Insurance Appraisal & Umpire Services
When you and your insurance company can't agree on the value of your claim, the appraisal process provides a binding resolution. With 1,000+ appraisals handled nationwide, we serve as appraisers and umpires to help both policyholders and carriers reach fair settlements.
Our Services
Policyholder Appraiser
We provide independent, thorough damage assessments on behalf of policyholders to ensure your claim is accurately valued and properly documented.
Insurance Carrier Appraiser
We serve as independent appraisers for insurance companies, delivering fair and accurate damage valuations.
Umpire Services
When appraisers can't agree, we serve as the neutral umpire to review both positions and issue a binding decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
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When you and your insurance company or when you and your insured disagree on the value of your claim, most policies allow either party to invoke appraisal. Each side hires an appraiser, and if those two can't agree, an umpire makes the final binding decision.
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Consider appraisal when negotiations stall, you've received an unreasonably low offer, or the insurance company disputes the scope of damage. It's often faster and cheaper than litigation.
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Our fee structure varies by role. Policyholder representation is typically contingency-based. Carrier and umpire work is billed hourly or per-project. Contact us for a quote.
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Most appraisals resolve within 30-90 days, significantly faster than litigation which can take years.
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Both appraisers are expected to be independent and impartial, providing objective damage valuations. Each party selects their own appraiser. If the two appraisers can't reach agreement, the umpire — a neutral third party — reviews both positions and issues a binding decision.
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No. Appraisal is a valuation dispute process, not a legal proceeding. However, if coverage is denied or bad faith is involved, we can refer you to an attorney.
Understanding The Insurance Appraisal Process
The appraisal clause exists in most property insurance policies as a way to resolve disputes over the value of a loss — without going to court.
How it works:
1. Either party (you or the insurance company) can invoke appraisal when there's a disagreement on claim value
2. Each side selects an independent appraiser
3. The two appraisers attempt to agree on the loss amount
4. If they can't agree, an umpire is brought in to make a binding decision
5. Agreement by any two of the three (appraiser + appraiser, or appraiser + umpire) sets the final value
Appraisal is typically faster and less expensive than litigation, often resolving within 30-90 days.