The verdict in three sentences
For a loss adjusting firm handling 4,000 claims a year, a custom claims management web app costs between EUR 35,000 and 80,000 excl. VAT in 2026 (roughly GBP 30,000 to 68,000). The return comes from three automations: instructions received by API, field capture with photos and estimates, and report generation. A target of 30% faster claim closure is realistic in the first year.
What each module costs
The budget is built module by module. A firm can start with the core (instructions, claim file, report) and add the field app and invoicing in phase 2.
| Module | 2026 range (excl. VAT) | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Scoping, workshops with adjusters and assistants | EUR 3,000 - 6,000 | maps the 10 to 15 steps of a claim |
| Instruction intake (API, EDI, insurer platforms) | EUR 6,000 - 15,000 | claim file created automatically, no re-keying |
| Claim file, workflow and deadline alerts | EUR 8,000 - 18,000 | statuses, reminders, dashboard per adjuster |
| Field app (photos, sketches, offline estimates) | EUR 7,000 - 16,000 | tablet capture, sync when back online |
| Report and fee note generation | EUR 5,000 - 12,000 | templates per insurer, signed PDF in one click |
| Insurer and policyholder portal | EUR 4,000 - 9,000 | online tracking, document upload |
| Testing, data migration, training | EUR 2,000 - 4,000 | historical import, 2 training sessions |
| Total | EUR 35,000 - 80,000 | maintenance 12 to 18% per year |
Custom build or off-the-shelf software
Off-the-shelf claims software handles standard cases well. Custom development makes sense when the firm works with several insurers using different formats, or on specialist lines (construction, industrial risks, agriculture).
| Criterion | Off-the-shelf software | Custom application |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | EUR 2,000 - 8,000 | EUR 35,000 - 80,000 |
| Recurring cost | EUR 60 - 150 per user per month | 12 - 18% of the project per year |
| 5-year cost for 20 users | EUR 80,000 - 190,000 | EUR 60,000 - 150,000 |
| Report templates per insurer | limited or paid | unlimited |
| Connections to insurer platforms | depends on the vendor roadmap | prioritised by your key clients |
| Ownership of data and code | vendor | firm |
| Time to go live | 1 to 2 months | 4 to 6 months |
KPIs to track before and after
This kind of project is steered with 5 or 6 indicators measured before launch. Without a baseline, you cannot prove the gain to your partners.
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| Indicator | Before (emails and PDFs) | After (2026 estimate) |
|---|---|---|
| Time to open a claim file | 15 - 20 min | under 1 min |
| Time to write a report | 60 - 90 min | 25 - 40 min |
| Average closure time | 40 days | 28 days (-30%) |
| Claims outside contractual deadlines | 12 - 18% | 4 - 6% |
| Manual chasers per assistant per day | 30 - 50 | 5 - 10 |
| Claims handled per adjuster per year | 300 - 350 | 380 - 450 |
Mini case study
Helen, managing director of a property and casualty loss adjusting firm in London (12 adjusters, 6 assistants, 4,000 claims a year), launches an app at EUR 62,000 excl. VAT with EUR 9,000 annual maintenance. The measured gain is 45 minutes per claim on file creation, report writing and chasing, i.e. 4,000 x 0.75 = 3,000 hours a year. At a loaded hourly cost of EUR 45, those hours are worth EUR 135,000 a year. Even counting only half of that gain, the app pays for itself in under 12 months, and closure time drops from 40 to 28 days, a decisive argument in insurer panel tenders.
FAQ
How much does a custom claims management app cost? Between EUR 35,000 and 80,000 excl. VAT depending on the number of modules and insurer connections. Maintenance then runs at 12 to 18% of the initial budget per year.
Can insurer instructions arrive automatically? Yes, through the APIs or EDI feeds of the exchange platforms insurers use. Each connection usually costs EUR 2,000 to 5,000 depending on documentation quality.
Does the app work without signal on site? Yes, the field app stores photos and estimates offline and syncs once back online. An adjuster takes 40 to 80 photos per visit on average.
How long does the project take? Allow 4 to 6 months for a full scope, with a first usable version after 10 to 12 weeks. Modules are delivered in stages.
Is the data GDPR compliant? Yes: hosting in the UK or EU, encryption, access logs and configurable retention periods. Any health data (bodily injury claims) requires reinforced safeguards.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your claim volume, your main instructing insurers and your report templates: we scope an app between EUR 35,000 and 80,000 excl. VAT, delivered in stages over 4 to 6 months. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
