Insurance Appraisal and Umpire Services in Pennsylvania and Ohio

What is an "Appraisal"?

Appraisal is a Policy Provision found in the Loss Settlement section. It is an Alternate Dispute Resolution, which if the policyholder and the insurance company fail to agree as to the amount of loss, then on the written request of either party they can demand appraisal, each selecting a competent and disinterested appraiser to estimate the damage and try to come to an agreement on the amount of loss. If the appraisers fail to agree, they will submit their differences to the umpire. An itemized decision agreed to by two of these three will set the amount of loss. Such award shall be binding. Each party will pay its own appraiser and bear the other expenses of the appraisal and umpire equally. It is an alternative to a lawsuit.

Typical Appraisal Language

Appraisal. If you and we fail to agree on the actual cash value, amount of loss, or cost of repair or replacement, either can make a written demand for appraisal. Each will then select a competent, independent, appraiser and notify the other of the appraiser's identity within 20 days of receipt of the written demand. The two appraisers will choose an umpire. If they cannot agree upon an umpire within 15 days, you or we may request that the choice be made by a judge of a district court of a judicial district where the loss occurred. The two appraisers will then set the amount of loss, stating separately the actual cash value and loss to each item.

When an appraisal might be right for you

Do you disagree with the amount your insurance company paid out on your claim loss?
Have you received a settlement that is not fair to the value of the damages?
Do you believe the damages are not salvageable and should be replaced, but your insurance company wants to repair?

Do you have property damage but your insurance company disagrees?
Does it feel like your claim is not progressing and no one is communicating with you?
Have you been denied because your insurance company says your damage is less than your deductible?

Reach out to us and we will be happy to help you further with our expert assistance and knowledge.

Appraisal vs Lawsuit

Appraisal

Quick - Expedient
Relatively less costly
May be less adversarial
No appellate potential
Must pay fees/costs
No firm procedure

Lawsuit

Slower – protracted
Generally, more costly
More adversarial
Appeal is possible
May recover fees/costs
Strict procedures

Appraisers and Umpires are often experienced Adjusters or General Contractors. General Contractors bring a wealth of knowledge in understanding the required repairs and estimated costs. Public Adjusters bring an expert understanding of the insurance claims process. Disaster Recovery Adjusters LLC brings these two worlds together offering a wealth of knowledge in understanding the insurance process, required repairs, estimated costs, and certified as Insurance Claims Appraisers and Umpires. This makes Disaster Recovery Adjusters LLC the number one choice when seeking expert assistance in the insurance claim appraisal process.

About Disaster Recovery Adjusters

If you’re not able to come to a fair settlement with an Insurance Company, then invoking the appraisal process may be your best option!

Disaster Recovery Adjusters LLC are highly skilled and qualified non-biased professionals assisting property owners with the property insurance appraisal process.

Jeremy Wiseman has a long and distinguished career in the property insurance claims profession having years of experience and a high-ranking position as a large loss adjuster with Nationwide Insurance and now handling claims as a state-licensed Public Adjuster. He also holds a certification with the Insurance Appraisal and Umpire Association, Inc as a Certified Property Appraiser and Umpire (CPAU).

The IAUA association has been formed to establish and maintain the highest level of professional standards and services for the purposes of protecting the rights of the insured and insurers in the Appraisal process.
If you are interested in retaining us, please contact us now for a copy of Jeremy’s curriculum vitae and our hourly rate schedule.