Not every property insurance disagreement is a good fit for the appraisal process, and understanding a few general signs can help you think through whether appraisal might be appropriate for your specific situation.
Appraisal is generally designed for disputes specifically about the dollar amount of a covered loss, so if your disagreement centers on that type of issue, rather than whether coverage exists at all, appraisal may be a relevant option.
If you and your insurance company have already exchanged estimates or offers and reached a genuine standstill, with a meaningful gap between the two positions, this is often the kind of situation appraisal is designed to help resolve.
Check your policy to confirm it includes an appraisal clause and review its specific language, since not all policies are structured the same way, and the details of your clause will shape what the process looks like for your claim.
If you are uncertain whether your specific disagreement is a coverage question, a valuation question, or something else entirely, discussing the situation with your insurance company, an appraiser, or an attorney can help clarify whether appraisal is the right next step.
This article is general education about how the appraisal process commonly works. It is not legal advice, and specific procedures can vary by state and policy. If you have questions about your own claim, review your policy language and talk with your insurance company, agent, or an attorney familiar with your state’s laws.
Russ Lis is a working property insurance appraiser and umpire based in Minnesota, serving clients nationwide. Have a question about your own claim? Contact Appraisal Resolution.