Our Services
Appraisal Services
What is the Insurance Appraisal process?
Appraisal is a Policy Provision found in the Loss Settlement section. It is an Alternate Dispute Resolution, which can resolve disagreement when the Carrier and Policyholder do not agree on the amount of loss. It is an alternative to a lawsuit. Appraisal does not address coverage issues, but can include or exclude items based on causation depending on the state.
When is Appraisal Appropriate?
Sometimes there is a disagreement over the insurance company's valuation of an insurance claim. Policyholders often think the only way to settle the dispute is to hire a lawyer. Fortunately, this is not the case. Appraisal is a method of Alternative Dispute Resolution often found in many homeowner and commercial insurance policies.
The language will often, but not always, state that appraisal is mandatory when properly demanded by the insurer or insured. It is important to have a qualified Appraiser review your policy to determine your options.
When properly executed, appraisal is binding on the parties as to the amount of loss only. Appraisal does not determine coverage. If not properly invoked, employed, and/or carried out the process may not be binding, so it is important to select a qualified appraiser and umpire.
How does the appraisal process work?
Once the Appraisal clause/provision is invoked, the insured's appraiser and the insurance carrier's appraiser will estimate the damage and try to come to an agreement on the amount of loss.
If the appraisers fail to agree, they will submit their differences to the umpire. An itemized decision agreed to by two of these three will set the amount of loss. Such award shall be binding.
Each party will pay its own appraiser and bear the other expenses of the appraisal and umpire equally.
Umpire Services
We provide a neutral third-party resolution for insurance claim disputes. When policyholders and insurance companies cannot reach an agreement on the value of a claim or the extent of coverage, an umpire steps in to assess the situation impartially. We are experienced in insurance law and industry practices, ensuring fair and equitable resolutions. We will evaluate evidence, consider policy terms, and make binding decisions to resolve conflicts efficiently, ultimately aiming to facilitate a swift resolution between the involved parties.
Estimate Writing
Our estimate writers include everything–every line item–that reflects what you need in order to do a complete job on the roof and get paid properly for it. We use Xactimate software to prepare accurate, thorough, and professional estimates.
Supplement Writing
We will review each damage scope carefully for costly omissions to help you create more accurate, more consistent, and more profitable Xactimate estimate supplements.
Residential & Commercial Inspections
Let us help you determine if a claim will be the most beneficial course of action after finding damage to a dwelling. Our inspections will mimic that of an adjuster and will identify all areas of damage, photographs of damages observed, scope notes of loss, and other areas of concern.
Consultations
We want to help! Reach out to us to discuss best practices, industry trends, claim advise, etc. See how we can support your business, help you grow, and be more profitable.