Insurance Appraisals
Jump to Section:
What Is Insurance Appraisal
and
Why Should You Do It?
When you file a property damage claim with your insurance company, the goal is for both you and the insurance carrier to agree on the value of the damages and necessary repairs. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen. If there's a disagreement — for example, if you and/or your contractor believe the damage is more extensive than what the insurance adjuster has included — your policy likely includes a clause called Appraisal that allows both sides to resolve the dispute fairly.
What Is the Appraisal Process?
The Appraisal Process is an alternative dispute resolution method built into most property insurance policies. It’s not the same as a legal process and doesn’t involve a court. Here's how it works:
STEP 1
Each side hires an appraiser
You (the policyholder) select a qualified appraiser (us) to represent your interests, and the insurance company selects their own appraiser.
STEP 2
The appraisers evaluate
the claim
Both appraisers independently assess the damages and review the estimates and documentation. They then meet to compare findings and try to reach an agreement on the value of the loss.
STEP 3 (optional)
If they don’t agree, a third party is brought in
If the two appraisers can't come to an agreement, they jointly select a neutral third party called an umpire. The umpire reviews both sides and makes a final decision. Any agreement signed by two of the three parties (either both appraisers, or one appraiser and the umpire) is binding.
Why It’s a Good Option
-
It’s faster and cheaper than a lawsuit
-
It helps ensure a fair settlement when negotiations stall
-
It gives you a voice through your own expert appraiser
-
It can result in a significant increase in your claim payout
Costs and Responsibilities
While the appraisal process can increase your claim payout, it's important to understand that:
-
You and/or your contractor must provide an estimate
of the full damages in dispute
-
You are responsible for paying your appraiser’s fee
-
If an umpire is needed, the cost is split equally between you
and the insurance company
These are standard terms of the policy — it's not an added service fee from us.
What You Can Expect
In most cases, you and/or your contractor have already identified enough underpaid items or omitted damage that the appraisal will likely result in a higher claim — even in conservative outcomes. The appraisers will rely on you and/or your contractor’s documentation, photos, and estimate to support your case. With both sides involved, it's one of the most effective tools to reach a fair outcome.