Appraisal

Appraisal

Independent Property Damage Valuations for Insurance Claims

Appraisal is a dispute resolution process in your insurance policy. When you and your insurance company can't agree on how much your damage is worth, either party can invoke appraisal.

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gray laptop computer
gray laptop computer

The process:

  1. Each party selects their own appraiser

  2. Appraisers inspect the property and determine loss value

  3. If they disagree, they select a neutral umpire

  4. Any two of the three must agree on the value

  5. This decision is binding

Note: don't start the appraisal process, until you've found a competent appraiser. Appraisal demands set specific deadlines in motion, so it's important to be informed, before considering this claim resolution method.

Our Appraisal Services

Appraiser Representation We serve as your appraiser in the appraisal process. Professional property assessment and loss valuation on your behalf.

Umpire Services We serve as the neutral umpire when needed. Impartial review and determination of disputed loss values.

Expert Witness Professional testimony on property damage valuation when disputes proceed beyond appraisal.

What Appraisal Determines

Appraisal addresses:

  • Amount of loss

  • Cost to repair damaged property

  • Replacement cost values

  • Actual cash value calculations

Appraisal does NOT address:

  • Whether your policy covers the loss

  • Coverage exclusions or limitations

  • Policy interpretation questions

When You Need Appraisal

  • Insurance company acknowledges coverage but disputes the cost

  • Disagreement is specifically about damage valuation

  • Your insurance company invokes appraisal

  • You want binding resolution faster than litigation

How Fees Work

Each party pays their own appraiser. Umpire fees are typically split between both parties. Fees may be hourly or flat rate depending on claim complexity.

Contact us for a fee quote specific to your appraisal.

The process:

  1. Each party selects their own appraiser

  2. Appraisers inspect the property and determine loss value

  3. If they disagree, they select a neutral umpire

  4. Any two of the three must agree on the value

  5. This decision is binding

Note: don't start the appraisal process, until you've found a competent appraiser. Appraisal demands set specific deadlines in motion, so it's important to be informed, before considering this claim resolution method.

Our Appraisal Services

Appraiser Representation We serve as your appraiser in the appraisal process. Professional property assessment and loss valuation on your behalf.

Umpire Services We serve as the neutral umpire when needed. Impartial review and determination of disputed loss values.

Expert Witness Professional testimony on property damage valuation when disputes proceed beyond appraisal.

What Appraisal Determines

Appraisal addresses:

  • Amount of loss

  • Cost to repair damaged property

  • Replacement cost values

  • Actual cash value calculations

Appraisal does NOT address:

  • Whether your policy covers the loss

  • Coverage exclusions or limitations

  • Policy interpretation questions

When You Need Appraisal

  • Insurance company acknowledges coverage but disputes the cost

  • Disagreement is specifically about damage valuation

  • Your insurance company invokes appraisal

  • You want binding resolution faster than litigation

How Fees Work

Each party pays their own appraiser. Umpire fees are typically split between both parties. Fees may be hourly or flat rate depending on claim complexity.

Contact us for a fee quote specific to your appraisal.

The process:

  1. Each party selects their own appraiser

  2. Appraisers inspect the property and determine loss value

  3. If they disagree, they select a neutral umpire

  4. Any two of the three must agree on the value

  5. This decision is binding

Note: don't start the appraisal process, until you've found a competent appraiser. Appraisal demands set specific deadlines in motion, so it's important to be informed, before considering this claim resolution method.

Our Appraisal Services

Appraiser Representation We serve as your appraiser in the appraisal process. Professional property assessment and loss valuation on your behalf.

Umpire Services We serve as the neutral umpire when needed. Impartial review and determination of disputed loss values.

Expert Witness Professional testimony on property damage valuation when disputes proceed beyond appraisal.

What Appraisal Determines

Appraisal addresses:

  • Amount of loss

  • Cost to repair damaged property

  • Replacement cost values

  • Actual cash value calculations

Appraisal does NOT address:

  • Whether your policy covers the loss

  • Coverage exclusions or limitations

  • Policy interpretation questions

When You Need Appraisal

  • Insurance company acknowledges coverage but disputes the cost

  • Disagreement is specifically about damage valuation

  • Your insurance company invokes appraisal

  • You want binding resolution faster than litigation

How Fees Work

Each party pays their own appraiser. Umpire fees are typically split between both parties. Fees may be hourly or flat rate depending on claim complexity.

Contact us for a fee quote specific to your appraisal.

Frequenly asked questions

Frequenly asked questions

Frequenly asked questions

How long does appraisal take?

While every claim is different, it typically several weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity and whether an umpire is needed.

Is the decision final?

Yes, the appraisal award is binding on both parties for the valuation amount.

Can I still go to court?

Appraisal only resolves valuation. Coverage disputes may proceed through other channels.

How long does appraisal take?

While every claim is different, it typically several weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity and whether an umpire is needed.

Is the decision final?

Yes, the appraisal award is binding on both parties for the valuation amount.

Can I still go to court?

Appraisal only resolves valuation. Coverage disputes may proceed through other channels.

How long does appraisal take?

While every claim is different, it typically several weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity and whether an umpire is needed.

Is the decision final?

Yes, the appraisal award is binding on both parties for the valuation amount.

Can I still go to court?

Appraisal only resolves valuation. Coverage disputes may proceed through other channels.

Valuation disputes can stall claims for months. Appraisal provides resolution. Contact us to discuss your claim.

Valuation disputes can stall claims for months. Appraisal provides resolution. Contact us to discuss your claim.

Valuation disputes can stall claims for months. Appraisal provides resolution. Contact us to discuss your claim.

Sometimes the hardest part is reaching out — but once you do, you'll be on the path to claim resolution.

Licenses

TN Lic. #3003951224

Office Hours

Mon to Fri: 9am to 5pm CT

Sat & Sun: Closed

Current Time
11:10:00 PM CT
Thu, Jan 29, 2026

© Copyright The Hawkins Group LLC, All Right Reserved

Website designed by Kuva Media™

Sometimes the hardest part is reaching out — but once you do, you'll be on the path to claim resolution.

Licenses

TN Lic. #3003951224

Office Hours

Mon to Fri: 9am to 5pm CT

Sat & Sun: Closed

Current Time
11:10:00 PM CT
Thu, Jan 29, 2026

© Copyright The Hawkins Group LLC, All Right Reserved

Website designed by Kuva Media™

Sometimes the hardest part is reaching out — but once you do, you'll be on the path to claim resolution.

Licenses

TN Lic. #3003951224

Office Hours

Mon to Fri: 9am to 5pm CT

Sat & Sun: Closed

Current Time
11:10:00 PM CT
Thu, Jan 29, 2026

© Copyright The Hawkins Group LLC, All Right Reserved

Website designed by Kuva Media™