Insurance appraisal & public adjuster FAQ

An appraiser steps in when you and your insurer agree the loss is covered but disagree on the dollar amount. Each side appoints an appraiser, and a neutral umpire resolves what they can't agree on. A public adjuster represents you through the whole claim: documenting the loss, presenting it, and negotiating the settlement.

Read the appraisal clause in your policy, then send your insurer a written demand for appraisal and name your appraiser within the time the policy allows. Art can review your policy and the insurer's estimate first, so you know whether appraisal is the right move.

An umpire is a neutral third party chosen by the two appraisers, or appointed by a court if they can't agree. The umpire decides only the items the appraisers can't settle, and an award signed by two of the three generally sets the amount of loss.

An award signed by two of the three panel members generally sets the amount of loss. Coverage questions, like whether a cause of damage is covered, can remain open. Talk with an attorney about your specific policy and rights.

It depends on the insurer, the other appraiser, and the umpire. Many appraisals finish in a few months, which is usually much faster than a lawsuit.

A public insurance adjuster is licensed by the Texas Department of Insurance to represent policyholders, not insurance companies, on property claims. Texas caps a public adjuster's total fee at 10% of the settlement, including expenses, and you can cancel the contract within 72 hours of signing.

No. Most policies require appraisers to be impartial or disinterested, and a public adjuster has a financial stake in the settlement. Art takes one role per claim and will tell you which one fits after a free review.

No. Texas law doesn't allow a public adjuster to take part in repairing a property he's adjusting. You choose your own contractor.

As an appraiser, Art quotes his fee in writing before he starts. In appraisal, each side usually pays its own appraiser and splits the umpire's fee. As a public adjuster, he's paid a percentage of the settlement, and Texas law caps the total at 10%, including expenses.

Art focuses on commercial property, multifamily, and homes valued at $500,000 or more, especially hail, wind, and fire losses. If your claim is smaller, he'll still look at it and point you to the right help.

No. You have the right to representation, and the appraisal clause is part of your policy. Insurers work with appraisers and public adjusters every day.