Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 8
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Insurance
Curriculum Theme: Insurance
Previous Lesson: Insurance Claims.
Topic: Insurance claims (cont.)
Subject Matter: duties of loss assessors, duties of loss adjusters, role of assessors and adjusters in claims processing

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

Define loss assessors and loss adjusters.
List at least three duties of a loss assessor.
State at least three duties of a loss adjuster.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of loss assessors and adjusters in fair claims settlement.
Recognize the distinct roles these professionals play in the insurance process.

Psychomotor Domain:

Discuss the process of claims processing involving assessors and adjusters.
Explain how assessors and adjusters contribute to the resolution of insurance claims.

Collaborate effectively during group discussions on the roles of insurance professionals.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Senior Secondary Schools.
State Unified Scheme of Work for Insurance SSS 1.
Adeleke, A. O. (2018). Comprehensive Insurance for Senior Secondary Schools 1-3. University Press PLC.
www.naicom.gov.ng
www.ciinigeria.com

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Charts illustrating the claims process
Whiteboard and markers
Textbooks

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the roles of specific professionals in the insurance claims process. It is important for pupils to know how claims are assessed and settled, which can help them make informed decisions if they ever need to file an insurance claim in their daily lives.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are expected to have basic knowledge of insurance, types of insurance, and the general concept of insurance claims from previous lessons.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Insurance Claims: Roles of Loss Assessors and Adjusters

Loss Assessors

A loss assessor is an independent professional appointed by the insured (policyholder) to represent their interests in the event of a claim. Their main role is to help the insured prepare and present their claim to the insurer.

Duties of Loss Assessors

The following are duties of loss assessors:

Advising the insured on policy coverage and claims procedures.
Preparing detailed estimates of loss or damage.
Negotiating with the insurer or their adjusters on behalf of the insured.
Ensuring the insured receives a fair settlement for their claim.
Documenting all aspects of the claim.

Loss Adjusters

A loss adjuster is an independent professional appointed by the insurer (insurance company) to investigate and assess the extent of loss or damage. Their role is to determine the validity of the claim and recommend a fair settlement amount to the insurer.

Duties of Loss Adjusters

The following are duties of loss adjusters:

Investigating the circumstances surrounding a loss.
Verifying the cause and extent of damage.
Reviewing insurance policy terms and conditions.
Estimating the value of the loss.
Negotiating with the insured or their assessor.
Preparing a report for the insurer with recommendations for settlement.

Role of Assessors and Adjusters in Claims Processing

Loss assessors and adjusters play distinct but complementary roles in claims processing. The assessor acts for the policyholder, while the adjuster acts for the insurance company. Their interaction often involves negotiation to arrive at a mutually agreeable settlement. The adjuster’s report guides the insurer’s final decision on the claim.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and reviews the previous lesson on insurance claims. The teacher then introduces the topic by asking pupils if they know who helps to determine how much compensation a person gets after an insurance claim.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions and listen attentively.
Learning Point: Pupils are prepared for the new lesson and connect it to prior knowledge.

Step 2: Explanation of Loss Assessors

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines a loss assessor, explaining that they work for the insured. The teacher uses a chart to illustrate their position in the claims process.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition and role of a loss assessor.

Step 3: Duties of Loss Assessors

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Listing/Elaboration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher lists and explains the key duties of a loss assessor, writing them on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy notes and ask questions.
Learning Point: Pupils can state the duties of a loss assessor.

Step 4: Explanation of Loss Adjusters

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines a loss adjuster, emphasizing that they work for the insurer. The teacher contrasts their role with that of a loss assessor.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and identify the differences.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition and role of a loss adjuster.

Step 5: Duties of Loss Adjusters

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Listing/Elaboration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher lists and explains the key duties of a loss adjuster, ensuring pupils understand their responsibilities.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy notes and participate in brief discussions.
Learning Point: Pupils can state the duties of a loss adjuster.

Step 6: Role of Assessors and Adjusters in Claims Processing

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Synthesis/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher facilitates a discussion on how both assessors and adjusters interact during the claims processing to reach a settlement.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils contribute to the discussion and summarize the interaction.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the combined role of these professionals in claims resolution.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

Define a loss assessor.
Mention three duties of a loss assessor.
Define a loss adjuster.
State three duties of a loss adjuster.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the main points of the lesson, reiterating the distinct roles of loss assessors and adjusters. The teacher then assigns homework: “Explain why both loss assessors and loss adjusters are important for a fair insurance claim settlement.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and apply it to a new task.

Lesson Keywords

Loss Assessor – An independent professional appointed by the insured to represent their interests in a claim.
Loss Adjuster – An independent professional appointed by the insurer to investigate and assess the extent of loss or damage.
Claims Processing – The series of steps involved in handling an insurance claim from submission to settlement.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, they can be asked to research real-life examples of claim disputes resolved by assessors and adjusters. For pupils needing more support, the teacher will provide simplified definitions and additional visual aids, focusing on understanding the core difference in who each professional represents.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Encourage pupils to think critically about the importance of independent professionals in ensuring fairness in the insurance industry. Use local examples where possible to make the lesson more relatable. Ensure pupils understand the distinction between who appoints each professional and whose interests they represent.