Credentials and experience are two of the clearest ways to evaluate whether an appraiser is well suited to handle your specific property insurance claim.
Relevant credentials can include state contractor licenses, industry certifications related to roofing, restoration, or estimating, and specialized training in areas like building codes or specific types of construction.
Experience matters alongside credentials. An appraiser with years of hands on work evaluating claims similar to yours brings practical knowledge that complements formal qualifications.
Ask about an appraiser’s specific background with your type of loss and your type of property, whether that is a single family home, a commercial building, or an industrial facility, since the details can vary significantly.
Credentials and experience together help build confidence that an appraiser’s evaluation will be thorough, well documented, and grounded in a solid understanding of construction, repair, and estimating standards.
Asking to see credentials directly, and asking specific questions about relevant past experience, is a reasonable and common part of choosing an appraiser.
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.