Frequently Asked Questions

Insurance appraisal is a dispute resolution process found in many property insurance policies. It is used when the insurance company and the policyholder disagree about the amount of loss, meaning the cost to repair or replace covered damage.

In a typical appraisal, each side selects a competent and impartial appraiser. The two appraisers review the damage, estimates, photos, reports, and other claim documents. If the appraisers cannot agree on the amount of loss, they select an umpire. Any agreement signed by two of the three panel members usually becomes the appraisal award.

Appraisal is not usually intended to decide whether coverage exists. Instead, it is primarily used to determine the proper repair scope and cost once there is a dispute over the value of the claim.

You should consider invoking appraisal when there is a legitimate dispute over the amount of damage or the cost of repair.

Common examples include:

• The insurance company estimate is too low 
• The carrier paid for spot repairs when full replacement may be required 
• There is disagreement over roof damage, interior damage, or storm-related repairs 
• The contractor’s estimate is much higher than the insurance company’s estimate 
• The claim has stalled because both sides disagree on the repair scope 
• The insurance company agrees some damage exists, but the payment does not reflect the actual cost to restore the property 

Before invoking appraisal, it is important to review the policy, the estimates, the coverage position, and the facts of the claim. Appraisal can be a powerful tool, but it should be used strategically.

The cost of insurance appraisal can vary depending on the size of the property, the complexity of the damage, the number of disputed items, and whether an umpire becomes involved.

In most cases, each side pays for its own appraiser. If an umpire is needed, the umpire’s fee is typically shared between the parties as outlined in the insurance policy.

Perfect Claim can review the claim and provide a fee structure based on the complexity of the assignment. Some claims are straightforward, while others require more detailed inspections, estimate review, expert documentation, or panel negotiations.

The goal is always to determine whether the potential benefit of appraisal makes financial sense before moving forward.

The timeline can vary depending on the availability of the appraisers, the complexity of the damages, whether an umpire is needed, and how quickly documents and inspections can be completed.

A simple appraisal may resolve relatively quickly. More complex claims can take longer, especially if there are large differences between the estimates or if the panel needs to involve an umpire.

In many Texas property claims, the appraisal process can take several weeks to a few months from the time appraisal is invoked to the final award. The more organized the claim file is at the beginning, the smoother the process usually becomes.

Yes. Appraisal is often used in underpaid roof claims when the policyholder and insurance company disagree about the amount of damage or the proper repair method.

For example, appraisal may help address disputes involving:

• Repair versus replacement 
• Missing roof components 
• Hail or wind damage scope 
• Matching and uniform appearance issues 
• Steep, high, or complex roof charges 
• Code-required or manufacturer-required installation items 
• Flashing, vents, underlayment, decking, and related roofing components 
• Interior damage caused by roof leaks 
• Labor, material, overhead, profit, and other estimating disputes 

Appraisal does not guarantee a higher payment, but it can provide a structured process for presenting the full scope and cost of the damage to a neutral appraisal panel.

Yes. Perfect Claim can assist policyholders, contractors, public adjusters, attorneys, and insurance companies.

The goal is not to automatically favor one side. The goal is to provide a fair, well-documented, and honest assessment of the damage and the cost of repair based on the facts of the claim.

Perfect Claim understands the claim process from multiple perspectives, including carrier adjusting, independent adjusting, public adjusting, appraisal, and umpire work. That experience allows us to evaluate disputes clearly and professionally, no matter which party requests our services.

An umpire is a neutral decision-maker used when the two appraisers cannot agree on the amount of loss.

The umpire reviews the disputed items, supporting documentation, estimates, photos, reports, and information presented by the appraisers. The umpire may also inspect the property, depending on the claim and the needs of the panel.

The umpire does not represent the policyholder or the insurance company. The umpire’s role is to help resolve disputed valuation issues and reach a fair appraisal award. In many policies, an award signed by any two members of the appraisal panel becomes binding as to the amount of loss.

Perfect Claim helps evaluate underpaid and disputed property insurance claims throughout Texas. Whether the dispute involves wind, hail, roof damage, interior damage, or a complex appraisal panel issue, we can review the claim and explain whether appraisal may be the right next step.