FUEDI Start
FUEDI Start is an initiative within FUEDI aimed at supporting and connecting the next generation of loss adjusters and claims professionals across Europe.
We provide a platform for young professionals to share knowledge, exchange experiences and build an international network within the industry. By creating opportunities for collaboration, visibility and professional development, FUEDI Start contributes to strengthening the future of the profession. The interviews and articles below highlight the experiences, challenges and ambitions of professionals at the start of their careers.
Interviews
How a generation of young European experts came together to shape the future of the loss adjusting profession.
Shaping the Future of the Expert Profession
In a rapidly evolving European insurance landscape, the future of the expert profession depends on renewal, collaboration, and strategic vision. FUEDI Start was created to ensure that the next generation of experts is not only represented — but empowered.
The Foundation – FUEDI Presidency in France (2021–2022)
During the French presidency of FUEDI, the idea of forming a group of young experts was transformed into reality. The objective was clear: to bring fresh momentum to the profession and strengthen its European dimension. Each national association selected its representative according to its own criteria. For the first time, young professionals from across Europe met alongside the annual FUEDI General Assembly, exchanging experiences and identifying common challenges.
Identifying the Core Challenge (2022–2023)
As part of the Portuguese presidency, structured research and consultation were conducted among national experts. One major issue emerged across all member countries: the ageing of the expert profession and the difficulty in attracting new professionals. Recognising the urgency of this trend, FUEDI Start was entrusted with developing a roadmap for the future — focusing on visibility, accessibility, and strategic positioning of the profession.
From Vision to Action Part 1 – Italian Presidency (2023–2024)
At the General Assembly in Baveno, the team presented concrete results and a forward-looking action plan.
- Research findings across FUEDI member countries
- A structured action plan to attract new professionals
- Strategic proposals to modernize the profession's image
- Collaboration initiatives with communication and digital experts
The objective is to position the expert profession as dynamic, modern, and future-oriented — ensuring sustainability and cross-border cooperation throughout Europe.
From Vision to Action Part 2 – Greek Presidency (2024–2025)
At the General Assembly in Athens, the team presented a promotional video prepared for use mainly on social media and on the FUEDI website, highlighting the profession to attract new talent. At the same time, the team sets goals for the new year.
Looking Ahead
The work of FUEDI Start continues with commitment and cooperation across Europe, including participation in international conferences and strategic initiatives.
"The mission remains clear: the expert profession must not only adapt to change — it must actively shape the future."
Growing up alongside a loss adjuster father, Alvertos Maselis found his way into the profession naturally - and has never looked back.
Q&A
What is your name and where do you work?
My name is Alvertos, and I've been working as a Loss Adjuster with Technogroup Ltd since 2020. Over the years I've gained experience handling a wide range of property and liability claims across different industries.
How long have you been working as a loss adjuster?
I've been a Loss Adjuster for nearly six years, but in a way, the field has been part of my life much longer, since my father is also a Loss Adjuster. Growing up, we often discussed cases from both the technical and insurance aspects, which definitely sparked my interest early on.
What made you choose this profession?
My early exposure to the field drew me in, but what convinced me to pursue it was the dynamic nature of the job. It brings together technical knowledge, problem-solving, analytical thinking, and communication - all things I enjoy. I like understanding how losses happen and making sure claims are handled fairly and efficiently.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
Every case is different, and that variety keeps the work engaging. I also find it rewarding to help people navigate difficult situations and reach a fair outcome. The mix of investigation, analysis, and human interaction is what I enjoy most.
What has been your most memorable moment so far?
My first on-site inspection at a completely burned-down food factory still stands out. It was fascinating from a technical perspective - I had to figure out the cause and assess the damage - but also emotional, seeing the impact on people who had just lost years of work. It reminded me that our role is not only technical but also deeply connected to supporting people through tough moments.
What would you say to someone considering becoming a loss adjuster?
It's a great career for those who enjoy analysis and solving problems. You balance technical investigation with clear communication, working closely with both insurers and policyholders. There are many opportunities to specialise and grow, and the work is meaningful because you help guide people through complex, often stressful situations.
What do you think FUEDI Start can offer new professionals?
FUEDI Start helps bring more young professionals into the field by offering networking, mentorship, and professional development. It gives access to industry insights, a community of peers, and a broader international perspective - all of which support both personal and career growth.
Reflections on starting out, challenges, and learning moments
Starting out:
The field has been part of my life for many years, as my father is also a Loss Adjuster. Growing up, we often discussed cases from both the technical and insurance aspects, which sparked my interest early on.
Challenges:
The work combines technical investigation with real human impact. Experiencing situations where people have lost years of work highlights the importance of handling each case with care, fairness, and clear communication.
Learning moments:
My first on-site inspection at a completely burned-down food factory remains a defining moment. It brought together the technical challenge of assessing cause and damage with the emotional reality of the situation, reinforcing the responsibility of the role.
"Our role is not only technical but also deeply connected to supporting people through tough moments."
A fire at a high-end leisure facility in Belgium reveals what the profession truly entails — far beyond assessing damage.
From Damage to Solutions – Inside the Work of a Loss Adjuster
My name is Vladdi Theuns, and I work as a loss adjuster specialising in construction and property-related claims. With a background in architecture, I operate at the intersection of architecture, engineering, and insurance, where technical analysis meets practical problem-solving. As part of FUEDI Start, I am also committed to promoting the profession and demonstrating its relevance and attractiveness to the next generation.
A fire at a high-end leisure facility in Belgium illustrates well what this profession truly entails. The visible damage was only the starting point of a far more complex process. What followed highlights that loss adjusting is not limited to assessing damage, but extends to guiding recovery, aligning stakeholders, and developing practical solutions under pressure.
Immediately after the fire, we attended the site to support the insured in taking the first necessary measures in what was a complex and uncertain situation. This included the rapid mobilisation of specialised cleaning teams, the appointment of a shoring contractor to stabilise the structure, and the involvement of structural engineers to assess the extent of the damage. In parallel, we initiated the investigation into the cause of the loss and ensured that the fire origin area was properly secured and preserved for further joint expert investigations.
The fire originated in an underground spa area and caused significant structural damage, particularly to a prestressed concrete beam and adjacent floor structures. The immediate situation was critical: structural stability was compromised, access had to be restricted, and urgent safety measures were required.
Beyond the assessment of damage, the focus quickly shifted to moving the file forward. Close collaboration with structural engineers allowed for a thorough understanding of the failure mechanisms and the identification of viable repair strategies. Restoration and mitigation measures were coordinated to prevent further damage and to support the continued operation of unaffected parts of the facility.
What stands out in this case is the progress achieved through collaboration. By maintaining a proactive, solution-driven approach, the situation evolved from one of uncertainty and disruption to a controlled and structured process. Each phase — from emergency stabilisation to engineering design and eventual reinstatement — was driven by coordinated input across disciplines. This is what defines the profession.
Loss adjusting may have the reputation of being a rather formal or even "dry" profession. In practice, it is anything but: it is about working with multiple disciplines to turn complex damage scenarios into workable solutions. It combines technical expertise with strategic thinking, negotiation, extensive communication and developing creative solutions.
For those considering a career in this field
This is not a routine or desk-bound profession. It is a role where technical insight meets real-world problem solving, where collaboration is key, and where your work has a direct and tangible impact. Every day brings new situations, new people, and new challenges, making it a profession in which continuous learning and development are part of the job.
"It is about facilitating progress, connecting expertise, and helping insured parties navigate complex and often critical situations."
