Insurance appraisal FAQ

What is the insurance appraisal process?

Insurance appraisal is a dispute-resolution process written into most property insurance policies. It settles disagreements about the amount of a loss when the policyholder and the insurer cannot agree on what the damage will cost to repair or replace.

Each side chooses its own appraiser. If the two appraisers cannot agree, an umpire decides the items they disagree on.

Appraisal decides how much the loss is, not whether the loss is covered. Coverage questions are handled separately.

How does insurance appraisal work?

One side makes a written demand for appraisal, each side selects an appraiser, the appraisers choose an umpire, and an award signed by any two of the three sets the amount of loss.

1. Written demand. The policyholder or the insurer sends a written demand for appraisal under the policy's appraisal clause.
2. Each side picks an appraiser. Each side selects a competent, disinterested appraiser, usually within a deadline set by the policy (often 20 days).
3. The appraisers choose an umpire. The two appraisers select an umpire. If they cannot agree, most policies let either side ask a court to appoint one.
4. Inspection and negotiation. The appraisers inspect the damage, review the estimates and try to agree on the amount of loss.
5. The award. If the appraisers agree, they sign an award. Items they cannot agree on go to the umpire, and an award signed by any two of the three sets the amount of loss.

When should I request or demand appraisal?

Request appraisal when the claim is accepted but you and the other side are stuck on the dollar amount, such as the scope of repairs, quantities or pricing, and negotiation has stopped making progress.

Appraisal is usually not the right tool when the insurer has denied coverage entirely, because appraisers decide the amount of loss, not coverage.

Read your policy's appraisal clause first. It sets the deadlines and any steps required before appraisal, such as a sworn proof of loss.

Either the policyholder or the insurance company can invoke appraisal under most policies.

We can review both estimates before you demand appraisal so you know where the gap is and whether appraisal is likely to close it.

Who pays for the appraisers and the umpire?

Under most policies, each side pays its own appraiser, and the two sides split the umpire's fee and other appraisal expenses equally.

Policy language and some state laws change this, so check the appraisal clause in your policy.

Call us for a fee quote for your claim.

Is an appraisal award final, and how long does the process take?

An appraisal award signed by any two of the three (the two appraisers, or one appraiser and the umpire) is generally binding on the amount of the loss.

Courts can set an award aside only in limited situations, such as fraud, bias, or an appraiser who was not disinterested, and the rules vary by state.

The award does not decide coverage, so the insurer can still raise coverage issues or apply deductibles and policy limits.

Most appraisals take from a few weeks to a few months. The timeline depends on the size of the loss, how quickly inspections are scheduled, and whether an umpire is needed.

Who does Resolution Claim Management work with?

We work with policyholders, roofing contractors, public adjusters, attorneys, insurance carriers, desk adjusters, claims managers and carrier appraisal departments.

We serve as the appraiser for either the policyholder or the insurer, serve as umpire, consult on appraisal, and provide full damage inspections.

What states do you serve?

We serve Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana, Minnesota, Michigan, Texas, Ohio, Louisiana, Florida, Colorado and Nebraska.