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Appraisals & Mediation

The Insurance Companies Don’t Always Notify Policyholders of Their Options to Resolve Disagreements Within Their Property Damage Insurance Claim

When policyholders disagree with their insurance carriers regarding the cost of repair or replacement to property damaged it can be a frustrating process. Often, the policyholder feels they have no choice but to settle for the amount offered by the insurance company never realizing they have the right to dispute the insurance settlement amount. Even if they did, they don’t understand how to properly initiate a property insurance claim dispute.

One way for policyholders to dispute their insurance company’s offer is to invoke the appraisal clause within the insurance policy.

If your policy contains one, appraisals can be a very effective means of resolving claim disputes.

Does your insurance policy contain an appraisal clause?

Call any of the public adjusters at Focus Claims to help you determine whether or not your policy does. If you have a disagreement with your insurance company over the cost of repairs or replacement of your damaged property let us help you determine whether or not an appraisal is an appropriate option for you.

Common Questions About Insurance Appraisals

Is the Appraisal process the same as Arbitration?

No. Arbitration is a legal method of resolving an issue in lieu of going to trial and is under the authority of the court jurisdiction where it occurred. The Appraisal Clause in an insurance policy is a less formal procedure that allows you, your insurance carrier and an unbiased appraiser to resolve claim disagreements without supervision.

Who pays the Appraisers and the Umpire?

The policyholder pays for their appraiser, the insurance carrier pays for its appraiser, and the cost of the umpire is split between the two parties.

What if the Appraisers can’t agree on the Umpire?

If the appraisers can’t agree on an umpire then one can be appointed by the courts.

Is an unbiased Insurance Appraiser the same as a Real Estate Appraiser?

No. A real estate appraisers expertise is in the field of marketing. They’re experienced at determining the fair market value of a property in its “as is” condition. The insurance appraiser, on the other hand, is capable of determining the costs of building, rebuilding, or repairing a structure, and are adept in the intricacies of preparing, documenting, and negotiating an insurance claim.

If my insurance company demands an appraisal does that mean we’re going to trial?

No. The appraisal clause in your property insurance policy is specifically intended for the policyholder and the insurance carrier to be able to resolve disputed amounts in a claim outside of the courts supervision. Furthermore the appraisal process will save both parties time and money.

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