What is Appraisal?

Appraisal is a policy provision found in the loss settlement section of a commercial or residential property insurance policy.

It is an alternate dispute resolution which can resolve disagreement when the insurer and insured do not agree on the amount of loss. It is an alternative to a lawsuit. Appraisal does not address coverage issues but can include or exclude items based on causation depending on the state. Once the appraisal clause/provision is invoked, the insured’s appraiser and the insurance carrier’s appraiser will estimate the damage and try to come to an agreement on the amount of loss. If the appraisers fail to agree, they will submit their differences to the umpire. An itemized decision agreed to by two of these three will set the amount of loss. Such award shall be binding.

Each party will pay its own appraiser and bear the other expenses of the appraisal and umpire equally.

If you are looking for a fair and reasonable Appraiser and Umpire please reach out to us today to learn more.