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Overview

This is a professional service, and the total cost is typically in excess of $1,000, depending on the scope and complexity of the claim.

We specialize in conducting formal appraisals under the Appraisal Clause – a structured, non-judicial dispute resolution process found in many homeowners and commercial property insurance policies. Whether you’re an insurance company or a policyholder invoking the appraisal process, we offer neutral, experienced appraisers to help resolve disputes over claim value.

What sets us apart is our team’s extensive experience as active insurance adjusters. With decades of hands-on claims experience, we understand how to properly evaluate scope and apply accurate, policy-consistent pricing. Just as importantly, we know how to clearly document the damage and support our position — a critical skill if the appraisal is escalated to an umpire for a final decision. This expertise allows us to deliver appraisals that are not only fair — but fully grounded in real-world claims practices.

Our process is fair, fast, and policy-driven — protecting both the insurer and the insured.

What Is the Appraisal Clause?

The Appraisal Clause is a standard provision in many homeowners and commercial property insurance policies. It provides a structured, non-judicial process for resolving disputes about the value of a covered loss — without needing to go to court.

When a disagreement arises over the amount of loss (not coverage), either the policyholder or the insurer may invoke appraisal. Each side then appoints a qualified, independent appraiser to assess the damage. If those two appraisers can’t agree, a neutral umpire is selected to make the final determination.

This clause is usually found in the Conditions section of your policy or under headings such as “Loss Settlement” or “What to Do After a Loss.” Appraisal allows both parties to resolve valuation disputes fairly, efficiently, and according to policy terms.

How the Appraisal Process Works

When one party invokes appraisal, the following steps typically occur:

  1. Appraisal Is Invoked: A written request is submitted under the policy’s appraisal clause to resolve a dispute about the amount of loss.

  2. Appraisers Are Selected: Each side appoints a qualified, independent appraiser and pays their own appraiser’s fee.

  3. Umpire Is Chosen: If the two appraisers cannot agree on the value, they attempt to agree on a neutral umpire. The cost of the umpire is usually split between both parties.

  4. Property Is Evaluated and Documented: Each appraiser independently assesses the damage, scope, and pricing — and prepares supporting documentation.

  5. Value Is Determined: The appraisers compare findings. If they can’t agree, the umpire reviews both positions and makes the final decision. In many jurisdictions, this award becomes the binding resolution.

This process is intended to resolve disputes efficiently and without litigation — while maintaining fairness for both parties involved.

When Can Appraisal Be Used?

Appraisal is meant to resolve legitimate disagreements about the amount of loss — not to pressure the insurer or maximize payment beyond what is owed. It’s a tool designed to keep both parties out of court when there’s a genuine dispute over value.

The chart below outlines examples of when appraisal is appropriate — and when it’s not:

 

Dispute Type Example Can Appraisal Be Used
Amount of Loss Dispute Insured says full roof needs replacing ($18,000). Insurer says only one slope is damaged ($6,000). Yes — this is exactly what appraisal is for.
Scope of Repairs Dispute Insurer says only shingles are damaged. Insured says decking and flashing also need replacing.  Yes — scope disagreements are valid for appraisal.
Coverage Dispute – Excluded Item Insured claims hail damage to solar panels, but solar panels are excluded under the policy  No — this is a coverage issue, not a value issue.
Coverage Dispute – Unlisted Structure Insured claims damage to a detached garage, but the garage isn’t listed on the declarations page.  No — not covered, so appraisal doesn’t apply.
Pre-Existing Damage Dispute Insurer denies skylight claim, saying it was already cracked before the storm.  No — this is a cause-of-loss issue, not an amount dispute

What an Insurance Appraiser Does — and Doesn’t Do

What an Insurance Appraiser Does:

  • Inspects and evaluates the scope of damage

  • Reviews estimates, invoices, and related documentation

  • Applies accurate, policy-consistent pricing

  • Presents a clear and defensible valuation

  • Collaborates with the opposing appraiser to reach agreement

  • Prepares the case for umpire review if needed

What an Insurance Appraiser Does Not Do:

  • Decide whether the loss is covered under the policy

  • Offer legal advice or represent you in court

  • Act as a contractor or negotiate policy terms

  • Handle disputes about exclusions, deductibles, or cause of loss

Why Experience Matters

Your appraiser plays a critical role in the outcome of the claim — especially if the dispute reaches the umpire stage. That’s why experience isn’t optional.

Our team consists of active, working insurance adjusters with decades of field experience. We don’t just know policy language — we know how to identify damages, develop proper scope, apply accurate pricing, and document the loss in a way that stands up to scrutiny.

We also understand how to collaborate professionally with the other party’s appraiser and present your position clearly if the case reaches an umpire. This level of precision and professionalism helps avoid delays and leads to fairer, faster outcomes.

When Appraisal Isn’t an Option

If your insurance company has denied coverage by claiming the damage was caused by wear and tear, improper installation, or occurred before your policy began, the appraisal process may not apply. These are causation or coverage disputes, which cannot be resolved through appraisal.

However, we may still be able to assist. Our team offers independent inspections, documentation, and written estimates that can be used by you or your contractor to support a reinspection request or challenge a claim denial.

We also work with engineers, construction consultants, and other industry experts to help ensure the damage is thoroughly documented and accurately represented — especially in complex or technical situations.

While we do not interpret policy coverage or negotiate with insurers, our services can be a valuable tool in helping you move your claim forward when appraisal isn’t available.

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