Some property losses involve more than one cause of damage at the same time, such as a storm that produces both wind and water damage, or a fire followed by water damage from firefighting efforts. These multi peril claims can add complexity to the appraisal process.
One challenge in multi peril claims is separating the damage attributable to each specific cause, particularly when different causes may be treated differently under the policy or may have occurred close together in time.
Documentation becomes especially important in these claims, since clearly identifying which damage resulted from which cause can significantly affect how the loss is evaluated and valued.
Appraisers handling multi peril claims often need to coordinate across multiple types of damage assessment within a single claim, from structural wind damage to water intrusion to secondary issues like secondary damage.
Because of this added complexity, working with an appraiser experienced in multi peril losses, and maintaining thorough documentation from the outset, can help ensure each cause of damage is properly identified and fairly evaluated.
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.