by Russ Lis | Jul 5, 2026 | Insurance Carrier Perspective
From a carrier’s perspective, the umpire plays an important role in the appraisal process, particularly in claims where the two appraisers are unable to agree on the dollar amount of the loss. Carriers generally expect the umpire selection process to...
by Russ Lis | Jul 3, 2026 | Insurance Carrier Perspective
Once an appraisal award is reached, there is generally a process for documenting the outcome and closing out the claim, both from the carrier’s internal perspective and in terms of the paperwork associated with the appraisal itself. The appraisal award...
by Russ Lis | Jul 1, 2026 | Myths, Glossary, and General Education
The appraisal process built into most property insurance policies is often misunderstood by policyholders and, at times, by insurance professionals as well. Clearing up a few common myths can make the process feel less intimidating for anyone facing a disputed claim....
by Russ Lis | Jun 29, 2026 | Insurance Carrier Perspective
Like policyholders, insurance carriers can have specific concerns as a claim moves through the appraisal process, and understanding these general concerns can provide useful context on how carriers typically approach appraisal. Carriers often focus on whether the...
by Russ Lis | Jun 28, 2026 | Insurance Carrier Perspective
The appraisal process is generally designed to support fair claims handling by providing a structured, neutral way to resolve genuine disagreements over the dollar amount of a covered loss. Because both the policyholder and the carrier have the right to invoke...
by Russ Lis | Jun 26, 2026 | Insurance Carrier Perspective
Insurance carriers regularly work with independent appraisers as part of the appraisal process, and understanding this relationship can help clarify how the process is generally intended to function. An independent appraiser selected by a carrier is still...
by Russ Lis | Jun 24, 2026 | Insurance Carrier Perspective
Reserves generally refer to the funds an insurance carrier sets aside to cover the estimated cost of an open claim, and managing these reserves appropriately during an ongoing appraisal is a routine part of the carrier’s internal claims process. While a...
by Russ Lis | Jun 22, 2026 | Insurance Carrier Perspective
When an insurance carrier is party to an appraisal, it generally follows a similar process to a policyholder in selecting its own appraiser, choosing someone qualified and disinterested to represent an independent evaluation of the loss. Carriers often look for...
by Russ Lis | Jun 20, 2026 | Insurance Carrier Perspective
Insurance carriers sometimes prefer appraisal over litigation for resolving a disputed claim amount, and understanding the general reasons behind this preference can provide useful context on the process. Appraisal is typically faster than litigation, which can...
by Russ Lis | Jun 19, 2026 | Policyholder Guidance
The appraisal process raises a lot of common questions for people going through it for the first time. Here are general answers to a few of the questions that come up most often. What is appraisal? Appraisal is generally a process built into many property...
by Russ Lis | Jun 17, 2026 | Insurance Carrier Perspective
Insurance carriers generally view the appraisal process as a useful, well established tool for resolving disagreements over the dollar amount of a covered loss, separate from broader claims handling or coverage questions. Because appraisal clauses appear in many...
by Russ Lis | Jun 15, 2026 | Policyholder Guidance
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...
by Russ Lis | Jun 13, 2026 | Policyholder Guidance
Property insurance claims and the appraisal process can involve several important deadlines, and staying organized about these dates can help protect your position throughout the process. Start with any deadlines related to filing the original claim itself, since...
by Russ Lis | Jun 12, 2026 | Policyholder Guidance
Depreciation is a concept that comes up frequently in property insurance claims, particularly for policies that pay actual cash value, and understanding generally how it works can help clarify why a claim payment may be lower than the full cost of repair or...
by Russ Lis | Jun 9, 2026 | Policyholder Guidance
Replacement cost and actual cash value are two common ways property insurance policies calculate the value of a covered loss, and understanding the difference can help you better understand your own coverage. Replacement cost generally refers to the amount it...
by Russ Lis | Jun 8, 2026 | Policyholder Guidance
Good documentation is one of the most valuable things a policyholder can provide during a property insurance claim, and taking a thorough, organized approach can make a real difference if a disagreement over value later arises. Photographs should be taken from...
by Russ Lis | Jun 6, 2026 | Policyholder Guidance
The steps you take right after property damage occurs can meaningfully affect how smoothly your claim moves forward, so having a general sense of what to do can be helpful before you actually need it. Prioritize safety first, making sure the property is safe to...
by Russ Lis | Jun 4, 2026 | Policyholder Guidance
The declarations page is often the first page of a property insurance policy, and it summarizes some of the most important information about your coverage, making it a useful starting point for understanding your policy. Look for the coverage types and limits...
by Russ Lis | Jun 2, 2026 | Policyholder Guidance
Finding out that your insurance claim has been denied or that the offered settlement seems too low can be frustrating, but there are a few general steps that can help you understand your options going forward. Start by carefully reviewing the denial or settlement...
by Russ Lis | Jun 1, 2026 | Policyholder Guidance
Understanding your general rights in the appraisal process can help you feel more confident if you ever need to use it to resolve a disagreement over the dollar amount of a covered loss. In many policies, either the policyholder or the insurance company can...
