by Russ Lis | Apr 23, 2026 | Types of Claims and Perils
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...
by Russ Lis | Apr 22, 2026 | Types of Claims and Perils
Cosmetic damage, meaning damage that affects a roof’s appearance without necessarily affecting its function, is a frequent and sometimes contentious issue in roofing claims, particularly on metal roofs and, to a lesser extent, shingle roofs. On metal roofs,...
by Russ Lis | Apr 20, 2026 | Types of Claims and Perils
Property insurance claims generally fall into two broad categories, partial losses and total losses, and the appraisal process can look somewhat different depending on which type of loss is involved. A partial loss involves damage to only part of a structure,...
by Russ Lis | Apr 18, 2026 | Types of Claims and Perils
Large loss claims, involving significant structural damage, major commercial properties, or substantial dollar amounts, can be especially complex, and appraisal is often a useful tool for resolving disagreements in these bigger, higher stakes situations. Because...
by Russ Lis | Apr 16, 2026 | Types of Claims and Perils
Roof damage is one of the most common sources of disagreement in property insurance claims, whether from wind, hail, age related wear, or a combination of factors, making it a frequent subject of appraisal. A central question in many roof disputes is...
by Russ Lis | Apr 15, 2026 | Types of Claims and Perils
Smoke damage claims, whether from a fire within the home or from a nearby wildfire, are frequently disputed because the extent of the damage is not always visually obvious, unlike more direct forms of property damage. One common point of disagreement is whether...
by Russ Lis | Apr 13, 2026 | Types of Claims and Perils
Hurricane claims often involve some of the largest and most complex property losses, combining wind damage, water intrusion, and sometimes flooding, all of which can make the dollar value of the claim more difficult to agree on. Because hurricanes frequently...
by Russ Lis | Apr 11, 2026 | Types of Claims and Perils
Wind and hail claims are some of the most frequent property insurance disputes, particularly in regions prone to severe storms, and appraisal is commonly used to resolve disagreements over these losses. A frequent point of disagreement is the extent of hail...
by Russ Lis | Apr 9, 2026 | Types of Claims and Perils
Water damage claims are common and can range from a single burst pipe to widespread flooding, and disagreements over the dollar value of the resulting damage are a frequent reason appraisal gets invoked. One common area of disagreement is the extent of water...
by Russ Lis | Apr 7, 2026 | Types of Claims and Perils
Fire damage claims are among the more complex property insurance losses, often involving structural damage, smoke and soot throughout a building, and significant personal property loss. Appraisal can play a useful role when the dollar value of a fire claim becomes...
by Russ Lis | Apr 6, 2026 | Choosing and Working with an Appraiser
A little preparation before an appraisal inspection can help the visit go smoothly and give your appraiser clear access to everything they need to see. Make sure all areas affected by the damage are accessible, including attics, crawl spaces, or any areas that...
by Russ Lis | Apr 4, 2026 | Choosing and Working with an Appraiser
Public adjusters and appraisers are both professionals who can get involved in a property insurance claim, but they play distinctly different roles, and understanding the difference can help you decide what kind of help you actually need. A public adjuster is...
by Russ Lis | Apr 2, 2026 | Choosing and Working with an Appraiser
A thorough, well documented evaluation is at the core of a strong appraisal, and understanding how appraisers typically gather and document evidence can help you see why this step matters so much. Site inspections are usually a central part of the process. An...
by Russ Lis | Mar 31, 2026 | Choosing and Working with an Appraiser
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,...
by Russ Lis | Mar 29, 2026 | Choosing and Working with an Appraiser
Most appraisers work professionally and ethically, but it is still worth knowing a few signs that can help you evaluate whether someone is a good fit for your claim. Be cautious of anyone unwilling to explain their fee structure clearly or put it in writing...
by Russ Lis | Mar 27, 2026 | Choosing and Working with an Appraiser
Once you have selected an appraiser, understanding generally what the working relationship looks like can help the process feel more predictable and less stressful. Expect an initial conversation where your appraiser gathers background on your claim, including...
by Russ Lis | Mar 26, 2026 | The Umpire Role
When two appraisers in a property insurance dispute cannot agree on the value of a loss, the appraisal clause found in most policies calls for a third, neutral participant known as an umpire. Understanding what an umpire actually does helps both policyholders and...
by Russ Lis | Mar 24, 2026 | Choosing and Working with an Appraiser
The value an appraiser brings to the process depends heavily on genuine independence, meaning their evaluation reflects the actual facts of the loss rather than pressure from whichever party is paying them. Most appraisal clauses require appraisers to be...
by Russ Lis | Mar 22, 2026 | Choosing and Working with an Appraiser
Understanding how appraiser fees typically work can help you budget for the appraisal process and compare options when selecting an appraiser for your claim. Hourly billing is a common structure, where the appraiser charges a set rate for time spent on...
by Russ Lis | Mar 20, 2026 | Choosing and Working with an Appraiser
Before hiring a property insurance appraiser, taking a little time to ask the right questions can help you feel confident in your choice and avoid surprises later in the process. Ask how many appraisal claims, specifically, the appraiser has handled, as opposed...
