have the necessary education, training, and experience to perform the required testing and analysis. This ensures that the laboratory has the expertise necessary to perform the testing required for loss adjusting services accurately.
• Traceability: ISO accredited laboratories must maintain a documented traceability system, ensuring that the results of the testing can be traced back to their source. This is important for loss adjusting services because it allows for the identification of potential sources of error or variation in the testing process.
• Legal compliance: ISO accreditation ensures that the laboratory is compliant with relevant legal and regulatory requirements, providing peace of mind for the loss adjuster and ensuring that the testing is performed in accordance with applicable standards.

In conclusion, using an ISO accredited materials testing laboratory like One Eighty for loss adjusting services is crucial to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and quality of the testing and analysis. This provides the loss adjuster with the necessary information to make informed decisions and ensure fair and accurate claims settlements. One Eighty is Africa’s most widely scoped ISO 17025:2017 accredited materials testing laboratory with 21 years of experience in supporting loss adjusting and serving as an expert witness is court matters.