“Connecting and creating: that’s my approach to loss adjusting”
After years of dedication to NIVRE, Erwin Dijkhuis stepped down from his board role in the Fire & Property division in March 2025. As Managing Director at Woodgate & Clark and an experienced building damage expert, he reflects on his career, board tenure, and his journey toward becoming a registered NIVRE expert.
Erwin Dijkhuis (53) doesn’t believe in long-winded processes. “Being concrete and creative gets you the furthest.” He began his career as a project developer at Van Wijnen after graduating from the Higher Technical School (HTS) with a degree in International Construction Economics. His move into the loss adjusting field was more coincidence than planned. “When my oldest child was born, we had a visitor – the father of Niels de Kock, who already worked at Crawford. He asked how things were at work. Well, construction had stalled, and I didn’t have much to do. Four weeks later, I was a junior loss adjuster.”
Since then, he’s stayed in the profession – first at Crawford, then in an international role, and since 2019 at Woodgate & Clark, part of Van Ameyde International. “I’m someone who likes to investigate and create solutions. That’s exactly what makes being a loss adjuster so interesting: every problem requires a specific, tailored approach. Connecting and creating are key for me.”
Obtaining the NIVRE title didn’t happen immediately. “I already had a lot of experience, including internationally. Initially, I didn’t see the need for the title. When I started the training, I ran into issues during the exams: I thought primarily from a practical standpoint, whereas the answers required a theoretical foundation.” Eventually, he made the switch in mindset and was able to register as a NIVRE Registered Expert. “Over time, I came to truly appreciate the value of the title. It’s a quality standard I’m proud to uphold.”
Shortly after obtaining his NIVRE title, Erwin joined the Fire & Property board. “I succeeded Marius Rijnten. What bothered me was that people often criticize policy, but few are willing to actually do something about it. I felt that if you have concerns, you should take responsibility — so I did.” That hands-on mentality led to several tangible innovations. “Together with the board, we launched a new communication platform, revamped NIVRE’s visual identity, and updated the website. We also helped create the advisory list for the Dutch Association of Insurers regarding buildings and contents.”
What did he enjoy most about his board work? “Contributing to new developments. Turning ideas into something useful for others. That’s what energizes me.”
Looking back on his time at NIVRE, Erwin has a clear message for the industry: continue investing in quality. “I firmly believe that parts of the loss adjusting field need more depth, especially through education. That’s the only way to maintain quality standards.”
He also sees a growing need for better communication: “Policyholders are becoming more assertive. That requires more from us as loss adjusters. You need to be able to clearly explain what you’re doing and why you’ve drawn certain conclusions.”
Lastly, he advocates for knowledge development in artificial intelligence. “AI will impact our field too — from smart tools for adjusters to data interpretation and fraud prevention. Training in this area is essential. I’d even propose setting up a separate, overarching department within NIVRE focused on this, since it affects multiple sectors.”
His board term ended in March 2025 – time to pass the torch. “It’s good to make room for new perspectives and energy. I look back on my board years with great satisfaction. I hope we’ve laid a solid foundation that others can continue to build on.”
For those who want to know Erwin better: he’s a man of connection and action, but also a fan of Formula 1, extreme weather, and a good conversation with friends. And of course, his family. “Don’t make things more complicated than necessary. Investigate, create, and stay close to practice. That will get you far.”
Erwin, thank you so much for your dedication to NIVRE!
Translated from Original Source: Bestuurslid Erwin Dijkhuis neemt afscheid - NIVRELearn more about Woodgate & Clark!
