Clear, organized communication with your insurance adjuster can help your claim move more smoothly and can help ensure your position is well understood throughout the process.
Keep a written record of all communication where possible, including emails and notes from phone calls, with dates and a brief summary of what was discussed, since this record can be valuable if questions come up later.
Be specific and factual when describing damage or explaining disagreements, focusing on documented evidence like photographs and estimates rather than general impressions alone.
Ask clarifying questions if anything about the claims process, timeline, or the adjuster’s findings is unclear, since a clear understanding upfront can help prevent confusion or disagreement later.
If a genuine disagreement over the dollar amount of the claim develops and cannot be resolved through direct conversation, remember that the appraisal clause in your policy, if applicable, offers a structured path forward that does not depend on the adjuster relationship alone.
Maintaining a professional, organized approach to communication throughout your claim can help support a clear record, whether the claim resolves directly with your adjuster or eventually moves into the appraisal process.
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.