Insurance Appraisal Process Explained

Insurance appraisal is an informal process used to resolve disputed values of an insured loss.

Both the insured and insurer appoint an independent appraiser. The two appraisers then appoint a neutral umpire. Usually an informal meeting is held at the loss site to allow the parties to present their case to the panel members. The two appraisers try to work to reach an agreed-upon value - If they are unable to reach a consensus, the neutral umpire assists to make the final decision.

There are time-frame constraints, and some insurance policies limit appraisal to certain types of losses. We can review your policy to help you make the right decision regarding making use of the appraisal process.

I frequently serve as an appraiser and have served as an umpire in a number of cases.