Invoking the Appraisal Clause in Your Property Damage Claim

Once your claim is accepted by your property damage insurance company, the next hurdle is getting an accurate estimate from the insurance adjuster.  You may think that the adjuster’s estimate is too low and carrier won’t budge on the amount.  You may need to exercise your right to an appraisal.  

Here are the steps to the appraisal process: 

Step 1.   Notify the insurance company that you want to go to appraisal. 

Step 2.   You hire an appraiser and the insurance company hires an appraiser. 

Step 3.   Both appraisers jointly select and pay the cost for an Umpire (umpire’s expenses are split too).

Step 4.   Each appraiser prepares an estimate of your loss. 

Step 5.  Each appraiser submits their estimate to the Umpire.  

Step 6.  If the estimates differ, the umpire makes the final determination. 

The umpire’s decision is final and is not appealable.  You don’t want to take any chances with your most valuable asset.  Hire an experienced  property insurance claim attorney to navigate your appraisal process and engage expert appraisers that prepare accurate estimates.