Appraiser Credentials and Experience: Why They Matter

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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 offers general education on the appraisal process. Nothing here is legal advice, and state law and policy language govern each claim. If you have questions about your own claim, review your policy language and talk with the insurance company, agent, or an attorney familiar with your state’s laws.

Russ Lis is an independent property insurance appraiser and umpire in Minnesota who serves clients nationwide. Have a question about your own claim? Contact Appraisal Resolution.