Property Claims Loss provides insurance appraisal services for property claims: experienced appraisers who build and defend the number, and impartial umpires who resolve what the appraisers cannot agree on.
Insurance appraisal is a policy-based form of alternative dispute resolution for property claims. It is used when the insured and the insurance company agree that a loss is covered but disagree on the amount of loss. Each side selects an appraiser, the appraisers select an umpire, and a written award signed by any two of the three determines the amount. It is typically faster and less expensive than litigation.
We serve either as a party's appraiser or as the neutral umpire. We never serve both roles on the same claim.
We investigate the loss, prepare a detailed line-item estimate, and work with the other side's appraiser to reach an agreed amount, presenting any unresolved items to the umpire.
When the appraisers cannot agree, the umpire decides the items in dispute. We review both positions, inspect the property where needed and issue a clear, itemized award.
Most residential and commercial property policies follow the same basic appraisal sequence. Your policy wording and state law control the details.
Either party makes a written demand for appraisal after a disagreement on the amount of loss.
Each side names its own competent, disinterested appraiser, commonly within 20 days.
The appraisers agree on an umpire, commonly within 15 days, or ask a court to appoint one.
The appraisers inspect, compare estimates and resolve as many items as possible.
Disputed items go to the umpire. An award signed by any two sets the amount of loss.
Homeowners and business owners whose claim payment does not cover the real cost of repair.
Professionals who need an appraiser to carry a disputed claim through the appraisal clause.
Restoration and roofing contractors whose scope or pricing differs from the carrier's estimate.
Carriers and claim departments that want a qualified appraiser or a neutral umpire.
Adjusting firms that need appraisal support on large or complex losses.
Appraisers on both sides who need to agree on a qualified, impartial umpire.
Appraisal is one of several ways to resolve a property claim dispute. Here is how it compares on the questions policyholders and carriers ask most.
| Appraisal | Mediation | Litigation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it resolves | Amount of loss | Amount and some coverage issues, by agreement | Coverage, amount, bad faith and other claims |
| Who decides | Two appraisers, with an umpire for disputed items | The parties themselves; the mediator only facilitates | Judge or jury |
| Is it binding? | An award signed by two of three generally sets the amount | Only if the parties sign a settlement | Yes, subject to appeal |
| Typical timeline | Weeks to a few months | Often a single session | Often a year or more |
| Typical cost | Each side pays its appraiser; umpire cost is usually shared | Mediator fee, often shared or paid by insurer under state programs | Attorney fees, expert fees and court costs |
Insurance appraisal is a dispute-resolution process written into most property insurance policies. When the policyholder and the insurer agree the loss is covered but disagree on how much it is worth, either side can demand appraisal. Each side hires its own appraiser, the two appraisers choose an umpire, and an agreement signed by any two of the three sets the amount of loss.
An appraiser is selected by one party, investigates the loss and works to reach an agreed amount with the other side's appraiser. An umpire is a neutral third person chosen by the two appraisers, or appointed by a court, who decides only the items the appraisers cannot agree on.
No. Appraisal decides the amount of loss. Questions about whether the policy covers a loss, or whether a policy condition was met, are coverage questions that are generally handled by the insurer, by negotiation, or in court.
Policyholders, public adjusters, contractors, attorneys and insurance carriers retain us as appraisers. Appraisers on both sides, or a court, may select us as umpire.
Talk with us about whether appraisal fits your dispute, or retain an appraiser or umpire today.