Insurance Appraiser Service

Adjuster Shield offers Insurance Appraisal Services to those that qualify. To qualify to purchase Insurance Appraisal Service from Adjuster Shield, the client must already have an active Public Adjuster supporting the claim file. This requirement ensures that the claim is properly prepared and suitable for the Insurance Appraisal Process. 

Adjuster Shield provides both Public Insurance Adjuster Service and Insurance Appraiser Service; however, a client may engage Adjuster Shield for only one of these services per claim, not both. To maintain financial impartiality, Adjuster Shield requires that Public Insurance Adjuster Service and Insurance Appraisal Service be performed by separate entities with no financial affiliation.

Understanding the Insurance Appraisal Process

When a policyholder and insurance company disagree on the value of a covered loss, most property insurance policies include a built-in process called “Appraisal.”
This process helps both sides resolve disputes in a structured, impartial manner based on the policy terms.

Below is a general educational overview of how the appraisal process typically works.
The specific steps and timelines can vary by policy and jurisdiction.

The Insurance Appraisal Process:

1. Claim Readiness Review

Before appraisal begins, the claim should be properly documented and supported by Public Adjuster Service. A well-prepared file including a Certified Insurance Policy and a executed Sworn Proof of Loss helps ensure the claim is complete and “ripe” for appraisal, reducing delays and disaster later in the process.

2. Demand for Appraisal

Generally, either party may formally demand appraisal as provided in the insurance policy. Once either party has demanded appraisal, generally both parties have 21 days under most policies to formally name their Appraiser as provided in the insurance policy. 

3. Appraiser Selection

Each party selects a qualified and impartial appraiser, generally within about 21 days under most policies. The policyholder is responsible for paying their own appraiser’s fee. An appraisal panel generally includes two appraisers, one chosen by the policyholder and one by the Insurance Company and, if needed, an Insurance Umpire.

4. Declaration of Appraisers & Umpire Proposals

Both appraisers agree to a Declaration of Appraisers and Select a Umpire, generally within 15 days, and The appraisers attempt to agree on a neutral umpire by exchanging proposals for potential umpires for mutual agreement.

5. Umpire Agreement

If both appraisers cannot agree, the process typically follows the policy’s procedure for appointing one. Generally, after 15 days, either party may petition a court to appoint an impartial umpire, though this can take additional time depending on the court’s schedule.

6. Inspection & Review

All parties may inspect the property, review documents, photographs, and expert data to understand the full scope of loss.

7. Evaluation of Loss

The appraisers independently evaluate the amount of loss and the appropriate repair methods, using verified data and accepted industry standards.

8. Negotiation, Agreement, & Appraisal Award

If both appraisers reach agreement, and together both sign a Appraisal Award, and the process concludes with the executed Appraisal Award, no umpire is required.

9. Umpire Decision 

If the appraisers cannot agree, any remaining differences are presented to the umpire for review and decision. The policyholder generally shares half of the Insurance Umpire Service Fee. When any two of the three panel members (the two appraisers or one appraiser and the umpire) sign the Appraisal Award, it becomes a executed Appraisal Award

10. Payment of Appraisal Award

Once the Appraisal Award and the policyholder’s Proof of Loss are submitted, payment is generally issued within about 60 days, depending on the policy. In certain cases, Public Adjuster Service or Legal Service may be required to facilitate payment.

Adjuster Shield strongly advises that everyone retain legal counsel as soon as possible to protect their interests. In no way what so ever is Adjuster Shield advising anyone to refrain from retaining legal counsel as soon as possible to protect their interests. 

This information is provided for general educational purposes to help Policyholders understand how the Insurance Appraiser Process typically functions. Actual procedures, timeframes, and rights may vary depending on the Insurance Policy Language and State Regulations.

Past results do not guarantee future settlement amounts. Every claim is unique, and results, time to settlement, and cost will vary based on policy language, facts of loss, and insurer practices. Adjuster Shield and Public Adjusters are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice or legal service. Legal Service is a separate service that Adjuster Shield does not offer.