Survey & Inspection Glossary

A comprehensive inspection of a building's condition, structural integrity, and maintenance status, conducted for insurance purposes including pre-risk assessment, claim investigation, or reinstatement valuation.

The documented trail showing the collection, handling, transfer, and storage of physical evidence from a loss site, ensuring its integrity and admissibility in any legal proceedings.

A detailed evaluation of the current state and structural integrity of a property or asset, often conducted during surveys to establish baseline conditions or document pre-existing damage.

The complete set of documents, evidence, photographs, and supporting materials compiled to substantiate an insurance claim, including policy documents, loss reports, and repair estimates.

A claim assessment conducted remotely using submitted photographs, documents, and other evidence without the surveyor physically visiting the loss site.

The process of systematically recording and preserving evidence of damage through photographs, written descriptions, measurements, and supporting materials for the insurance claim file.

The practice of protecting, securing, and maintaining physical and digital evidence related to an insurance claim to ensure it remains available and admissible throughout the claims process.

The comprehensive concluding report submitted by the surveyor after completing all investigations, containing the full damage assessment, quantum calculation, coverage analysis, and settlement recommendation.

An on-location inspection conducted by an adjuster or surveyor at the site of a claim, involving visual assessment, measurements, photography, and evidence collection.

The process of adding GPS coordinates (latitude, longitude) and timestamps to photographs and other evidence captured at a loss site to verify location and time of documentation.

A progress report submitted between the preliminary and final reports, updating the insurer on investigation status, revised estimates, and any issues discovered during the ongoing assessment.

A survey conducted by a surveyor who has no financial interest in the outcome of the claim, ensuring objectivity and impartiality in the assessment.

A survey conducted by two or more surveyors or adjusters together, often representing different parties such as the insurer and reinsurer, or multiple co-insurers on a single claim.

The process of evaluating and quantifying the financial value of damage or loss suffered by the insured, forming the basis for the claim settlement amount.

Actions taken by the insured to prevent further damage or reduce the extent of loss after an insured event occurs, which is typically a duty under the insurance contract.

The process of using moisture meters and thermal imaging to detect and document the extent of water intrusion in building materials, creating a visual map of affected areas.

An initial report submitted by the surveyor shortly after the first inspection, providing early findings and an estimated loss amount before the detailed investigation is completed.

The use of photographs to create a visual record of damage, property condition, and relevant details at the loss site, typically including overview, medium, and close-up shots.

A sworn statement submitted by the policyholder to the insurer formally documenting the facts of the loss, the amount claimed, and other relevant details required for claim processing.

An inspection carried out before an insurance policy is issued to assess the risk characteristics of the property or subject matter, helping the insurer determine terms, conditions, and premium.

A detailed inspection requested by the insurer before accepting a proposal for insurance, particularly for high-value or complex risks, to verify the information provided by the proposer.

A survey conducted before issuing or renewing an insurance policy to evaluate the physical condition, safety measures, and risk profile of the property to be insured.

A follow-up inspection conducted after the initial survey to verify repairs, reassess damage, check for additional hidden damage, or update the assessment based on new information.

A formal document prepared by a licensed surveyor or adjuster detailing the findings of a property inspection, including damage assessment, cause analysis, quantum assessment, and settlement recommendations.

An immediate on-site inspection conducted at the scene of a loss shortly after the event occurs, aimed at preserving evidence and making initial observations before conditions change.

A physical visit to the location of the insured loss by a surveyor or adjuster to observe, document, and assess damage firsthand.

A detailed listing of all damaged items, areas, and elements identified during the inspection that fall within the insurance claim, including descriptions, quantities, and condition notes.

The formal process by which an insurance company assigns a licensed surveyor to investigate and report on a specific claim, including issuing an appointment letter with the scope of work.

A pre-approved list of licensed surveyors maintained by an insurance company from which surveyors are selected and appointed for claim investigations.

The classification of IRDAI-licensed surveyors based on their experience and qualifications, determining the claim value threshold they are authorized to handle independently.

The use of infrared cameras to detect temperature variations in building materials, identifying hidden moisture, electrical faults, insulation gaps, and structural issues not visible to the naked eye.