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Insurance appraisal, explained
How appraisal works, where claims come up short, which path fits your situation, and the rules that protect you.
Step by step
How the insurance appraisal process works
Insurance appraisal is a dispute process written into most property policies. When you and your insurer agree a loss is covered but disagree on the dollar amount, either side can demand appraisal. Each side names an appraiser, the two appraisers choose a neutral umpire, and an award signed by any two of the three generally sets the amount of loss.
- Written demandYou or your insurer demands appraisal in writing, following the appraisal clause in your policy.
- Each side names an appraiserUsually within the time your policy sets, often 20 days. This is where Art comes in as your appraiser.
- The appraisers choose an umpireIf they can't agree on one, a court can appoint the umpire.
- The loss is valuedEach appraiser inspects the property and builds a line-by-line estimate of the amount of loss.
- Disagreements go to the umpireItems the two appraisers can't settle are submitted to the umpire.
- An award is signedAgreement by any two of the three generally sets the amount of loss. Coverage questions can remain open.
Where the money goes missing
Claims come up short one line item at a time.
Whether Art is adjusting your claim or appraising it, the work is the same at its core: an accurate, defensible valuation. Undercount the roof, skip the rooftop units, or ignore the code upgrades the city will require, and the number drops fast.
On a commercial building or a high-value home, those gaps are worth tens of thousands of dollars. Art finds them, documents them, and backs them with measurements and photos.
Request a Claim Review| Line item | Insurer | Full scope |
|---|---|---|
| TPO roof membrane | Repair 40 SQ | Replace 410 SQ |
| Roof insulation | — | 410 SQ |
| Rooftop HVAC units | — | 6 units |
| Ordinance or law (code) | — | Included |
| Tenant interior damage | — | 3 suites |
| Business income | — | 5 months |
Which do you need?
Find your situation.
| Your situation | Usually the right fit |
|---|---|
| The insurer accepts the claim, but the offer is far below your contractor's bid. | Expert appraiser |
| You or your insurer already demanded appraisal. | Expert appraiser |
| A storm or fire just hit. You haven't filed yet, or just filed. | Public adjuster |
| The insurer denied the claim or says the damage isn't covered.Appraisal settles the amount of loss. It usually doesn't decide whether something is covered. | Public adjuster |
Know the rules
Both paths come with protections built in.
The appraisal process
You and your insurer each choose one.
A neutral decides what the appraisers can't agree on.
An award signed by any two generally sets the amount of loss.
Hiring a public adjuster in Texas
Set by Texas law, including expenses.
Written notice within 72 hours of signing.
License number on every page of the contract.
Verify any adjuster's license with the Texas Department of Insurance or call TDI at 800-252-3439. Appraisal terms vary by policy; read your policy's appraisal clause.