New RISCAuthority Large Loss Database: Supporting better claims insights

New technical paper highlights the importance of the RISCAuthority Large Loss Database

The CILA Property SIG has published a new technical paper exploring the RISCAuthority Large Loss Database – a resource that plays a vital role in improving understanding of major commercial fire losses and supporting better underwriting, risk management and fire safety across the UK.

Written by Robin Ehrlich, Charlotte Evanson and Paul Redington, the paper explains why the database matters to insurers, loss adjusters and the wider claims profession, as well as the important role adjusters play in ensuring its continued value.

The publication comes at an important time, following the launch of a significantly enhanced version of the Large Loss Database on 13 July 2026. The new platform has been redesigned to make data capture simpler and more relevant, reducing the information required from more than 400 data fields to around 40 while maintaining the insights needed by member insurer underwriters. The expectation is that the streamlined system will encourage greater use, leading to more complete and higher-quality loss data.

For loss adjusters handling commercial fire claims, the paper provides a timely reminder of their role in supporting this important industry resource. Member insurers require qualifying commercial fire losses exceeding £100,000 to be entered into the database, and the paper includes a practical flowchart to help adjusters quickly determine whether a claim meets the submission criteria.

As well as providing a useful reference for adjusters and claims teams, the paper explores its wider significance for the insurance industry. Better reporting not only fulfils insurer requirements, but also strengthens the industry’s ability to identify emerging risks, support research and underwriting practice, influence future resilience initiatives and fire protection guidance, and ultimately improves outcomes for policyholders.

The CILA Property SIG Committee brings together experienced property claims professionals from across the market to share technical knowledge and promote best practice for the benefit of the wider claims community. This latest publication forms part of the committee’s ongoing provision of practical guidance and thought leadership for property claims professionals.

Read the full technical paper to learn more about the RISCAuthority Large Loss Database, the recent enhancements to the system, and the role loss adjusters play in supporting this valuable industry resource.